For Love of Paper

More Sale-a-bration Extravaganza Photos

I thought yall might enjoy seeing a few more photos from our Sale-a-bration Extravaganza Event. It was great fun. This is the second year we've held this event and we're sure to do it again next year!

 

One of my favorite customers, Alice with my mom, Belinda

This card was created by fellow demonstrator, Melissa Smith and features the 2 Step Bird Punch. A very versatile tool!

Another Scallop Square Rag Purse done by fellow demonstrator Carol Bardin.

Wonderful layouts done by fellow demonstrator Lisa Besler. She created these using My Digital Studio.

 

Make Over Monday: Simple Birthday Scrapbook

I love themed scrapbooks for different occasions. "Why?" you ask. I really enjoy pulling them out for everyone to see at each occasion. I have good intentions of making one for all of the major holidays but the only one I've started is my sons birthday book.

I saw this 8" x 8" birthday album in a scrapbooking magazine quite some time ago. It was created by Melanie Louette. The idea fit so well with the Happy B-Day Simply Scrappin' Kit. All I added to the kit was a little cardstock and used my Sizzix Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Alphabet Simple Numbers to create the number for each year.

Here is a look at three more years of birthdays.

Using a formula or similar layout and a kit with coordinating papers and embeliishments makes the album go together so quickly. You could easily create a birthday book from 1-18 in one day.

My son just turned five last week and I loved having this album to show everyone at his brithday party.

I love this idea so much I plan to offer this album as a class, probably in May.

Stay tuned for more details.

Make Over Monday: Distressed Circle Scrapbook Layout

First I apologize for being MIA for a few days. First I had a sinus and ear infection, okay I can work with that. Then I came down with the flu. The flu won and I had to lay low for a couple days.

I have to say I am totally happy with how this layout came out! Here is where I began. I spotted this layout in the January 2008 issue of Scrapbook Trends Magazine by Angela Maggard. Her layout was done digitally. When I saw the circles my mind immediately went to the Circle Circus stamp set and that is what I planned to use. Then when I actually sat down to make the page I looked over and saw the circle paper from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper pack and the light bulb popped on. This paper was absolutely perfect. I just cut out sections of circles.

As you can see I turned my layout into a two page spread using nine photos. I really wanted the photo of my son falling asleep on the rug to be the last one so I also had to change up the layout to have the hanging photo on the right instead of the left.

I created the background paper by stamping the Sanded stamp onto 12x12 Whisper White several times using Sahara Sand Classic Ink, then inked the edges with a stamping sponge. Have I mentioned the Sanded stamps is one of my all time favorites! It is awesome for adding texture and also great for more masculine looks.

I really liked the look of orange journaling on the original so I kep that on my layout as well. Using a color for you journaling is a great way to add just a little more pop to your project and something I totally had forgotten about.

Another thing I had forgotten about was stamping on patterned paper. The small strip of DSP just below the photos begins as a diagonal strip. Then I rolled Sweet Swirl with Basic Black Classic Ink over it to give it a whole new look.

Here's a closer look at each page.

Supplies Used

Stamps: Sanded and Sweet Swirl Wheel (rolled on the DSP strip below the photos)

Inks: Basic Black and Sahara Sand Classic Ink

Paper: Whisper White and Sweet Pea DSP

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Button's #5 Sizzlit, Hemp Twine, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon and a sponge

Remember looking at other's work is a great place to learn new tricks or jog your memory for tricks you'd forgotten. If you're looking for inspiration or a few memory joggers be sure to stay tuned. Later this week I'll be introducing a new product that will get you going.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Scrapbooking

NEW Six Class Series

Does this sound like you?

• I want to create meaningful scrapbooks but just don't know where to begin.
• I feel overwhelmed at the thought of all those pictures?
• I'm so far behind I'll never get caught up.
• I've lost my inspiration.
• I'm not creative.

The exciting new six class series, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Scrapbooking, will take you from thinking about scrapbooking to actually doing it. Perfect for the beginner or if you're a scrapper who has become overwhelmed and lost your inspiration.

You will learn:

• Photo storage and organization
• What tools and supplies to buy
• What to scrapbook (no you don't have to scrap it all)
• How to choose colors, along with layout & design
• Where to get ideas and inspiration
• Create a layout at each class showing you how to use the latest ideas and embellishments

This class series will save you time and money, while removing the feeling of fear and teach you how to preserve your precious memories.

Class will be split into two parts; introduction of ideas and discussion time followed by creative time. You will leave each class with new ideas, inspiration, knowledge of products and a finished page or two.

     Class I: An introduction to scrapbooking. Where? How? and Why? Which tools do you really need?

     Class II: How to store and organize your tools and supplies. Then we'll go beyond the basics and discuss which tools and supplies are really worth the investment.

     Class III: Introduction to the library system, what is essential and what you can do without.

     Class IV: How to organize your photos and memorbilia for both scrapping and long term storage.

     Class V: Principles of layout and design. Where to get ideas and inspiration and how to store and organize your ideas.

     Class VI: Wrap up and crop.

All classes for this session will be held at my house in Leander, TX. Dates and times are listed below.

Monday, May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st

Saturday, June 19th (Crop)

Cost: Classes are $22 each or prepay for all six classes and receive one FREE.

Click the links below to register. Class is limited to eight participants.

Class I $22

Pay for five classes and get one FREE! $110

Makeover Monday: Butterfly Scrapbook Page

I snapped this shot of my sister-in-law Stephanie and niece Megan last Thanksgiving as I was walking by them. With their blue eyes and red hair this picture works great with the new Sweet Pea DSP. Though I'm not a "butterfly person," for some reason I have fallen in love with both the Beautiful Butterflies Die and the Beautiful Wings Embosslit and you can layer them.

This is the original page I made over.

Create by Jackie Stringham and featured in the September 2009 Issue of Creating Keepsakes Magazine I liked the layout, especially the butterfly, but wasn't crazy about the background paper.

• For my layout I started with a 12x12 piece of Whisper White and then added Taken with Teal Circle Dot background paper from the Sweet Pea DSP.
• The photo is a 5x7 layered onto Chocoalte Chip CS and then onto one of the Pumpkin pages of Sweet Pea DSP.
• Next I stamped the letters to spell out Love using the Wild West Alphabet with Chocolate Chip CRAFT Ink and Clear Embossing Powder. 
• To give you an idea of size the striped piece of SP DSP is 2 x 5 3/8.
• The three larger butterflies were created with the Stampin' Up! exclusive Beautiful Butterflies Die and the smaller Pumpkin one at the top was made with the Beautiful Wings Embosslit.
• I added Stampin' Dimensionals under one side of each butterfly pair to give them some dimension.

I have to say I haven't been doing as much scrapbooking as I'd like to and was worried I wouldn't be able to get back in the swing of things very easily. Seems I worried for nothing because it is all coming back to me. I think it's because I'm so excited to start teachning scrapbooking again.

Be on the lookout for details on my new six class series Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Scrapbooking. It's sure to get you back in the mood to scrapbook too.

 

2010 Scrapbook Club is forming now!

Do any of the following sound familiar?

• I have lots of scrapbooking supplies and just aren't sure what to do with them.
• I'm new to stamping and scrapbooking and just aren't sure what to buy or even what to do with things once I've bought them.
• Even though I'm a seasoned scrapbooker I'm just out of ideas, the creativity is gone.

I hear comments like these from fellow scrapbookers all the time. 

Scrapbook Club is a great way to solve all of these problems and have a great time in the process.

So what is Scrapbook Club?

• A monthly class consisting of either a double page 12” x 12” layout or two single 12” x 12” layouts.

Advantages of joining:

• Learn tons of new ways to use what you already own.
• Try out new tools and products before you purchase them.
• Get hands on help from an experienced scrapbooker.
• Enjoy hostess benefits without having to invite people or clean your house.
• Receive both the 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog.
• Leave class with completed pages.
• All club members will receive $5 off all For Love of Paper Classes for 2010.

What do I have to do?

• Twelve month commitment.
• Attend monthly class.
• Order a minimum of $20 from the catalog each month, plus a $5 monthly supply fee.
• Provide a snack, drink and paper products on your hostess month.

Scrapbook Club 2010 will meet the first Tuesday of each month from 6 to 9pm at my house in Leander.  The first 12 people to return their registration form and $35 fee will fill the slots.

Register in the month of November and save $10

How to register:

• Click here to print the registration form
• Mail the completed registration form back to me along with a check for $25

 

Boo Crew Layout

First, let me tell you why I've been MIA for a week. I spent the entire weekend in downtown Austin at the Mama Cents Children's Consignment Sale. It was awesome! I highly recommend shopping here if you have kids. I was able to get my son, Jack, a ton of clothes and a few toys for very little money. Don't feel bad if you missed this sale there will be another one in March so we can all get our little ones outfitted for the spring and summer.

Not only did I shop at Mama Cents I also was a volunteer for their VIP Baby Shower and a vendor. What can I say? I was busy!

So back to the land of paper. This layout is one I designed for a recent workshop (hello Cynthia and friends). Lately I've been drawn to pages that have a few accents of patterned paper and a stamp here or there with the focus on the photos. Really shouldn't the scrapbooking part of it be there to enhance your photos rather than distract from them? It's very much like what mom always said about make-up . . . it's there to bring out your natural beauty, not cover it up.

While it may look like I have a 12x12 printer, I don't. I just printed my journaling on regular size Whisper White CS, cut it to the appropriate size and adhered it onto my page. You could also do hand journaling right on the page, just be sure to use an acid free marker or pen such as a Stampin' Write Marker. These are great because they come in all of the SU! colors and have two ends, one a brush marker and the other a fine tip, great for journaling.

You can get a complete list of supplies and instructions for this page by clicking the link below.

Boo Crew 12x12 Layout Instructions

(And a special thanks to Becky for providing the adorable pumpkin in the photos.)

These days we are all so busy, give simple, photocentric, scrapbooking a try again and see how much fun it is all over again.

Nothing says summer like . . .

Watermelon!

With all the school supplies already out in the stores I feel the need to try and hang on to summer a little longer. Watermelons are definately one of the icons of summer.

These are just happy simple cards, they just make me smile and are easy to boot. The hello card would be perfect for just that, a hello, how are you?, you were on my mind type of card. The little folded watermelon would make a great gift tag, add a little strip of white cardstock to write a picnic menu item on or cut it in half for a great scrapbook page accent. You could even take a bite out of the watermelon using the scallop punch!

Want to make some watermelons of your own?

Here's what you'll need:

Stamps: Polka Dot Background Stamp 109276 (currently on the dormant list) and "Hello"  from Chic Boutique 113744 or other sentiment

Paper: Certainly Celery 105125, Whisper White 100730, Ruby Red (102030)

Inks: Basic Black 101179, Ruby Red 102259, Certainly Celery 105217 and Creamy Caramel 103220 (all Classic Inks)

Other: Black & White Gingham Ribbon, Scallop Circle Die with Big Shot, Sponges for inking, Circle cutter

Scallop Watermelon Card:

• Begin by cutting a scallop circle from Certainly Celery CS. Cut a 3 1/2" circle from Whisper White CS and a 3 3/8" circle from Ruby Red CS.
• Stamp the Polka Dot Background onto the Ruby Red CS Circle using Basic Black Classic Ink.
• Sponge Certainly Celery Classic Ink onto the Scallop Circle and Ruby Red Classic Ink onto the Ruby Red CS Circle. The sponging really gives the watermelon some dimension and cuteness.
• Adhere the layers together.
• Score in the center and fold.

Hello Watermelon:

• Start with a Ruby Red Card Base measuring 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". Score at 4 1/4" and fold in half.
• Stamp with Basic Black Classic Ink and the Polka Dot Background Stamp.
• Sponge the edges with Ruby Red Classic Ink and then Creamy Caramel to give it lots of warmth.
• Cut a 1 3/4" x 4 1/4" piece of Certainly Celery. Sponge the edges with Certainly Celery Classic Ink. Add the gingham ribbon across the top of this piece (don't add the knots yet, they get in the way of stamping the sentiment).
• Adhere to the bottom of the card front. Stamp the "hello" (use a stamp-a-ma-jig if you like).
• Add the two gingham ribbon knots. Either tie them around the already in place ribbon or tie two knots and add them on with Mini Glue Dots.

Oh and if you need a little watermelon project for the kiddos here is one my son, Jack, made at Mother's Day Out last month. Just cut a paper plate in half and let them go to town painting their watermelon.

Fluff-fly Girl . . . Flying Fast!

This wonderful page was created by one of my customers, Belinda Z., aka my mom. She did an awesome job combining the Parisian Breeze Specialty Paper and the Beautiful Butterflies Sizzix Die.

The page is about our little neighbor and my son's playmate Reese, who just moved back to Vermont.  She loves butterflies, but because she is only two she calls them fluff-flies. This page makes for a great memory of Reese's personality and my son loves to see people he knows in pictures.

If you love this paper as much as I do be sure to order it quick, quick, quick.  It is on the retiring list, meaning it is only available until June 30th or while supplies last.  Lots of the Designer Series Papers have already sold out and I don't expect this one to be around until the 30th.

Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP
113993 $11.95    p. 158 (SS 09 Idea Book & Catalog)

Beautiful Butterflies Sizzix Die (SU! Exclusive)
114507 $21.95    p. 196 (SS 09 Idea Book & Catalog)

Order Online Anytime 24/7!

I'm so proud . . .

Why am I so proud you ask? Well I finally got back to scrapbooking. I find myself in the same predicament as most moms.  We really have the desire to scrapbook but just have trouble finding the time.

Well I decided to put the things I really should have been doing on hold for a few hours and made this awesome page, if I do say so myself. Even though I really did have other things I needed to get done; I always feel great when I take a little time to do something I "want" to do, rather than what I should be doing.

I used a few patterned papers from the Hoppy Memories SSK (Simply Scrappin' Kit), along with cardstock, the Life's A Breeze Stamp Set (no longer available after June 30th) and the Big Deal Alphabet (also retiring June 30th).

The real WOW in this page is how I made the waves at the bottom of the pages, but that shall remain a secret for a little while longer.

Check back soon for a card using the same stamp set and the Wave Technique (originated by Andrea Walford). I'll have step by step photos of how to create your own waves.

Pool Pals 12x12 Double Layout Recipe Card (one per page)
Pool Pals 12x12 Double Layout Recipe Card (four per page)