Kay Wallace: Scrapbooking

LET'S SCRAP LEAP BLOG HOP HAS BEGUN!

2012-02-29T11:01:00.000-05:00

THIS POST WILL STAY ON TOP UNTIL THE BLOG HOP ENDS AT 11:59 p.m. ON FEBRUARY 29TH, ACCORDING TO THE CLOCK ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE LET'S SCRAP WEBSITE.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS.

Hello, Hoppers, and welcome to STOP #18 in the

If you came here from Kristin Perez's blog (http://somescrapsugar.blogspot.com/), then you are in the right place! If you did not, Mindi Brown (the coordinator of this great event) at http://scrapchat-ncoffeetalk.blogspot.com/ has the hop order to help you find your way.

I am so excited to be a blog host for such a creative, fun and HUGE blog hop! Here is the Let's Scrap sketch (created by Sketch Artist DebbyD) I am showcasing for the hop:

SKETCH 8-18-10

And, here is my interpretation of this great sketch:

Your card, layout or other project, if your choose to create one, can be an exact duplication of this sketch, or a variant that is created using this sketch as your inspiration. I made my card 6x6 because it was easier to do the math! I used scraps to make my card!

Now, for the fun part! Here is the prize I have put together to send to the lucky random winner (chosen by random.org)! If you love VINTAGE, you'll definitely want to create something for that second chance!

And, here is how easy it is to enter for my random draw:

Be or become a member of Let’s Scrap which you can do by clicking here http://letsscrap.ning.com/. It is free, easy and fast! Once you get there, I know you will love it and want to stay!
Be or become a follower of this blog. That's easy, too. Just go to the upper right-hand corner and click JOIN THIS SITE!
Leave me a comment telling me you were here (using Google Chrome or Firefox as your "search engine" is the best option, as Internet Explorer or IE does not always "play nice" with Blogger)!
And, if you would like a SECOND CHANCE in the draw, make a card of other project based on the sketch I have posted and upload it to the gallery at Let’s Scrap. Please "TAG" it: 8-18-10, LEAP18 exactly! Note there is a space between the comma and LEAP, that LEAP is all caps, and the number 18 identifies my stop (and the sketch) on the hop.
Leave a second comment for me with a link to your card or project on the Let’s Scrap website.

The hop ends at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard time, February 29, which you can track using the clock on the main page of the Let’s Scrap website.

Thanks for visiting my blog. If you like what you see, please sign up for e-mail notifications of upcoming blog posts (upper right-hand corner).

Your next stop on this great hop will be the talented Jen Leeflang. You can find her at http://jencraftsa.blogspot.com/. If you get lost along the way or have joined the hop in the middle, Mindi Brown at http://scrapchat-n-coffeetalk.blogspot.com/ has the blog hop order, and you can check her blog for directions. You don’t want to miss any of the fun!

Thanks for coming by and for participating in the February 2012 Let's Scrap Leap Around the World Blog Hop!

LEAP AROUND THE WORLD BLOG HOP INFO

2012-01-31T17:33:00.001-05:00

THIS POST WILL STAY ON TOP UNTIL THE DAY THE HOP BEGINS,
AT WHICH TIME ALL DIRECTIONS WILL APPEAR RIGHT HERE!
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEWER POSTS.

As one of the 50 international host blogs, I am gearing up now for the upcoming Let's Scrap "Leap Around the World" February blog hop!! This fun event will start at 10:00am on February 1 and end on February 29th at 11:59pm according to the main page clock on the Let's Scrap website (your clock may vary, so check the time difference).

I would love it if you joined me in this big hop! There are several things you can do RIGHT NOW to be prepared:

Make sure you are signed up as a follower on this blog. Just scroll up to the right-hand corner and click on JOIN THIS SITE. In addition, it's convenient to subscribe via e-mail so that you will never miss one of my blog posts! ;-)
Click here to join the Let's Scrap website. It's free, simple and quick!
Find all those scraps of paper you have been setting aside for the last 5 years. You will need them because the blog hop is all about making CARDS!
Clean off your scrap table and put the pizza delivery number on speed dial!
Oh, wait, scratch the pizza delivery comment...you have all month to hop!!

OK, a few more details. You did read correctly: there are 50 blog hosts! Once you have joined Let's Scrap, at each blog, you will get two chances to win some blog candy (aka: booty, prizes)! Do the math! You will have 100 chances to win free stuff...and good stuff, too! This is also the perfect opportunity to restock your card stash! The first chance comes when you join/follow each blog and leave a comment. The second chance comes when you use the card sketch on each blog to create a card, layout or other project based upon the card sketch appearing on each blog--they are all different! You then must post your creation in the Let's Scrap website gallery, then go back to each blog and leave a second comment linking back to your gallery post. Don't be overwhelmed...you are doing only one card at a time! Our hope is that you will visit every blog, but, remember, you have the whole month of February to do this.

N.B. A few folks are experiencing some difficulty leaving comments on some blogs, so, to be sure you are able to do so without difficulty, be sure you are using Google Chrome or Firefox as your search engine. Internet Explorer (IE) does not always "play nice" with Bloggers! If you would like to test out my blog for compatibility with your search engine ahead of time, just post a comment here. Just comment "TEST" and I will know what you up to! ;-)

Cheers!

WHEN IS AN RAK REALLY AN RAK?

2012-01-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

Literally, an RAK is a Random Act of Kindness. In the scrapbooking world, it is come to be synonymous with "prize," usually awarded to the winner of a challenge. But, really, is that a random act of kindness? I think not. The following will describe to you what a real RAK is to me:

First, I would like to show you a card that was submitted by Heidi (pronounced Hey-De) to the gallery of the well-known international scrapbooking website Let's Scrap a few weeks ago.

As a member of the Let's Scrap Design Team, I am in the site gallery almost every day commenting on the submissions. Here's what I had to say about Heidi's card when it was published:

"What an incredible piece of art, Heidi...more so even than a great card. You can often "feel" a card, full of emotion and sentiment. But, this one, I want to reach out and touch to "feel" the texture! You have masterfully represented your country in the elements you have chosen. Awesome feathers! ;-)"

Well, today, in the mail--all the way from South Africa, I received the original card from Heidi! This would have been enough in itself to be an RAK, but inside, here's what I found:

These are turkey feathers, guinea fowl feathers, and porcupine quills along with some skeleton leaves--all now very hot scrapbooking and cardmaking add-on's, especially in vintage-themed creations. That, my dear friends, in an RAK!

Thank you, Heidi--and cheers to my good friends who actually read my blog. If you did, leave me a comment so I will know you were here....and don't forget:

THE LET'S SCRAP LEAP AROUND THE WORLD BLOG HOP starts tomorrow!! Look for details right here on my blog at about 11:00am Eastern Standard Time!

THE LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD--WOOHOO!

2012-01-30T18:12:00.002-05:00

I have received the Liebster Blog Award....

The word Liebster is German meaning ‘favorite’ or ‘dearest’. That said, it is with humble thanks to Cathy van de Bruinhorst @ http://www.cathysobsessions.blogspot.com/ that I can now proudly post the Liebster Blog Award "blinkie" on my blog.

In accepting the award, the recipient agrees to:
Thank the person who gave the award and link back to their blog (I just did that!)
Copy and paste the award to your blog (done!)
Reveal the 5 blogs you have chosen to award this honor and why, and then let those bloggers know they have been chosen by commenting on their blogs.
Hope they pay it forward by accepting and awarding it to bloggers they would like to honor.
Now I just need to choose 5 blogs that I love and think deserve a bit more TLC and definitely a visit from you. The hardest part is to only choose 5! The only limiting factor for the award is that the blog must have fewer than 200 followers. Here are the blogs that I would like to award the Liebster Award:
Beth @ http://bakscrapsplace.blogspot.com/
Beth has a special way with color, placement, and journaling, check it out!
Ava @ http://cottagerca.blogspot.com/
Ava is an artist when it comes to the vintage style!
Carmen @ http://kalahenscrapjoy.blogspot.com/
Carmen has a special ability to capture FAMILY!
Bobbie @ http://bbsbluebutton.wordpress.com/
Bobbie keeps us up-to-date on not only what's happening in HER world, but is always directing us to what's cool in someone else's world!
Cathie @ http://Cathiehollins.blogspot.com
Keeps us abreast of what's new, trendy AND functional!
So, these are my picks for this award. I think you should go and check them all out to see for yourself and support them by becoming followers! These are girls from all over the world, but all belong to the Let's Scrap website. If you haven't yet checked out Let's Scrap, you can do it right HERE. Beginning February 1, Let's Scrap is hosting the LEAP AROUND THE WORLD BLOG HOP. Check the site for details and join many talented and inspiring ladies who love what you love...scrapping and cardmaking!

LETTERBOXING

2012-01-28T12:26:00.002-05:00

While you might think letterboxing has to do with everyday mail delivery, it does not. It is actually an intriguing pastime combining map-reading skills and rubber stamp artistry in a treasure-hunt style outdoor quest. My husband and stepdaughter have been letterboxing for years. They not only search out others' boxes, but have hidden their own and posted clues on how to find them on the internet. By clicking on "letterboxing" at the beginning of this paragraph, you can read all the details and perhaps start a quest with your own children, although adults enjoy the pastime, too!

I created this layout based on this week's two-page sketch from the Let's Scrap website. I guess I have kind of gotten away from two-page layouts recently, but thought I would give this one a "go." Here's the sketch:

Once my layout was completed and I began to get it ready for posting, I discovered something very interesting: I like each of the layouts (left and right sides) individually, but, together, not so much! So, I will post them here for you to see as "singles."

And, here, of course, is some of the detailed photos--my favorite part:

Thanks for stopping by. Please do leave a comment so that I know you were here--and, well, it makes me feel that all this is worthwhile!

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN THE LET'S SCRAP 2012 FEBRUARY LEAP AROUND THE WORLD BLOG HOP STARTING FEBRUARY 1! CLICK "NEWER POSTS" AT THE BOTTOM LEFT TO TAKE YOU TO ALL THE DETAILS!

Cheers!

TAKING A SECOND LOOK

2012-01-20T16:42:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone is having a productive January! Things over at Let's Scrap, where I serve on the Design Team (DT), have been hopping busy! Speaking of "hopping," let me first remind you that beginning February 1, Let's Scrap is serving up a blog hop involving 50 host blogs!!! This will be such a fun time (being coordinated by DT member Mindi) for all who become involved. You will have the opportunity to create 50 unique cards--which should replenish your supply of cards for this year! You will also have the opportunity to win free stuff! Check back in a few days, when I will post all the details here for you.

For now, I have been working on my DT creations, as well as participating in the January LOAD (LayOut A Day) challenge, coordinated by Cathy, another member of the DT on Let's Scrap. I am falling dreadfully behind, but hope this weekend will allow me the opportunity to catch up!

In the meantime, let me show you the Let's Scrap card sketch (created by Sketch Artist DebbyD) for this week, with my two interpretations of this challenge.

Still working through my "vintage" stage, I took that route and came up with an invitation, although it might not appear so from the outside:

Inside it reads, ". . . but I *do* do lunch and would like you to join me!"

Many fellow Let's Scrap members don't make a lot of cards, so just skip doing anything on the third Wednesdays when the card sketches come out. Other members, perhaps with more of a "vision," look at a card sketch and can see it as a layout sketch and off they go to their scrap tables. This week, that happened to me! One of my favorite photos of all time was given to me by Lorie, a dear friend of my daughter Michelle. In fact, if I remember correctly, the photo may actually have been taken by my daughter! Here's the photo of Lorie and her son Maddox. If you enlarge the photo by clicking on it, you will see that Maddox has picked a dandelion and is closely examining its intricacies.

I didn't start out with the idea of making this a monochromatic layout, but it turned out to be one--all about shades of black and white. Before you check it out, take just a moment to scroll back up to the card sketch. Now look at the layout with the card sketch in mind:

So, next time you look at a card sketch and think you don't want to bother making a card, take a second look and just imagine it as a layout sketch. You just might create something magical!

Cheers to you, my friend! Please join as a follower if you have not already done so (it's easy and near the top right), then leave a comment because it makes me feel REALLY good! ;-)

Kay

TAKING THE PAPER TAPE CHALLENGE

2012-01-09T18:02:00.001-05:00

Well, I have been challenged, and I think I just might have lost! I want to share with you a layout I finished today. The layout was created for my own pleasure from a Let's Scrap sketch, but I was challenged this week by Sue, one of the Let's Scrap Design Team members, to create a flower using paper tape. You can find this tutorial and technique challenge on Sue's blog. What seemed a simple tutorial was not at all simple for me--but I am going to continue to practice, practice, practice! I will let you decide if I met this challenge!

First, let me introduce you to my mother, but as a very young girl! I have always loved having this photo of my mother, yet, only in working with it to create this layout, did I discover that I really think I looked like my mother when I was a "bit" younger. This realization led me to include a second, but smaller, copy of the same photo in my layout.

I usually show you the finished layout first, but, this time, I want to show you all the pieces'n'parts that make up the whole! From time to time, I have been sharing more vintage-themed layouts with you--first, because I really am lovin' the look, and, second, because a lot of the photos I have and want to scrap are older photos, which don't look quite right on the newer, more trendy and vibrant papers. Here we go:

And, here is that troublesome flower:

And, finally, the finished layout:

I am happy you stopped by so that I could share this layout--and its construction--with you. Please leave a comment so that I will know you were here--and because it makes me feel good! If you are not already a follower, please join others who come by from time to time!

Happy New Year to each of you!

Kay

FOREVER FAMILY

2012-01-01T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well, it is the new year, and I have agreed to participate in a LOAD (LayOut-A-Day) challenge for the month of January! This idea is the brainchild of Cathy, one the current Let's Scrap Design Team members, and she now has quite a following. I am going to do my best here, especially since Cathy is allowing two-page layouts to count as 2, and cards as 1. I was thinking 31 cards! ;-) Here is the direct link to the directions, if you are thinking you are "man" enough for this challenge: http://letsscrap.ning.com/group/100-lo-s-in-2012/forum/topics/load-challenge-for-january.

I want to share here my very first layout for 2012, which also will be submitted for the Let's Scrap DT challenge 126, posted by Jeaunes last Friday. I will first post the Let's Scrap sketch I used, then my layout, then all the detail--up close and personal. Enjoy!

Remember, we are at liberty to use the Let's Scrap sketches as a starting point, copying them *exactly* or allowing the sketch, as well as our photos and embellishments, to lead us where they may:

Here are the "bits'n'pieces" of the detail:

Thanks for visiting! If you have not already done so, please sign up to "follow" and do please leave a comment so I know you were here! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all who pass through this blog. May the next year provide you with good health, happy times and prosperity!

THE LET'S SCRAP DESIGN TEAM HAS BEGUN

2011-12-09T13:53:00.000-05:00

On December 1, the photos of the new Design Team (DT) for Let's Scrap appeared on the front page of that website. To those of us who now serve on that DT, this is akin to our photos appearing on the front page of the New York Times! Check us out. We are a lovely group of creative scrapbook artists with literally decades of scrapbooking experience among us!! We each applied to the website to serve on their DT for different reason, I am sure, but, the common bond we all share is our desire to create and to share.

Many of us on the Let's Scrap DT have our own personal blogs (like this one), where we share insider information (sometimes) about the website and, of course, the sketches, challenges, layouts, and now...tah-dah...tutorials. I am going to add a list of the DT members and their blog addresses shortly.

In the meantime, here is the layout I submitted as part of my application. To see other DT application layouts, check out the Let's Scrap web site.

A great big THANK YOU to Horgan Photography of Boston for permission to use these photos!

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment so that I know you were here...and because it makes me happy!

Cheers!

Kay

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CARD

2011-12-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hi, Everyone,

With December well underway, the holiday cards have begun to arrive. I received the most beautiful Christmas card I have every received from my friend Gisèle. I met Gisèle on an online scrapbooking website called Bella Creations. This card is truly a work of art, and I am so touched to be remembered in this very special way by Gisèle. Thank you, my friend!

First, even before opening the card, I was greeted by this gorgeous handmade envelope:

Next, the front of the card. If you look behind the image, you will see a tag poking out--that is a personal greeting to me!

And, finally, the backside:

This beautiful card will be a cherished decoration each year from now on. Thank you, my friend, for making me feel so very special!

So glad you stopped by my blog today. Leave a comment so I will know you were here....comments make me feel special, too!!

Cheers!

Kay

SIMPLE IS GOOD!

2011-12-02T17:15:00.007-05:00

Well, it's December already, and a lot is happening. We are blessed that it is all good! My term on Let's Scrap as a Design Team (DT) member started just yesterday. We are a group of seasoned scrappers, some having already served on design teams; others, this is their first tour, but all of us are filled with excitement and a desire to make this the best DT ever!! Come visit, stay a while and get your scrapping mojo back in full gear by 2012. Guaranteed!

Here's my second ever tag that took about 5 minutes to make! Actually, it's a THANK YOU Christmas tag I created for Kim Bell of Endless Inkabilities, the sponsor of a random drawing I won over at Let's Scrap. Just a simple tag (with a thank you note on the back), where the most difficult and time-consuming part was untwisting the strands of baker's twine to add a bit of fullness! Sometimes, simple is good!

Enjoy your weekend, whether it includes holiday shopping, some relaxation before the parties start, or cleaning off that scrapping area to create something red or green or red *and* green!

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment...it makes me happy!

CHRISTMAS IS A FEELING

2011-11-20T18:54:00.018-05:00

It's been a wonderfully warm day today in New England, but that didn't stop me from using this week's Let's Scrap card sketch (created by DebbyD) to make a Christmas card!

I am finally getting into the "layering" technique in my scrapbooking and cardmaking, and I managed to stack up 6 layers on my card!

But, wait, I am getting ahead of myself. Take a look at this versatile card sketch:

Remember, this sketch is to stimulate your creativity, and the liberty of using it exactly as you see it or using it for inspiration and varying it a bit, is totally up to the card artist. Here's my take on this sketch:

The sentiment is a quote by Edna Ferger and reads: Christmas isn't a season...it's a feeling!

Details:

red and green cardstock: my stash

diamond and poinsettia pp's: Authentique Paper, LLC

music pp: Making Memories' "Twinkle"

quote: Authentique Papers, LLC

Until next time, happy crafting! Please leave a message so that I know you were here!

LET'S SCRAP DESIGN TEAM ANNOUNCED!

2011-11-20T10:39:00.006-05:00

...and I am delighted to let you know that I am one of the members of the December 2011 through March 2012 team!!! I am privileged to serve on the Let's Scrap Design Team (DT) with both "seasoned" DT members and some serving for the first time. Here are my very talented colleagues:

Teresa Davis

Beth Koenig

Mindi Brown

Cathy van de Bruinhorst

Susanna Granroth

Jeaunes Viljoen

Sue Down

Roulien Stahnke

Elizna Parsons

Betty Hornbrook

Michelle Hartley

Erica Mouton

Wilna Cremer

After our official debut on Let's Scrap (December 1), I will let you know the blog addresses of those DT members who have them so you can "follow" them and be even further inspired on those sites. I will also add my application layout (think Christmas!) after the "big reveal" on December 7. Until then, shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Thanks for dropping by. Do leave comment so I know you were here!

PIECES OF ME TODAY

2011-11-06T15:56:00.017-05:00

And, a good Sunday evening to you all! Hope everyone has remembered to change their clocks *back* an hour so that you don't arrive at work too early tomorrow!!

There are a lot of bits and pieces to this post, so I hope you will take time to read it all!

AU NATURALE

I have been wanting to do a layout with some fall hiking photos I have had of my step-daughter (since 2008). I was motivated to complete this project by the "Nuances de Couleur" Group October Challange on the Bella Creations website. I was challenged to create a layout, card or tag using the colors black, orange and purple! I have never been fond of purple, but, you will see, I did manage to get it into the layout.

GIVING CREDIT WHEN DUE

You may have noticed an addition to the upper right-hand corner of my blog. I first saw this cute ATC on a friend's blog (http://dutchie-in-canada.blogspot.com/). It is a friendly reminder to honor proprietary rights of artists. I do have permission from the original artist, Marsha Jorgensen, to use her ATC on my blog! In that vein, I will tell you that I "lifted" the layout design for my layout above from an artist named Charity Hassel, whose similar and inspirational layout was published in the Fall 2009 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today. Charity has graciously given me permission to "lift" her layout!

TOOT! TOOT!

I have another opportunity to "TOOT TOOT" my horn, as I have been named Bella du Mois for November on the Bella Creations website, which can be very loosely translated as Artist of the Month. There is nothing more satisfying for a scrapbooking artist than to be validated in such a way as this by her peers! My thanks to Bella for this!

REAPPLYING FOR THE LET'S SCRAP DESIGN TEAM!!

You may remember that I served on the Design Team of the Let's Scrap website for the May-July 2011 term. It was exhausting, but, I must confess, I loved every minute of it. I needed a bit of a break, though, and time to spend with my husband at our New Hampshire campsite over the summer, so did not reapply for the August to November term (yep, it's now a four-month commitment). After deep thinking, a consult with my husband and other Let's Scrap members, I have decided to throw my hat back into the DT ring! I created my application layout over the last week, completed my written application this afternoon, attached the layout, and pressed SEND! I am excited! Being a "former" DT member is no guarantee of being reappointed, so I have to sit on pins and needles once again, waiting for the announcement on November 20! Wish me luck!

Thanks so very much for spending a few minutes with me. Please do leave a comment to let me know you were here!

PUBLISHED!

2011-10-24T15:12:00.008-04:00

Hi, Everyone! And, again, it is a great Monday! I have been published in an online magazine entitled Enchanting Creations Magazine . The November 2011 issue has just been released, and my SHOEBOX FAMILY layout appears on p. 30! Here's just a "teaser" glimpse of the layout, but I hope you will actually check out the magazine!

You will also find details on how I came to create this layout in my September 16, 2011, post (see "older posts" at the bottom of this page.)

Thanks for stopping by so I could share my news! Please do leave a comment so that I will know you were here!!

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

2011-10-23T17:03:00.004-04:00

When I saw the sketch of the week (10/12/2011) on the Let's Scrap website, I knew exactly which photos I would use. In our family, the beginning of Fall is marked each year when Sarah and her father head for nearby apple orchards and start plucking the red and green globes of sweetness. Greens are for eating; reds are for applesauce! Russ's mother taught him to make applesauce many decades ago, and he takes great pleasure in passing on this tradition to Sarah.

Thanks again for stopping by! I love it when visitors leave comments, so, go ahead....make my day! ;-)

ONE-YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY FROM A FRIEND

2011-10-17T13:43:00.012-04:00

Hi, Everyone!

An artsy friend from Bella Creations, Gisele Loiselle, is celebrating her one-year blog anniversary and is giving away some pretty cool prizes! There are lots of chances to win! Tell her Kay sent you in your comment and, if you or I win, I will send you a prize, too!

Here's the link to Gisele's blog:

http://supersnooks13.blogspot.com/2011/10/giveaway-time.html

Check it out. You get a chance to win just by visiting and leaving a comment. Another for joining as a "follower," and even more chances if you will post a notice on your blog (I just did!)!! Gisele is quite a talented cardmaker and altered art "artist," so this will be well worth the look!

Have a great week! Go on...scrap some life today!

I AM LA CREME DU BELLA THIS WEEK!

2011-10-16T22:10:00.005-04:00

And, it is a VERY good Sunday evening! I am being honored on the Bella Creations website, as La Creme Du Bella. Here is the official announcement:

"Hello everyone, I am so proud to announce this week's La Creme du Bella. She is such a joy to everyone and I just love her latest project...."Reflections of Sisterhood." Kay Wallace has the honor of being artist of the week. Kay, thank you so much for sharing your art with us and being such an important part of Bella Creations!" Starr Timmons, Bella Creations Design Team

This is such an honor for me, as I have been a member of Bella Creations for just a short time. I joined the group to learn about scrapbooking with a vintage theme. And, now I am being honored for just such a layout (I guess they are good teachers!). Here is the layout that got the attention this week:

You are looking at a picture of my sister and me from about 1950. Sandy has long been a bird enthusiast, but I have come to an increased appreciation of them rather late in life. This layout will go into an album I am creating for my sister as a gift for her 70th birthday--fast approaching!

Please leave a comment to let me know you were here. Join as a follower so you won't miss anything! ;-)

I WON!

2011-10-09T11:28:00.005-04:00

I just received good news this morning from the Let's Scrap website that I won this week's DT challenge hosted by DT Member Teresa! Check out my 10/2 post entitled HOME DECOR FROM THE SCRAPPING PERSPECTIVE for my project details.

Since I remain on a buying freeze this month, winning scrapbooking materials is my new way of replenishing my scrapping supplies without spending any money! Try it! Here are two more of my favorite sites for inspiration and challenge...and opportunities to win free goodies: Bella Creations and Enmarc Crafts.

Go forth and create something beautiful today!

FAMILY (mini) REUNION

2011-10-07T21:53:00.006-04:00

Another quickie before heading off for a week away! Mid-September, the Wallace's in New England were joined by family from the Western U.S. for a get-together in Maine, some of us reuniting, others of us meeting for the first time.

The birthday cake shared had the number 1064 atop it, representing the total of all the ages of those present! Our hostess has a sense of humor!

I entitled this layout "mini" Wallace reunion because many of our family were missing, some as far away as Germany! All not present were missed.

Thanks to Cheri over at Let's Scrap for this wonderful sketch. It served as the inspiration for my layout:

Thanks to you, too, for stopping by; leave a comment to let me know you were here. Join and return if you like what you see!

HOME DECOR FROM THE SCRAPPING PERSPECTIVE

2011-10-02T20:47:00.008-04:00

It's late on a Sunday night, but I am so excited about a project that I just completed. This week's Design Team Challenge on Let's Scrap was posted by Teresa and she got me motivated! Check out her challenge details here. Basically, she challenged us to think outside the box (our scrapping comfort zone) and create something for the home.

A few years ago, I bought what I call a "card box" from my Stampin' Up representative (thank you, Marilyn), decorated it with an ocean motif and kept in it cards that I made. When I was in a hurry for a card, I could always reach for that box, knowing that I would find something handmade for just the occasion! Over the years, however, I had tired of the box. Teresa's recipe box, created from a box much like mine, inspired me to strip the box I had (yep, still on a buying freeze) and recover it with something I love--vintage!

Here's the result (front and center and before the "bling" was added):

The top contains an embellishment (envelope with wings) from Enmarc Crafts, a scrapbooking distributer from South Africa, which I have come to love:

The back:

Another side:

And the front again, after adding the bling!!

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave a comment to let me know you were here. Join as a follower, if you will, and thanks!

THE UNEXPECTED BABY

2011-10-01T15:04:00.014-04:00

The addition of Angelina Ava into my son and daughter-in-law's family as their foster child was unexpected, yet she was, in a very short time, easily and lovingly absorbed into their family unit. I hope you will enjoy meeting her in the following layouts, all of which were inspired by challenges on the Let's Scrap website (my thanks to their sketch artist Cheri).

This last layout has so many pieces and parts, that I will show some of the detail. Because of the paper flower, I was unable to scan this layout, so forgive my photography skills! I will share how to make the (punch & scrunch) flower by referring you to my friend Andrea's blog for directions. Andrea is currently one of the Design Team members on Let's Scrap, and you will know why after visiting her blog!

Of course, in this case, the photo of this once-in-a-lifetime experience led the way!

It is normal practice to adhere the journaling block to the layout, but I had purchased a box of these large pink paperclips at an office supply store for 50 cents, and just needed to use one!

Here's Andrea's "punch & scrunch" flower. The directions were easy to follow and give a dramatic result. I would recommend using two-sided paper for the full effect.

And, last but not least, every lady, no matter her age, deserves a bit of bling!

Thanks for stopping by, leave me a comment to let me know you were here, then--go forth and create something to brighten your world!

CREATING A CARD FROM A SKETCH

2011-09-30T14:51:00.012-04:00

If there is little time and an easy card solution, I will find it! The sketch challenge this month on Enmarc Crafts is what I like to call elegant simplicity! Here's the sketch:

And here's my card! How simple is that? In about 15 minutes I created a card that I love and will be proud to give to a friend who has recently obtained her graduate degree. I can now call her Dr. Erhabor!

The inside of the card contains a John Ruskin quote that I have long appreciated:

The path of a good woman is indeed strewn with flowers;

but they rise behind her steps, not before them.

I used two Enmarc products on my card: the cascade of flowers--in the buff, and the title Journey--which I colored with back ink for impact!

Thanks again for coming by. Please leave a note so I will know you were here!

A MORE FEMININE BIRTHDAY CARD

2011-09-27T18:03:00.005-04:00

Just a quickie to share a card that took just a few minutes to make! Truly! When I am in a hurry for a card, I grab a card sketch from DebbyD on the Let's Scrap website. I then reach for my DCWV boxes of precut cards with envelopes. Both great time savers! I then cut a card "front" using a scrap of paper; then cut a smaller shape from the reverse side of the same paper. Grabbed a box of lace tape, two die cuts, and a rub-on sentiment! Instant card.

I have submitted this card to three websites: Let's Scrap (for the card sketch), Bella Creations (for its vintage theme), and Enmarc Crafts (who sent me the great prize package!). These are the three websites I visit most often, and find the greatest of inspiration!

Here's the list of supplies/products:

Base: from DCWV Linen Closet Box of Cards
brown pp: Prima Romantique Collection (Gazette)
lace tape: decollections
green/rose pp: reverse side of Prima (above)
butterfly pp: Basic Gray die cut shapes (17)
chipboard: Enmarc Crafts
happy birthday: rub-on from Pebbles, Inc.

Thanks for looking--go forth and create something!!

MY SON'S BIRTHDAY CARD

2011-09-24T18:58:00.010-04:00

One of the fun things about scrapbooking websites is that they often give away free gifts, donated by sponsors, for your participation in their challenges. It is on just such a website, Let's Scrap, that I was the random winner of a challenge! I won an extremely generous prize donated by Enmarc Crafts, a South African scrapbooking supply manufacturer. I was pleased to find a myriad of delicate wooden embellishments just perfect for a birthday card for my son, as he turns 40 this month.

A bit of history is needed here. Many, many years ago, when my son and daughter and I made our home together, things at home could get a bit messy over time. I was a busy working mother, Bryan had graduated from high school and had his first job, while my daughter was still in high school, a typical teenager.

One Friday, the mess even got a bit much for me, so my plan was to spend the weekend with the major focus on housecleaning! That Friday evening, I opened the door to our home, knowing what would face me. To my astonishment, the house was immaculate! Totally! Hanging from a ceiling beam in the living room was a sign handwritten by my son Bryan: FIXED BY CAMEL. The sign made reference to a children's book, often read to my son as a youngster, about character building in children. One of the characters was named Camel, and he went about fixing things in the neighborhood that needed attention. You will now understand the reference to CAMEL in this very special 40th birthday card for my son:

The inside of the card:

My stamp on the back:

With great thanks to Let's Scrap and Enmarc Crafts, and with the greatest affection, admiration and gratitude to my son!

Thanks for sharing this poignant moment with me!

A RETURN VISIT TO ATCs

2011-09-24T14:23:00.006-04:00

The Bella Creations website has kept me very busy of late, joining new groups and "answering" September challenges. This challenge is from a group called Oh La La, hosted by Design Team member Lacee. GeckoGalz provided free images of three dressmaker's mannequins to the members of this group, and the challenge was very broad: incorporate all three images into your work!

First, for those of you who are not familiar with the term ATC, a brief description: ATC stands for Artist's Trading Card. An ATC has a specific size, 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" (basically, the size of a playing card or baseball trading card). That is your canvas! You can do anything you want to do in that space. Along with ATCs comes an unspoken oath that one takes when they make one: ATCs are to be traded or given only; they my never be sold!

Here are the 3 ATCs I made for this challenge:

Here are a few more--some of my favorites from times past:

Thanks for stopping by! If you leave a message, I will know you were here!

MY DOG JAKE

2011-09-23T16:02:00.004-04:00

Just finished my layout for the month-long challenge on Let's Scrap! It features a sketch by the well-known sketch artist Julie Bonner. Check out both the Let's Scrap website and Julie's blog for some instant scrapbooking inspiration!

My husband Russ and I adopted Jake from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA, in May of 2010. He had been rescued by an organization in Puerto Rico called Save-A-Sato, sato being Spanish for "street dog," now generally referring to all animals who roam the streets there. You might say that Jake is one very lucky dog, but Russ and I both feel that WE are the lucky ones in this relationship!

The photos in this layout were taken as Jake (and Russ) played along Rye Beach in Rye, New Hampshire. Dogs there can be "off leash," but, despite his size, Jake is still a puppy, so we chose to keep a tighter control of his actions by having him remain on leash.

I had planned to do my usual computer "journaling" on this layout, but decided to be brave and try a bit of hand journaling! Go me!

Thanks for looking! Now, go be creative!!

MORE VINTAGE

2011-09-19T13:29:00.006-04:00

Though still taking baby steps, I want to continue my path toward learning the art of vintage scrapping! This layout was inspired by a group within the Bella Creations website. It's called Souvenirs du Passe (Memories of the Past), and is hosted by DT member Maggie. I am also submitting this layout to The Paper Trail Makers, a challenge blog. This challenge is to incorporate a bit of vintage into the layout--right up my new alley!

The obvious "bit of vintage" is my photograph, c. 1949. It is a family photo of siblings (in case you missed the resemblance!). With the predominant photo color being yellow, it is from that which I chose my color palette. The background paper is from the Brilliance Collection by Authentique. I used only about 2/3 of my scalloped paper (guessing this is from Basic Gray), so was able to use a piece of what remained for the upper right-hand corner. To accent that same corner, I used a vintage time piece (with accompanying bling) from The Girls Paperie (Vintage Whimsy Glitter Charms).

One of the few purchases I have made of late is a set of stamps from Unity Stamp Company called Ticket to Life. Tickets are a very trendy embellishment these days, but lend themselves particularly well to vintage layouts. I chose to use this particular stamp because it reminded me of the cost of a movie theater ticket (15 cents) and box of candy from the concession stand (10 cents) in the old days! I stamped on a piece of canvas for a more aged appearance. The butterfly is the top two layers of a three-layer sticker from Basic Gray (Pops), with the top layer inked with a bit of yellow. (I am a great fan of "adjusting" purchased embellishments to fit the layout!)

The flowers are by Prima, and they, too, have been "adjusted" by removing a bulky button and replacing it with a gem. My reason for doing this was to created a lower profile so that the layout would scan more easily (I need to work on my layout photography skills!). Lastly, I added that cute vintage die cut of a little girl collecting flowers in her dress. I believe she is from Vintage Attic Treasures by Melissa Frances, but not sure. The names and birth years of the siblings are computer generated and, for now, are serving as both the title and journaling. If I one day come across just the right font, I just might add SIBLINGS as my title.

For now, please enjoy this as it is. I had so much fun creating this one because I am that little girl in the middle!

Thanks again for dropping by to check out my blog. I would be pleased to know that you were here, so leave a comment!!

THE SHOEBOX FAMILY

2011-09-16T14:24:00.012-04:00

OK, I'll say it again: Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging, even when it's good stuff! But, here I am, only slightly retired from my term as a Let's Scrap Design Team Member. Slightly, you ask? I have been invited to challenge that site's 3,000 members in November to do something slightly different. Watch for it here!

While I remain active on the Let's Scrap site, I have also aligned myself with a new site called Bella Creations to learn about a design style I have long admired, but been afraid to try. Something called vintage. Now, as a wine aficionado of good (and long) standing, I know that vintage refers to the year in which a wine was produced. It can also refer to the clothing or style of clothing worn during a certain period--like the 20's, the 50's, or even as recent as the 90's. Likewise, cars. It then follows that a scrapbooker would use papers and embellishments with an older or even antique-y feel. My reason for wanting t0 learn this very creative design style is to scrapbook some VERY old photos (as old as 1915 in the case of the photo below). This is going to be a long hard road for me to travel, as my scrapbooking design style has always been very simple, using clean straight lines, and with minimal intrusion from embellishments--you will recall my earliest struggle with using more than one patterned paper on a layout!

I am sure, like mine, most families have a shoebox full of old photos. We find that, when someone sends us photos, we are not allowed to throw them away, so we collect them in one place--usually a box. Each family passes this collection of photos from generation to generation, until, finally, the people in the photos can no longer be identified. In the scrapbooking world, these photos have come to be called Shoebox People or, in the case of my layout title, Shoebox Family.

When you think of it, most of us have neither the time nor, frankly, the inclination to open up a box of photos of people we don't know! But just maybe, if the presentation were a bit more "attractive," we just might be tempted. I am hoping that my children and my children's children might be so tempted. Along with scrapbooking a "Book About Me" (check out this group on Let's Scrap), I want to scrapbook a book about my family's ancestors. Maybe these family members will not be all identifiable by name, but wouldn't it be fun to know that you have your great grandmother's nose?

I have begun this vintage scrapbook with a photo of Mrs. Conner's 75th birthday, taken in 1915. I am not sure that her actual birthday was January 11, as documented in the lower left-hand corner of the photo, or merely the date it was celebrated. I would like to think it was--as that is my birthday, too. As my sister, brother and I are now the senior members of our family (Wonders), we could only deduce that Mrs. Conner is our great-great grandmother on our father's side. But, really, how cool is that? I found this photo especially interesting, too, in that, other than Mr. Conner, this photo is of the women and children of the family. I think that might have been a bit unusual for the time.

So here is my layout! It is still evolving, but I wanted to share it with you now--you may see it again. I initially posted this layout in the gallery on the Bella Creations website with neither the flowers nor flourish in the bottom right-hand corner. I asked for suggestions on how to complete it--it appeared naked to me. One of the "Bella" Design Team members, Maggie, made the suggestion of adding those elements. I could not be more pleased with the flowers! However, the flourish I used sort of disappears against the background paper, so I will need to work on that a bit more. It is also my intention to use some hidden journaling on a tag behind the photo, just peaking out a smidge on the left-hand side.

Here's a close-up of the flowers and title:

And of the chipboard buttons with frayed twine ties:

Thanks for taking the time to come by and to read my blog. Time now for me to "go forth and create!"

A HAPPY ANNOUNCEMENT, ETC., ETC.

2011-05-01T21:24:00.005-04:00

Well, I have waited until today, National Scrapbook Day, to announce my appointment as a Design Team (DT) Member at Let's Scrap, an international scrapbooking site with over 2700 members! I am so very proud, emotionally thankful, and greatly humbled with this appointment. If I had a "bucket list" (which I plan to make!), serving on a Design Team would be in the top 5, for sure.

As a DT member, one of the things I did today was post a challenge on the Let's Scrap website, challenging our members to step outside of their comfort zone and create a layout using one of the website sketches, but, and here's the challenge, they need to cut their photographs on the diagonal! I will show you the example I created for this challenge:

Here's the link to my challenge on Let's Scrap:

http://letsscrap.ning.com/forum/topics/nsd20118-1 .

I would love it if you visited the website and checked out not only my challenge, but those of other members, including the new DT members!

I hope you all have a wonderful week

Go forth and create!

A SPECIAL HONOR

2011-04-18T10:27:00.012-04:00

It's great to wake up on a Monday morning when the sun is shining and you have nothing pressing on your immediate agenda! It's an even greater day when an e-mail brings good news! I received the following message from Kathy Perry, a Let's Scrap Design Team member: "Hi, Kay! Take a look at this week's IOTW [Inspiration of the Week], please!!!" Now, for those of you who have not yet visited the Let's Scrap website (and I hope you will), it's an online international website for those who love paper crafting--scrapbooking, cardmaking, and any other creative endeavor you can think of involving paper, scissors, glue and (most often) photos! Let's Scrap provides weekly sketches to get members' crafting mojo going! IOTW is a way the site recognizes a layout or card for its inspirational elements. Here's the sketch posted on Wednesday, April 13:

Members have a choice at this point. They can use the sketch exactly as it is shown...or just use it for inspiration. A "jumping off point," if you will. Another option is to use only one side or the other of the two-page sketch layout. The choice is always left to the creater. The members then, if they wish, post their creations on the website for others to see, comment, and/or be further inspired! It is a win-win scenario every time you participate. I really love sharing my pages with others and seeing what others have done. I find my inspiration as we exchange ideas!

A friend of mine often shares photos of her grandchildren with me. For my layout this week, and the one for which I have been honored, I chose to use some of those photos. Here is my interpretation of the above sketch. I strayed only slightly from the original sketch, reversing the placement of the center two photographs and varying the shape of the wavy lines at the bottom.

Thanks for visiting. Go check out Let's Scrap and be INSPIRED!

2011-04-12T14:30:00.003-04:00

Justed wanted to pop in for a second to share a fun layout I just did for one of my co-workers. He showed me a photograph of his daughter, and I just knew I had to scrap it! She looked like a mini rock star all dressed in black! I would never have thought that I could use black as a predominant color in a child's layout, but, in this case, the photo led the way!

Thanks for looking!

2011-04-10T19:00:00.008-04:00

So happy to share with you that I have been nominated for the STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD by a friend on the Let's Scrap website! First, let me thank Beth for being so kind! Next, here are my 8 responsibilities:

After receiving the award I am to:

Thank the person from whom I received the award and give a link back to her blog (above).

Share 8 things about myself.

Pass the award to 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered.

Leave those individuals a comment so that they can pass along the recognition.

Okay, here are the 8 things about myself:

I am 67 years old and have been married to Russ for only 5 years!

I am a brain tumor survivor.

I have my own scrapbooking .com business.

I am an active member of Let's Scrap and this is where I met Beth.

I have two adult children, both married, and two grandsons.

I have a 15-year-old stepdaughter who was born in China.

I am semi-retired, but have worked in the healthcare industry for almost 20 years.

I have been scrapbooking for almost 10 years now, and was introduced to this addicting art by my daughter Michelle.

And here are links to 8 blogs I would like to nominate for the STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD. Be sure to check them out:

Until next time, go forth and create!

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

2011-04-02T12:34:00.014-04:00

Want to be a really, REALLY good scrapbook artist? Check out a novel approach in this PICKLES cartoon (you may click on it to enlarge it):

If you really, REALLY want to be a good scrapbooker, and the PICKLES APPROACH (above) does not work for you, then you have to scrap the idea that you will never be a really good scrapbooker! Yep! It’s that simple! Here’s an excerpt from one of my earliest blog posts:

I didn't love it [scrapbooking] at first. I actually thought it quite intimidating. I found myself copying others' styles and then comparing my work to theirs--with disastrous results.

Rule #1 in scrapbooking should be to NEVER compare your layouts to those of other scrapbook artists! I have admitted to cruising online scrapbooking galleries for inspiration, especially when I feel stuck on a layout. Many of the online websites that have these galleries also have design teams. Their design team members’ layouts, cards and altered art projects are usually created using the products sold on that website. But not always! I have found new inspiration for my work on a website recommended by a friend. Let's Scrap doesn’t want to sell you anything. They exist solely to inspire and motivate--and, yes, there is a difference.

Let’s start with inspire. Inspiration is something intangible, even supernatural, if you will! Something that must be absorbed. In an artistic sense, this would be to absorb something into your creative mind; to allow something to communicate with your artistic spirit. This “something” is going to be different for each of us at any given time. For instance, an ad in a magazine could trigger inspiration for me. It could be the framework of the layout of that ad, or maybe the color combination used in the ad, or even the product being showcased. Another artist could look at the same ad and get nothing from it! Yet, when another artist looks at a bottle of wine and finds its burgundy color generates a sense of warmth, they might find themselves inspired to take pictures of a summer sunrise and create a layout. Inspiration is all around us; we just need to look for it.

Ah, here comes that difference! A scrapbook artist can certainly be inspired, yet not motivated (or motivated, yet not inspired). Being motivated for a scrapbooker is being sufficiently excited (inspired) to generate action. I can look at that inspirational magazine ad all day, but if the inspiration has not been great enough to make me “do” something, I have accomplished nothing. On their forum, Let’s Scrap has a feature called the “Question of the Week.” Recently, Michela, one of the Design Team members, posed this question:

Sometimes, I arrive at home after work full of desire to scrap...but when I sit at my desk and I take the materials and photos for my page, the inspiration doesn't come!!!!! What are you doing in this situation?

It made me stop and think about what I actually do when I am not feeling the creativity. Here’s my answer:

Since scrapbooking is not only my avocation, but my vocation, it is very serious when my mojo doesn't show up for work! When nothing comes to me after pushing the same three photos around and around on various papers, I walk away. I may even walk around outside for 15 minutes. I find that stepping away from my scrapping table, even for just a short time, can clear out the cobwebs in my artistic brain!

I assume, now, we all can agree we need both inspiration and motivation to actually sit down and create a scrapbook layout. But there is a third component—time—which may be the most elusive for many of us. Sadly, I cannot advise on how to find that time, I can only encourage you to do it!

I hope you will visit Let’s Scrap for a bit of inspiration. You will find a myriad of sketches there for both scrapbooking layouts and cards, weekly challenges, and an active forum where you can chat up a storm or simply “lurk and learn,” which is my personal favorite!

That said, I want to take just a moment to address the practice of “scraplifting.” Scraplifting is not artistic plagiarism, unless you copy the original artist’s work exactly. Scraplifting is more like the paraphrasing of that work, and that’s considered a compliment! Still, when I scraplift, I most often will state that my work is done “in the style of (artist).”

I cannot leave you without offering up some humorous inspiration for you. You can click on my layout to enlarge it to read the journaling!

OK, go forth and create!

Let's have some PRACTICAL fun!

2011-01-23T15:58:00.026-05:00

Getting ready to give the perfect gift

When the recipients of your holiday, birthday or "just because" gifts are really young, it's pretty easy to shop for them. Just hit the toy store and pick out an "age appropriate" gift! It's just that simple. However, when the kids and grandkids start getting a bit older--and more particular, this once-fun job often becomes a bit of a chore. So, for many of us, we resort to giving a gift card.

I have found several creative ways of incorporating a gift card into a hand-made greeting card, but none as fun as this approach. The directions are simple, and you will use only your basic tools. However, there is one rule than cannot be broken: you may only use scraps. You may NOT, under ANY circumstances, cut up full-size sheets of paper!

Here we go:

The Envelope

I have found the perfect size envelope for this job to be a 5-3/4" wide envelope, which, when folded vertically in half creates a pocket that is just the right size for the gift card. The ones I use are from DCWV.

The first steps are all done with the back of the envelope facing you.

Using your centering ruler, and with the envelope flap in the closed position, find the center of the envelope and mark it with a pencil at the top.

Now, using the scoring blade on your paper trimmer, score the envelope down the center several times, applying a pretty heavy pressure.
Open the envelope flap and cut it in half vertically to the fold line (A).

Fold the left flap down and seal (B).

Trim 1" off the flap on the right (C).

Shaping the card

Trim the left side of the remaining flap to duplicate the angle on the right; round both corners (D).

Close flap (do not seal) and fold envelope in half vertically along the scored line. Adhere a 15" length of 1/4" ribbon along the midsection, gluing it in place on both the front and back sides of the envelope (E). I have found a glue runner to be just a bit too wide, so I apply glue from a Zig Memory System 2 Way Glue Chisel Tip directly onto the ribbon. To accomplish this, I wrap the ribbon around the envelope and use a pencil to mark a "glue line" on the inside of the ribbon. When your project is complete and you have placed your gift card in the pocket, tie up the loose ends of the ribbon into a bow.

Choose four scraps of coordinated paper and cut each 2-3/4" x 4-1/4" (F).

The creative stuff

Using a round punch, take a bite out of the piece of paper you will use for the front of your card insert (G). If you don't have a punch, just cut a V shape with your scissors.

Stamp all sentiments (handwriting works, too) before you adhere your paper to the envelope (H).

Adhere front, back and center pieces of paper to the envelope (I), leaving the top of the pocket open. I generally use a pretty plain paper for the back so that I can use my "handmade with love" stamp on it. Also, at this point, if I have enough scraps of paper, I will cover the front or both the front and back of the newly-created flap over the card pocket. The easiest way to do this is to trace the flap on your scrap and cut it out. Once you have adhered the scraps to the flap, you can trim away any irregularities.

Cut another scrap of paper for the front of the card (2-1/4" x 3-3/4") and decorate it for the occasion (J). I like to use pop-dots under this smaller piece to give some depth to the front of the card. Another advantage of using pop-dots here is that it will allow you to use a brad without the prongs causing an unwanted bump.

Here are a few more holders I have made for a swap with other scrapbookers:

Thanks for dropping by. If you are visiting for the first time, please take time to join as a follower. Let me know if you have any questions.

OK, go forth and create!

THE "LESS IS MORE" THEORY

2010-12-11T14:52:00.028-05:00

A Brief Apology: At times, life gets in the way of writing, especially when life brings wonderful things your way.

THE "LESS IS MORE" THEORY AS IT APPLIES TO SCRAPBOOKING:

Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features (Wikipedia). My question to you is, then, what is the most important—fundamental—feature of your layout? I think we would all agree it is the photograph or photographs we are planning to showcase in our layout. Were it not for the photographs, rather than a scrapbook layout, would we not be creating works of art, much as a painter paints, or a seamstress seams, or even as a plumber “plumbs” (if you are not yet used to my sense of humor and play with words, you will soon be)? We definitely want to use color, patterned paper, embellishments, titles and journaling, but, when any one or all of these in combination overpowers our photograph, we have lost the point.

I love to use other scrapbook artists' work to make a point, but think that it might not be appreciated here, so, it is my plan to take a single photograph and create two layouts…the first will focus on the photo alone, the second will be based on what I believe is too much of everything!

Here is the first layout. I took a black and white photograph provided by the bride's photographer, and enhanced it for this layout by using a special effects software program to change it to a bronze tone. Rather than create a distracting title, I used the font the bride used in her wedding stationery to place her name directly onto the photograph. The result is definitely simple; yet elegant, to be sure. This layout is ALL about the beautiful bride. She is overshadowed by nothing at all. Even the subtle background paper does nothing more than to support the innocence of this photograph.

The second layout was a bit of a challenge for me to design because it is not normal for me to create "busy" layouts. If it is your style, then, press on! It would be very dull if all our layouts were mirror images of others' works! I will admit, however, to searching online galleries for some inspiration for this second layout.

I began with a blank canvas of light yellow card stock. My goal was to use a variety of papers, embellishments and techniques, while attempting to maintain the innocence of the photograph, if possible. In a process of "layering," I added a floral paper in muted tones for a touch of femininity. Ribbon came next, brown with threads of yellow and turquoise. At the same time, at the top, I added a paper with black simply for the disruptive value! I tore this paper to give it an unkempt appearance. Next layer at the bottom was actually a piece of backing from some rub-ons I had in my stash. I "rubbed on" to it one of the rub-ons to create my title (bliss). Next layer, and to the right, I used another piece of black paper, this one with text and a doily edge. I wanted to step away from traditional matting for this layout, so I used a piece of cream card stock considerably larger than my 5x7 photo and added a border punch on only two sides. Behind that, I placed a piece of turquoise card stock so that it showed through the punched border. I also enhanced the look of the matting by taking a Bravo Burgundy stampin' pad (from stampin' up) to create a random pattern. Three turquoise brads and two die cuts later, I found myself with an empty lower left-hand corner! I grabbed a handless clock stamp, stamped its image there, then quickly embossed it and added a yellow brad at its center.

I am actually not displeased with the layout, but still much prefer the "purer" version. Take a look.

I showed this layout to a few other designers to get their take on the comparison. Their opinions were pretty much in agreement that, indeed, the second layout is "interesting." Hmmmmmm, interesting, huh? One designer in particular, Becky Poland, a scrapbooking teacher and workshop leader in Maryland, was very candid in her remarks. While she agreed that the second layout could be classified as busy, she felt it was "discombobulated" (my word, not hers!). Becky challenged me to make a busy layout in my own style, searching only my own talent for inspiration.

I am very happy with the third layout (thanks, Becky!). I used the same photo, but left it in its original black and white. I did, however, orient the photo to a vertical position, and cropped it much more closely than in the other two layouts. In keeping with the black and white theme, I searched my stash and found two identical floral patterned papers, one white on black, the other black on white. I used the lighter of the two for the background, and the darker to create the striping along the left-hand side. I continued the non-traditional matting into this third layout, but in monochromatic tones. The use of ribbon, a die-cut heart, and a Prima feathered flower added depth without overpowering the photo. This flower was used because the center pearl highlighted the bride's pearl stud earring, and the feathers mimicked the ribbon extending from her floral headpiece. A more dramatic title (done on the Cricut using the "George & Basic Shapes" and "Opposites Attract" cartridges) finished off the layout.

If there is a conclusion to be reached here (and I am not sure there needs to be), it is this: Periodically, step outside the box--outside your scrapbooking comfort zone--and create something that isn't you. It may not be a masterpiece, but it will help you to expand your creativity...and may lead to something that is a masterpiece!

I am certainly glad to be back here, and glad you stopped by, too! Take a moment to leave a comment and to join as a "follower."

CREATING YOUR FIRST MASTERPIECE

2009-08-19T10:05:00.044-04:00

In the beginning . . .

After being introduced to the wonderful art of scrap-booking by my daughter more than 8 years ago, I am definitely a scrap addict. I didn't love it at first. I actually thought it quite intimidating. I found myself copying others' styles and then comparing my work to theirs--with disastrous results. Over the first year, however, I began to feel more comfortable and to develop my own style. I actually began to allow a photograph or perhaps even a piece of paper or an embellishment to lead the way in developing a layout. I now find both enjoyment and fulfillment in my scrapbooking. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by what you think you should be able to do, think of actress Josie Bisset’s philosophy…“Dreams come a size too big so we can grow into them.”

Use of sketches as inspiration

I wish I had known about scrapbooking sketches when I first began to scrapbook my photographs. A sketch gives you the framework within which to create your own layout. It gives you placement of your title, any subtitles, photograph(s), decorative papers, embellishments, and even space for your journaling. You still retain the color choices and the right to alter and/or manipulate the orientation of the sketch. Even today, when I feel “stuck,” I generally reach out to one of the sketch websites offering up inspiration. One of my favorites remains About.com Scrapbooking. Rebecca Ludens continually provides new sketches on that site. Here’s a sketch challenge posted by Rebecca in February 2009 and my layout created in response:

You will notice that I rotated the layout on the right side 90 degrees counter clockwise to accommodate the orientation of my photographs.

For my layout today, I have chosen a 5”x7” photograph of my two young grandsons, Justin and Aidan.

It quickly becomes obvious that my color choices include royal blue, and anything with a Fall “feel” to it...for instance, any color you might see in falling leaves. Since I am on a paper-buying hiatus, I searched through my stash of patterned paper and came up with the following possibilities:

I have chosen two patterned papers to use, as well as several colors of card stock for matting and/or accents. I will stop here while you catch your breath at the thought of using two patterned papers! You see, Grandpa was really not wrong when he wore those plaid trousers with his favorite striped shirt! I have to chuckle when I recall my panic at being forced to use three patterned papers in one layout in a recent challenge. Here’s some guidance from my friend Ann Marie (check out her “Vexed Angel” blog):

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Simply vary the size of each. Here, the stripes are the largest pattern, followed by medium-sized polka dots, and then small music notation on the tags and file folder.

Putting the puzzle together

I am not using a sketch for this layout, other than the one I have “formatted” in my mind. This means that I have a very basic idea of how I want my page to lay out and it may/may not have any resemblance to the end result! I will begin by placing my picture against the background patterned paper and sliding pieces of card stock beneath it to see how it looks. Remember, as the artist, it’s my decision—which brings me to another important point. If you have a scrap buddy whose opinion you highly value, go ahead and ask his or her opinion (yes, guys do scrapbook!). However, be wary of asking your husband’s opinion. He will most likely give it! Then, sometimes, it’s difficult to go ahead and do what you want anyway.

Moving along, I have now added some matting to my photo, as well as some “torn” paper to give my layout some texture and depth. Tearing my paper gave me the feel of less-than-perfect leaves as they fall and collect on the ground.

Ready? Set? Embellish!

One topic I would like to discuss before we finish this layout is that of embellishments. I scoured the internet, but could find no better description of embellishment as relates to the art of paper crafting than Webster, himself, who, in his second definition (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913) describes it as “…that which adds beauty or elegance; ornament; decoration, as pictorial embellishments.”

These lovely little ornaments come in several categories (both purchased and handmade). The most basic are:

Paper
Stickers, rub-ons
Chipboard
Ribbons, fibers and fabrics
Buttons
Bling (anything that glitters)
Brads, eyelets and other metal “goodies”
Flowers, both paper and fabric
Ephemera (in scrapbooking “lingo,” it means items intended to be used or important for only a single occasion or short time; for instance, pamphlets, programs, tickets, etc.)
Found art* (anything not mentioned above, but which could be incorporated into a layout)

*I would like to quote from a new book by Roni Johnson, Teach Yourself Visually: Collage & Altered Art, who says of this classification, “Found objects can be summed up with the old saying, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Or, in this case, another man’s art!” You can find information about Roni’s book on her website, including ordering information.

Adding texture, dimension, and sometimes “movement” to your page layout, embellishments come in every color of the rainbow, as well as every shape, size and texture imaginable. This diverse group of page enhancements has the potential to overpower any page layout with little warning, so choose them wisely. Remember, everything in moderation! Caution: If you allow it, embellishments can be the most expensive part of your layout! Not necessarily so, however, if you have a Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, Big Lots, or other discount store near you, where you can often purchase a whole sheet of such embellishments for 99 cents plus your tax.

The Finishing Touches

Adding your embellishments should signal to you as an artist that you are almost done. For my layout, I have added two blue brads on my journaling block to coordinate with the blue matting of my photo. I also added stickers and title letters that were part of the package of the paper I used (Basic Grey Archaic collection). As you know, the hardest part for me is the last step—that of journaling. Since the journaling to my grandsons is personal, I will omit it in this last photo, but I swear I will do it! Really!

I hope you are feeling a bit more confident now as you begin your first project. Don’t compare it to mine—I have no super powers; in fact, don’t compare it to anyone else’s either. Just be satisfied that your journey has begun!

THE CUTTING EDGE

2009-08-03T17:08:00.062-04:00

Paper

Scrapbooking is a form of “paper crafting.” Paper is simply paper until you cut it, tear it, crumple it, soak it, sand it, spray it, layer it, emboss it, embellish it, or even burn it! Even before you can do any of that, however, you need to buy it! Buying paper is an art in itself! I know, you’re laughing, but keep reading! I write with eight years of experience and a stack of paper probably a foot tall that I will never use.

Most of your area craft stores--not to be confused with an independently-owned local scrapbooking store (LSS)--provide coupons--online, newspaper, and/or mail--for 40-50% off a single regularly-priced item. These addictive coupons generally expire within a week (so you better hurry on over now—I’ll wait), and are usually honored by the other area craft stores. If you have already begun to assemble scrapbooking materials, then you know full well that you CANNOT go into a store and buy ONE item—and this is exactly what your craft stores are banking on (pun intended!). While these coupons can be a vital part of wise shopping (see blog post of July 21), they should not be used on impulse buying just because you have the coupon! While you are looking around the craft store with that coupon in hand, you will also notice that most everything you really want to buy is 30% off already, so you can’t use that coupon! And, really, isn’t 30% almost as good as 40%? And pretty close to 50%? No, it’s not. I will admit that I was a coupon addict for quite a few years. I must also admit that I am—and remain—a paper “junkie.” It’s just that now I buy less paper.

Recently on the About.com Scrapbooking forum, Karen posted a question asking, “Has the economy affected your scrapbook spending?” All but one response was in the affirmative, although some members are curtailing spending as the responsible thing to do, not solely because of the economy. Here’s a response from Kathy Canuel (you can check out her scrapbooking blog here):

I think that I've started taking eco-crafting a bit seriously lately, too. I've been SO bent on using my stuff and not buying new supplies. So I really take that as a double meaning thing--ecologically sound AND economically sound crafting.

Becky agreed, and provided her personal strategy: “I'm just using my stash like a store now instead of going out to buy more. It's a good feeling!” I couldn’t agree more! Here’s just an excerpt of my response to Karen (we all know I am pretty wordy):

Another thing I have done is to stop buying "pads" of paper on sale at [craft store]! I would use the 5 or 6 sheets from the pad that I really loved, and the rest would sit. The "on sale" cost was $9.99. Now, I go to my LSS and buy 6 sheets of paper that I really love and use them all. The cost is $6.00. I have saved $4 and have not added unwanted paper to my stash. This math might not work for all of us, but seems to make sense to me. I am definitely not a tree hugger, but I do want to conserve where I can.

The point of all this is to encourage you to be responsible in the purchase and use of paper. Make sure that you need what you buy and like it enough to use it. For beginners, I would say “less is more.” For the first few months, be project-specific when you buy. A second thought to keep in mind is that purchasing card stock can be just as costly! You may have yet to discover how many shades of white and black are out there just waiting to be purchased and added to your “stash.” Again, when purchasing card stock, be project-specific! Take your patterned paper or photograph over to where the card stock is stocked (sorry, I couldn’t resist that one!), and match up your colors.

There have been several references here to “stash,” so let me define it. Hmmmmmm, a scrapbooking “stash” is everything that you bought with the best of intentions, but have never used AND you eventually forget that you even have it AND you buy something to replace it! In real life, stash would be considered “stuff”—your baggage! Travel light!

How sharp are you?

Let’s talk cutting…cutting photos, cutting paper, cutting mats (both kinds), cutting time. Okay, that last one will be another post!

Photos—to crop or chop

Stop and listen! The #1 rule in scrapbooking photos is never, EVER cut a one-of-a-kind-can-never-be-replaced-original photo! If you are wondering, #2 is measure twice, cut once! When it comes to cutting photos, you have two choices: Crop or Chop! Electronic cropping of your photos is not actually cutting the photo at all, but, rather, cutting OUT what you don’t want in the photo--for instance, a stray elbow or relative--before you print the picture. Actually cutting your photograph is done more for its artistic value—for instance, cutting a photo into a circle or because your 4x6” photo won’t fit into your 4x4” space. Unless you are very talented, I would avoid scissors for either of these artistic options. Purchase a few basic punches (remember that 40% off coupon?). I would recommend starting with a 2-1/2” circle punch and a 2” square punch. You should also invest in a good quality rotary trimmer or blade trimmer for those straight cuts.

Here's an example of cutting photos for artistic effect. It serves also as an example of matting photos with a one-quarter inch border (see below). This layout is of my grandson Justin.

Cutting Paper for Matting Your Photos

Let me begin by saying that your first option is not to mat at all. Though rare, I believe there are times when matting actually distracts from your photo. I chose to use no matting on the focal picture in the following layout because I was tucking it behind a piece of hand-cut patterned paper. See what you think:

If you decide that matting will enhance the presentation of your photo, then you have several choices.

eyeball matting
1/4" border matting
1/2" border matting
double matting
triple matting

Rebecca Ludens, About.com’s Scrapbooking Guide, has prepared a short video on a simple matting technique. What Rebecca has done is what I call “eyeball matting.” If it looks good, cut it! If you need to be more precise, then you must do the math! It’s really pretty simple: if you have a 4"x6" photo and want a one-quarter inch border around it, cut your mat 4-1/2" x 6-1/2"; for a one-half inch border all around, cut the mat 5" x 7 ". Double matting is simply adhering your photo to a one-half inch border mat, and then adhering that to a one-inch border mat. As Rebecca mentioned in the video, double matting of your focal photo sets it apart from the rest. You can even vary the matting size when you double or triple mat. Here are some examples of both double and triple matting:

Cutting Mats

As an aside, I will mention here that you most definitely need to make one of your first purchases a self-healing cutting mat. This will become your all-around work surface and will forgive you many things over its lifetime. You will not only cut on it, but you will glue on it, hammer on it, spill on it, ink on it, paint on it, glitter on it and maybe even drool on it! It can be purchased from a fabric store, a craft store, or even, most times, from your LSS. Make sure that yours has at least one-inch grid lines printed right on it! And, yes, Ladies, size DOES matter! The bigger, the better! The first mat I purchased listed the dimensions as an ample 12” x 18”. However, the outside grid markings were, in reality, only 11" x 17". Of course, it was my lack of attention to detail, but my 12" x 12" layout actually measured 11" x 12" when I was done. My daughter continually reminds me that there are no “oop’s” in scrapbooking, just further opportunities for creativity! With that in mind, I was able to save my layout by adding a coordinating 1" strip of patterned paper to the bottom.

The Finishing Touches

The Album

I have found it a good idea to place each finished layout into a protective sleeve, whether it be just a holding place or inside what will become the finished album. It’s also a good idea not to keep moving your layouts from sleeve to sleeve. Each move has the potential to damage your layout.

If you are creating a themed album, for instance a honeymoon trip to Hawaii, then, by all means, purchase that album in Honolulu made out of tree bark. Or a Disney album. Or one with an open window for your surname for a heritage album. But, for most albums you will create, you need to be less extravagant! To my growing list of “scrapbooking sins,” you can add, “She paid too much for trendy albums.” Like your mother told you about “goodness,” it’s what’s inside that counts! With rare exception, my rule now is not to buy an album if it’s not on sale! My best buy? An orange (before it was an “in” color) cloth-covered album for $4 and change! Go me!

You will find there are choices to be made in this area in addition to “How much?” Again, it’s a size thing:

12" x 12" (most popular)
8-1/2" x 11"
8" x 8
and even 6" x 6"

as well as . . .

3-ring
post-bound (most popular)
strap-bound
spiral-bound

I think this is all pretty much self-explanatory and a matter of personal preference, but I will go on record as saying my favorite is definitely the 12" x 12" post-bound album. It’s easy to add posts to the post-bound album to enlarge it (if you anticipate adding protector sheets to the 10 included in the album you purchase, buy them at the same time as you buy your album to make sure they are the same size), and the larger-size album gives you ample room for lots of pictures, embellishments, and journaling . . . which is a perfect segue to the last item on the agenda today before we get creative!!

Journaling

Journaling creates in me great fear! As a writer, I take great pleasure in playing with words. I love creating catchy page titles! Journaling, not so much. Oh, sure, the 5 W’s (who, what, why, when and where) are pretty straightforward. Tossing in a “how” is even ok! Beyond that, I am at a loss for words. Me! Can you imagine? And, when I actually do come up with the words, I can only let my computer print them out. I don’t like my handwriting. I cannot “journal” with my hands—or, rather, handwriting. For these reasons, journaling for me is the last step in a layout. Here’s where the fear comes in—fear of misspelling something, fear of making a mistake, fear of leaving a word out as I copy words onto the paper, fear of ruining my layout! The closest I have ever come to actually hand journaling was on a layout for my grown daughter. I hand wrote on a transparency (it only took three tries), then adhered that to my layout with brads! I know that someday in the future, my daughter will take comfort in reading my message to her in my own hand writing. A final note: an important part of journaling is dating your work. I prefer including the date the photos were taken (as closely as possible), but others include the date the page was created. Either is fine, just be sure to include one or the other--or both!

I’d like to talk to you now about journaling pens and other writing tools. I’d like to, but with almost no experience, what can I say with any credibility? My suggestion would be to purchase a good set of journaling pens—look for words such as . . .

archival quality
permanent
fade resistent
water proof
smudge proof

...and then take their promises with a grain of salt and caution!

Thanks for joining me again today. If you have not already done so, please take a moment now to sign up to "follow" my blog. You don't need to add a photo, but I would love it if you did! See you next time . . .

TOOLS, ADHESIVES, INSPIRATION

2009-07-21T16:35:00.030-04:00

INVENTING THE WHEEL—or not!

I have learned many lessons along my way to becoming 65! One of the most prominent lessons has been not to expend energy reinventing a wheel that someone else has already so beautifully created! Before I began this blog, I made an outline of my personal thoughts about scrapbooking, questions about scrapbooking that I have been asked more than once, even things about scrapbooking that make you go “hmmmmmmmmmm!” When it comes to the obvious—What do I actually need to get started scrapbooking?—my hat is off to Rebecca Ludens, About.com’s Guide on their Scrapbooking website. Rebecca has already done the research and posted the answer to that question. Check out here her articles on

Scrapbooking tools
Scrapbooking adhesives
Scrapbooking supplies

I will add only a few comments about my personal favorites! When it comes to accurate paper cutting/trimming at my scrap table, I would not create without my CARL 12” Professional Rotary Trimmer. When packing my tote for scrapbooking conventions, I take along my smaller Cricut personal paper trimmer which has both a straight cutting blade and a scoring tool (for card making). For precision straight cutting by hand, I use my metal ruler and an X-ACTO knife. When cutting small intricate shapes, it’s Cutter Bee’s all the way!

Which adhesive to use can be a sticky question (pun intended!). I am definitely a Tombow fan when it comes to adhesive “runners.” While a Tombow refill may cost $3.99 at your local craft store, I have found it as low as $1.71 online when you buy in quantity! If you prefer using photo squares to adhere your photos and other embellishments to your paper, you will find the most reliable ones come in a little blue box (Pioneer Photo Albums, Inc.). Glue “pens” are also fantastic tools. I highly recommend the ZIG Memory System. You will also need a glue eraser for tidying up your layout, and I recommend a “gum” eraser from your local discount store.

KEEPING YOUR ~~DUCKS~~ WHEELS IN A ROW

Once you have made your purchases, it’s important to keep them convenient to where you will actually use them. Organizing your tools, adhesives, papers, and embellishments can be a job in itself! Many of my About.com “forum” friends have their own blogs--some personal, some about photography, some scrapbooking, and yet others a combination of some or all of these things—called life! Ann Marie is one of those “life” bloggers. When you follow her blog over a period of time, you will get to know her—and her cats, and her husband, and her living room, and her guitar, and her job, and her artistic “style.” With all this going on in her life, the one thing Anne Marie MUST be is organized! In fact, she has written articles about organizing almost everything. When I read a recent blog entry, I had to leave the following comment for Ann Marie:

The minute I read, “Sort by color, size, or not at all!,” you had me hooked. Love this article. In the beginning, I wanted all my storage elements to match. Eight years later, I just want them to work. Your ideas are brilliant!

You can read some of Ann Marie’s tips on organizing your embellishments here.

The amount of space you have to devote to your scrapbooking and other paper crafting is key to how to organize what you are going to accumulate! I know a young lady who still lives at home with her parents and has very little “personal” space. Everything that has anything to do with creating a scrapbook layout is kept in a suitcase under her bed. One of the handiest (and most practical, if you are patient) storage systems is the “cube” system. Each cube is slightly larger than 12” x 12”. You can create any combination of shelves and drawers. These cubes allow you to start at floor level and go up (and out, of course, if you have the space). I did mention patience, remember? Each cube retails at most stores for $29.99. However, over time, and using 50% off coupons, I have been able to purchase each of mine for under $15! The way my scrap room is configured, the cubes are behind my work space, all within my arm’s reach. If you manage your space well, you actually can have an uncluttered level surface on which to create!

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

We all know a good breakfast fuels our bodies. Not always so clear, however, is what “fuels” our creativity. Some painters stand in front of a blank canvas and, as they begin to apply paint, will admit they have no inkling what the last stroke will reveal. Most of us who are scrapbook “artists” can’t do that. Our creative juices must be externally stimulated. Maybe it’s a photograph. It could be the most recent collection of patterned papers from Basic Grey. Perhaps, even the morning sun as it pours its yellows, oranges and reds across the water. Possibly still, an advertisement in a magazine or a billboard. Also, less common, is non-visual stimulation—a song, a smell, a taste, or even a feeling you get as you run your fingers across a raised surface. Each of us will find our inspiration in a different way—and not always the same way. When creating a wedding layout in the studio, I draw my inspiration from the photograph—always! Yet, I can be so inspired by another artist’s work that I “scraplift” the design for a layout on my grandson. Scraplifting, by the way, is widely practiced and considered a high compliment in the scrapbooking world. However, I definitely give credit to the original artist when I do this! Another great place to look for inspiration is on scrapbooking websites. Earlier this year, I was invited to participate in a scrapbooking contest sponsored by SavvynSassy.com, a Canadian-based online shopping website. This website hosts a member gallery where artists can post their creations. It’s a place to shop for more than ribbon! And inspiration there is free!

(Submitted to the "red, round, and rick-rack" challange)

My greatest source of inspiration is a challenge! I would encourage you to find and join an online scrapbooking forum (a public meeting or assembly for open discussion—in this case, about scrapbooking). My favorite scrapbooking forum is on About.com. Any forum member can post a challenge. A challenge can come in any form. Shannon challenged us to scrap something we love (of course, mine was about coffee); Tammy proposed using red, round, and rick-rack; still another was about scraplifting. Meeting a challenge accomplishes several things—it gets your butt into a scrapping chair that has grown cold—it makes you think outside of your comfort zone—it fills up another page in that album you have been meaning to finish! By clicking on this link, you will be greeted with “Hello, Guest” and you can register and join us on this forum.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog entry, and that you will sign up to be a “follower” and come back! Please feel free to comment or to post a question.

COLOR MY WORLD

2009-07-07T17:16:00.000-04:00

COLOR MY WORLD

For our wedding scrapbooking business, it’s BIG business to know which colors are hot, and which are not! It’s equally important to know what’s going to be hot next year. There are so many companies getting paid astronomical amounts of money to predict—and I wonder if they do not then DIRECT—which colors we will be wearing next season, which color cars we will be ordering, and, yes, even which colors we will be using to decorate our homes. These decisions then filter down to which colors are going to be available in the papers, embellishments, inks and other creative supplies we will be using to create our scrapbook layouts!

Basic cardstock (the solid color papers we use in scrapbooking) will always be available in some shade or other of all colors. It gets a bit more trendy when we begin to look at the patterned paper (sometimes called designer paper) that we use. I can tell you that I was very surprised to see orange come up on the color palate of trendy colors for 2009. But come spring this year, orange was hot! From wedding floral centerpieces to the clothes we are wearing, it is literally everywhere. Other “in” colors that will serve us throughout the summer and into fall are greens and island blues.

If my “artist” side were to pick a fun job for me, I would be the person who names Crayola Crayons! If you think that would be easy, check out this "Crayola Quizzer." The point? Mostly, we do get to be the person who chooses the colors for the layouts we create. And they can be anything you like! I have had a lifelong affair with blues (only because my older sister had already chosen green, so that was not available to me). I would have to go back and check my personal layouts, but my guess is that I would find that there is blue in every one. Maybe not the primary color in each one, but in there, somewhere!

Early during my foray into scrapbooking, I purchased what's called a color wheel. This wheel is made from two circular layers of heavy paper, one rotating on a center pin over the top of the other. There are windows in the top layer that show the colors below. To use the color wheel in selecting colors for your layout, you rotate the top layer until the color you want to use shows in the key color window. Colors now showing in the remaining windows will suggest both complimentary and triadic color partners. This wheel is useful only for making suggestions; remember, the decision is yours as the artist!

Now, I did say "mostly" we get to pick the color scheme. There are times when we are nudged to create in a color pleasing to someone else. In creating a wedding album, I use the colors that appeal to the bride. In another case, I might choose purple only because the dominant color in the focal photo in my layout is purple--and I just can't escape it. Some of my layouts are even monochromatic! Here's one I created in response to a forum challenge on About.com (Scrapbooking). It's all in shades of pink with minimal accent colors. This has ended up being one of my favorite layouts. Now, I will contradict myself and tell you that sometimes it's actually fun to create outside of your crayon box. Try it!

OK, ready for a hot tip? According to Decorator Secrets, in addition to lavender and aqua, here's what's going to be hot in 2010:

Going Green

Green is not only the environmental word of the day, it’s also a color trend for the year. Moss green in particular is making an appearance in many of the upscale home magazines taking the place of the kelly and lime greens of yesteryear. Don’t even think of toning it down to the sage green of the 90’s, that was SO last decade.

Going Gray

Slate and charcoal grays are the new neutrals. Browns and beige are slip sliding away and going gray. From pewter to ash – place a cool gray with almost any color for a hot pairing.

Hope you have enjoyed the spin on my color wheel. I look forward to seeing more "followers" and to your comments!

INTRODUCTION AND WEDDING SCRAPBOOKS

2009-06-27T16:21:00.008-04:00

This is day one of my scrapbooking blog, yet I have been scrapbooking for 8 years. It then fol-lows that we have a lot of catching up to do! That said, I will admit that I am taking a breather this weekend--away from work, away from home, away from scrapbooking. I am in the woods in New Hampshire, tucked away in the quiet coolness of a June afternoon. My companions are of the four-legged and winged varieties, and I am delighted with their company. Ah, but I digress...you are here to read about scrapbooking.

My primary job at this point in my life--other than wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother, sister, cousin and friend--is that of being the senior designer of K WALLACE WEDDING SCRAPBOOK DESIGN CO. As our name implies, we create wedding scrapbooks, helping brides and their families preserve for generations a very special moment in time. Since this is June, "the" month of weddings, let us begin with learning something about a new kind of wedding album.

Today's wedding album is not an album at all. It's a scrapbook. Modern brides and their families are opting for more than just sticking wedding photos in albums. Some who have the artistic talent and time choose to create their own keepsake. However, it might not be a good idea to make your wedding the focus of your first scrapbook attempt! If you are not so inclined, you should begin searching for a custom designer to create your unique wedding scrapbook.

If you have yet to encounter the complex world of scrapbooking, you are in here for only a brief education. Scrapbooking is as old as drawings on cave walls and as new as this minute. While it continues to be true today that a picture is worth 1,000 words, the words--or journaling--that accompany a picture in a scrapbook help future generations to know that great grandpa's best man was their great grandma's younger brother Bill--a fact that the picture alone could not convey generations later. The monetary investment in a wedding scrapbook becomes a wise one when one considers it an investment in family history.

Choosing a wedding scrapbook designer may seem daunting, but the field is so new and highly specialized that you can just skip the Yellow Pages and go straight to the internet! Google can help with your search by using simple key words like wedding scrapbook designer, custom wedding scrapbook, or just custom scrapbook for more generalized designers. The designer you select should have an online gallery where you can see examples of her work (see image for a sample layout from my online gallery). Before signing a contract or, worse, making a payment, contact the designer by phone or at least by e-mail to get a sense of your compatibility.

Once a designer has been chosen, there are more choices to be made. Color scheme is usually an easy choice, and might likely be the color(s) chosen for the wedding itself. Choices become more complex as one decides the tone of the scrapbook. Tone might be very formal, strictly casual, or even with a pop of whimsy. Unless your choice is strictly formal, if you liked the layouts in the gallery, give the designer full license to use her creativity. Picture selection might present your toughest job. A single-page layout generally will include between one and four photos, depending on the sizes of the photos used. Let's guesstimate three photos per page x 20 pages, and you can plan to choose around 60 photos for your scrapbook.

You should expect to pay the quoted price, as the designer will see a discount as devaluing her artistic work. You may, however, ask if there might be a monetary consideration given if you are willing to sign a model release. A model release will give the designer the right to use one or more of the custom layouts created for you, including your picture(s), in creating a portfolio of the designer's work or in advertising in all media types. She will most likely want to post her favorite layouts to her website gallery--which is a fun way for you to show off a bit of your scrapbook to out-of-town relatives and friends! You should plan to pay between $250 and $500 for your scrapbook--half before the work begins and the second half before receiving the completed work. You should receive a good-quality album containing 10 two-sided plastic protector sheets. This will give you 20 scrapbooked pages. Generally, the album will have a single first page and a single back page with nine two-page layouts in between. You will need to spend a lot of time "shopping" the galleries! This is one area where paying more might not get the best designer. There are designers charging upwards of $500 for gluing your pictures to colored paper much as an elementary child does a school project. You just have to keep looking until one day, when you open a gallery and begin looking at layouts, you hear yourself say, "I love this. This is really, really good!"

It’s best to provide your photos to your designer digitally and in what's called "jpg" (pronounced J-peg) format. Ask your wedding photographer if you can purchase your wedding photos on CD's. Along with this comes your right (and, therefore, your designer's) to reproduce the photos. This will provide your designer the safest way to handle your photos. Never send originals! If you have only originals, get them copied and send the copies to your designer. Designers often "crop" photos, that is to say, they cut out unwanted background or a random arm that made it into the photo. Providing digital photos to your designer allows her to be creative in other ways, as well. For instance, she can digitally turn a color photo into a black and white photo and then recolor only the yellow roses in the bridal bouquet for a striking artistic effect. She might also reverse the image in a photo for a better balance on the page. Get the picture?

I am blogging today about wedding scrapbooks because creating them is my focus in the studio. However, I do love scrapbooking in general, and it is that general scrapbooking that will be my focus in this blog. I am pleased you are here, and hope you will feel free to comment and to "follow" the blog.