Today's Tip!

Punch holes in raw chipboard to make it a more decorative element. The Crop-a-Dile cuts through chipboard like butter!

Today's Tip!

Try using themed products on unrelated projects. I’ve used stickers from a wedding sheet on a layout about pizza and another about dinner guests. This way you get more bang for your buck!

Today's Tip!

No more e’s in your letter sticker pack? Try an upside down 3! I’ve done this tons of times. In fact I have also changed a lower case g into a y and an h, and an ampersand (&) into an S. It all depends on the font, so take a closer look to see what you can improvise

Today's Tip!

Place embellishments in odd numbers like three and five for more visual impact

Today's Tip!

Older stickers and diecuts that you probably won’t use again make great masks. To use the diecuts lightly apply a re-positionable adhesive to the back. Then ink, paint or spray over them

Today's Tip!

Glossy Accents by Ranger is also a great adhesive for lumpy stuff and clear elements

Today's Tip!

Have a WONDERFUL Christmas!!!!

I hope that you are spending time with family and friends and remind you to take LOTS of pictures!!!!  We're about to start a new scrapbooking year!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Today's Tip!

Alcohol free baby wipes are perfect for cleaning rubber and acrylic stamps

Today's Tip!

Colored cardstock or patterned paper that is white core is a great supply to use this technique on. By sanding the paper, you're distressing it and causing the white core to be shown. Additionally, you can ink or chalk the sanded spots to add further distressed appearance and dimension.

Today's Tip!

Adding stitch work to your layout adds a quilted, homemade feel. If you already have a sewing machine, use a separate needle to paper stitch than you do to stitch on fabric. Try adding several styles of stitch to your page to see what kind of texture and interest it adds.

Today's Tip!

Instead of mounting that photo on a flat piece of paper, try crimping it. Crimping tools are generally affordable, and come in many different patterns. This will allow your photo to literally stand out on the page, as crimped paper adds a three dimensional effect to your page and increases the weight minimally.

Today's Tip!

Wadding your paper up into a ball isn't just something you do when you're going to throw it away. By wrinkling your paper, you're adding texture. You can additionally distress the paper by sanding it and then adding ink to bring out the creases.

Today's Tip!

Creating stamped images, then mounting them to your layout with dimensional adhesive (like Zots Dots) adds a three dimensional effect to your layout without adding a lot of bulk. You can also stamp letters and punch them out to make a dimensional title.

Today's Tip!

Using chalk or ink on the edges of paper add dimension by separating the different layers without adding a lot of distraction. You can also add a distressed effect to paper by inking or chalking it all over. Combine this technique with paper tearing for an even more interesting look.

Today's Tip!

You can use multiple layers of torn patterned paper to not only create texture, but difference in the layers. Since patterned paper is relatively thin, compared to cardstock, this creates very little bulk and can make beautiful layouts.

Today's Tip!

If only I could remember that GREAT layout I saw....
What was that title I wanted to use??
Oh, I saw an AWESOME color-scheme... what was it?

Start your very own book of ideas – draw a quick sketch of the layout you want to use; jot notes of the journaling you want to record.  If your inspiration comes from a book or magazine, record all of that info.  What made it catch your eye?  It's a great exercise for those days you feel like scrapbooking but have a block, or take with you on vacation.  A great way to help you remember that great idea you had.

Today's Tip!

Looking to copy a 12″ x 12″ layout without sacrificing some of the design?  Use 11" x 17" paper in the color copier and reduce the image to 91%.  Trust me, you'll get GREAT results!

Today's Tip!

Want the look of handmade paper, but can't bring yourself to buy more paper?  Try this to create the look of handmade paper while using up your stash.

Run a piece of cardstock under water to soak both sides and then crumple the paper.  Partially unfold and then crumple again.  Now use an iron to dry the paper flat. When ironing, flip the paper back and forth on each side to dry

Today's Tip!

Has your favorite punch fallen from your graces?  Does it not cut crisp?  Does it stick?

To keep your punches sharp, periodically punch several times through wax paper.  To clean, wipe with rubbing alcohol.

The wax keeps the edges of the punch fresh and the alcohol removes any stickiness.

VOILA!

Today's Tip

Chipboard Title Letters

Want a great title technique.  With chipboard and some acrylic paint, you can make letter tiles to spell out almost any title!!!

And, do you know the best source of chipboard I've found?  Rip apart an old binder, the kind your kids use in school!!!  Once you rip off the vinyl, there is nice THICK chipboard in there!  Just think of all the ones you've thrown away in the past!!!!  If you want lighter-weight chipboard, consider packaging material, old cereal boxes, shoe boxes...... all very useful.

Supplies Needed:  chipboard; scissors or craft knife; acrylic craft paint to match your project; rub-on letters, alphabet rubber stamps and stamp pads, or letter stickers; clear acrylic sealer and sandpaper are (optional)

Cut the chipboard to a suitable size/shape and paint to match the project you are working on.  Let the paint dry (very quick with acrylic paint) and then apply your choice of letters.

Today's Tip

Choose photos that show communication with your loved ones in everyday context. These photos will remind you and your loved ones of your daily loving interactions.

Today's Tip

Create a photo bar by punching out squares out of your photos and lining them up for a long page border. It's a great way to add lots of photos to a page!

Today's Tip

Look to your photos for elements of design, such as lines or shapes that you can repeat on your layout. Repetition of lines or shapes will help the eye movement across the page.

Today's Tip

Another journaling tip is to start your page by asking a question and build a page that answers the question.

Today's Tip

Make extra mileage out of scrapbooking sketches. Besides using sketches for scrapbook layouts, you can also make cards based on the scrapbooking sketch!

Today's Tip

Don't just broadcast the "good news" in your scrapbooks. Make your pages reflect the "whole" you, and that means letting your layouts reflect the good and bad, the triumphs and failures...

Today's Tip

Do you adore sequins? Want to incorporate them into your layouts without adding too many of them? A fun way is to dot your letters "i", "j" and replace the letter "o" with a sequin.

Today's Tip

Another time-saving tip is to switch to smaller page size, use your own handwriting for journaling and used whatever scraps you can find lying around. You'll be amazed at the direction your creativity will take you when you're hard-pressed for time.

Today's Tip

If you intend to pair a black-and-white photo with a color photo on a layout, do put the color photo at the bottom of the page. That's because color photos have more visual weight, and doing the reverse would make your page look top heavy.

Today's Tip

Create your own background paper featuring official documents that support your theme. Just photocopy or scan your official documents and print them out on cardstock.

Today's Tip

For a smart border, print out the names of the people who appeared on the layout onto that strip of border.

Today's Tip

Add a strip of white acrylic paint to your background paper and then add your title on that painted strip. You can handwrite, add letter stickers or apply rub-ons.

Today's Tip

Creating a layout on your kid? Why not let her journal in her handwriting and add that to your layout? It enhances the theme and gives off a very strong child-like charm to your page.

Had More Craft Time Yesterday

Spent a good productive day with my cousin.  We worked on some great gifts (here's a sample of one)

and got some shopping done, too.

What a GREAT day!

Today's Tip

Apply rub-ons titles or captions directly on your photos to add instant interest. It's also a great idea if you're running short of space to add your title.

Today's Tip

If you have a layout that touches on a painful moment, you can rip a line down your photo. A black background that shows through the ripped line will intensify the look.

Today's Tip

Add a different look to your layout by using vertical orientation of your journaling and title once in a while. It helps to add variety to your pages.

CONGRATS to my Sister and her Family

CONGRATS to my Sister and her Family who added a beautiful baby boy, Cameron Stephen, 3 lbs. 12 oz., AND a gorgeous baby girl, Jane Oliva, 4 lbs. 3 oz., to their family today.

Hugs and Love to the entire family!  Love you all!!

Whatcha been up to?

I've been working on a few Christmas Gifts (so I can't show you on here.... yet.  I'll take pictures and post later).  What have you been up to?

Today's Tip

Want to direct the eye of your readers? You can use little arrows or one big arrow cut out from cardstock (just cut a "v" shape) to direct your reader's eyes from the photo to your journaling.

Today's Tip

Do you have a gorgeous vacation photo? Why not enlarge it to form a background for a double-page layout? Then you can include a journaling box on the white space of the photo. Big photos are very impactful and the two-page spread will let you display the best bits and details of the big background photo.

Today's Tip

Looking for a way to store your little eyelets, brads and such? You can get a 7-day vitamin container and store all your tiny embellishments into different compartments. You don't need separate containers that take up space anymore. Try to get a clear one as you can easily look into the container for the item you're searching for.

Today's Tip

Can't remember the dates of your photos? Right click on your digital camera's image file. Next select "Properties" and a pop-up screen will show when's the photo taken. Now you can easily remember the exact dates of your events.

Printable Michaels Coupons

http://victoriabc.flyerland.ca/
Search for "Michaels" or click on the Michael's Link

I just printed three 40% off coupons!

Why don't YOU get published? How about in Canadian Scrapbooker?

Canadian Scrapbooker wants to see and publish your work. If you have an unpublished, original layout that you want to share with others across Canada, please send it to us! It’s simple. Below you’ll find a quick guide on how to submit your work. Call For SPRING – Deadline November 15, 2009 (okay missed that deadline, but there will be more).
http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/

We are currently looking for pages in the below themes:

• Layouts that use the colour VIOLET
• Layouts using tissue paper
• Layouts inspired by Ukrainian Easter eggs
• Spring is in the air
• Layouts using vintage tags
• Easter
• Layouts inspired by nursery rhymes

We are also looking for that perfect photo for our Spring 2010 cover. If you have a photo that you have taken and you feel it would look fantastic on our magazine cover, please send it to us!

Deadline for the Spring 2010 page call: November 15, 2009

Call For Pages

• Call for Spring 2010 – Deadline: November 15, 2009
• Call for paper crafts (including children’s paper crafts) – ongoing
• Call for unpublished Canadian layouts – ongoing
• Call for unpublished original Canadian layouts – ongoing
• Call for amazing photos – ongoing
• Call for seasonal photos for our website – ongoing
• Call for “Walking Away” photos – ongoing

How To Submit Your Work

Fill out the online submission form below, or

E-mail a scanned image or digital picture of your work to submissions@canadianscrapbooker.ca. Please limit file size to 200K and attach only one image per submission.

Please be sure to include the following information in your email:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• E-mail address
• Title of layout
• Size of layout

In the subject line of your e-mail, please indicate the Page Call you are submitting for. For example: “Spring 2010”.

Have an idea for an article? Send it to us!

The sky’s the limit! We are continually looking for fresh ideas to share with our readers. E-mail your article to: articles@canadianscrapbooker.ca. Please include any images that you would like to include. We look forward to hearing from you.

Die Cuts With A View - New Paper Stacks - and you can WIN one!!

http://www.dcwv.info/michaels/

Check out the video on the great new paper available exclusively at Michaels... and you can also join contest after you watch it to win a pack!!!

Today's Tip

A lot of photos you want to cramp into a layout? Consider turning your photos into a photo collage. For an effective collage, look at the proportions of your photos and then piece them together in a way that show them off effectively.

Today's Tip

Occasionally, enlarge those photos that's special to you. The bigger photos will show off the photo's prominence and help to set the mood for your layout.

Today's Tip

Create Polaroid look-alike by cropping your photos into squares. Next, mat these photos with white cardstocks and you'll have "Polaroid photos" in a jiffy!

Today's Tip

Do you have many photos from the same event with distracting background? Why not crop these photos and turn them into design elements for your page? Line them up to form a page border for your scrapbook layout.

Today's Tip

Need a totally creative title for your beach vacations? Next time you're out on the beach, write out your place of vacation in the sand and take a picture of it. Then use photo as a die cut title for your vacation layout.

Today's Tip

Racking your brains for more creative titles? How about looking to movie titles to create your next page theme? "My Best Friend's Wedding", "A Cinderella Story", "Chocolate Girls" and tons of interesting ones around. Go to http://imdb.com/search if you need some help with your movie titles.

Get Cooking!!!

You've been CHALLENGED!!!!!

How about cooking up something good?  This is a "recipe challenge" of sorts.

I don't want you to scrap a recipe, I want you to follow the recipe below to cook up a delicious layout.

• 3 circles
• 1 picture
• 5 buttons
• scallops
• 1 heart

Mix all together and show us your finished product!!

INFO - Scrapable Moments, Comox - CLOSING

http://scrapablemoments.com/

From the website:

"Scrapable Moments is closing and this is your chance to save big. Perfect time to get some great Christmas gifts at great deals. Hurry in as we are closing soon and things are going fast. Everything must go.

Thank you to all my loyal customers throughout the years but it is time to stop spreading myself so thin and focus on my family. I will miss you all but am looking forward to finally being able to scrapbook again.


Please note there is no free shipping given the already deeply discounted product."

Today's Tip

Want to create a stitched look on your layouts? Do you own a pair of pinking shears? Use it to cut a straight line down a piece of heavy cardstock. Then use the edges of the cut cardstock to trace zig zag stitches on your layouts using a fine black pen.

Today's Tip

A fun way to create bullet points to your journaling is to use brads. To make sure that your bullet points are lined up evenly on your layout, poke holes using a thick needle point where your bullet points should be and then inserts your brads.

Contest Results

Well, the contest period has closed, and then some, and no posts to the blog.... so no winner :(   I guess I get to keep the prize.

But, we're closing in on 250 hits to the blog!!!  Woohoo.

Anything you want to see here?  Let me know!

Today's Tip

Do you tend to have a hard time recalling specific details to an event? Then bring along a small notebook with you and quickly jot down answers to date and place of event, people, highlights, activities, feelings. Then tear out these handwritten notes and place them with your photos. Whenever you're ready to create your layouts, you'll have all the handy answers on hand.

Today's Tip

Isn't it frustrating whenever you need your liquid glue and it's clogged? For a quick fix, squeeze out a little glue after using it and let it dry on the end of the tube. Next time you need to use it, simply peel off the dried glue and your liquid glue will be clog free.

Today's Tip

Stuck with limited color schemes? Want to expand your possibilities? Whenever you come across pleasing color combo, cut out these well-done color schemes from magazines and place them in your "favorite color scheme" binder.

Today's Tip

Instead of an exacto knife to cut out your lettering, use a pair of long, curved cuticle scissors to cut them out. Not only does it save time but allows you to cut tiny lettering with great control too.

Today's Tip

You don't always need a page title. Sometimes your journaling is sufficient for the page. Simply writing one or two words in your journaling in capitals might be enough to convey the main story of the page. So save your title.

Today's Tip

Add more texture to your cardstock by crumpling it.

Cardstock can be quite stiff, so run it under a drizzle of water to soften it. Then start crumpling the cardstock.

To dry it, flatten it out and use a towel to absorb the moisture. Let it dry completely before using.

Today's Tip

Is your background competing with your photos? Lay a piece of vellum over the background to mute the strong background colors.

Today's Tip

For a soft and classy look, write your journaling on a piece of cardstock then place a piece of vellum over the journaling block.

Today's Tip

Scraplift (copy) a page to quickly achieve a fantastic-looking layout! I love looking at others' layouts and I love scraplifiting those designs that caught my fancy. Even with scraplifting, you can create very different looks. So you'll still retain your unique look. Look through others' scrapbook layouts. See any inspiring layouts that you really like? Scraplift that page.

Today's Tip

Want to create a unique handwritten title? Handwrite with wide enough space between each letter. Cut out each handwritten letter and mat it on a cardstock. Be amazed by how your handwritten title will look like a unique font!

Today's Tip

Add on a premade envelope to your layout to tuck in the extra journaling. Give your envelope a unique look by customizing it to your own preference. You can also use library pocket to tuck in your extra journaling too.

Today's Tip

Want to know how to quickly spread liquid adhesive over a large surface area?

How about using those phoney plastic credit cards you receive in the mail?  The ones you're not using on your latest vacation layout to show how you paid for the trip.  Save your used phone cards too as they are great glue-spreaders!  Use the otherwise wasted plastic card to swipe and spread the liquid glue into a thin, even layer over a big surface area. When you're done, simply wipe the card clean and reuse again and again.

Gypsy by ProvoCraft

If anybody out there has the Gypsy, let us know what you think.  I`m almost ready to buy one, but not quite...... convince me.  LOL

Cricut / Cricut Expressions

And I do have both of these....... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Cricuts!!!!!

Bind-It-All (I got this, but haven't used it all too much)

The new Bind-It-All (BIA) makes punching and binding easier than ever! It's the only dual action machine that will punch and bind chipboard, acrylic, clipboard wood, canvas artboard, and more! The BIA allows endless applications and creativity.

Stickles (these are a current favorite of mine)

Let your art "sparkle" with acid free, non-settling Stickles™ glitter glue! Easily write, dot, dash, draw and embellish on paper and rubber stamping projects, candles, memory album covers and more! Available in .5 oz. fine point applicator tip bottles.

• Acid free
• Non-toxic
• Non-settling

• Easy-flow tip

• Water wash-off

Smooch (has anybody tried these yet?)

I bought one of these recently, but haven't tried it yet.  Has anybody tried?  What do you think?

Stylish pearlized ink with a foam applicator tip, fast drying and archival safe.

Today's Tip

Old Magnetic Photo Albums



If you still have some of your photos in the old magnetic albums here is a great tip for removing those photos.

Your photos might be stuck to the pages in these albums, but don't worry.  Simply take some waxed dental floss and gently work the floss back and forth under your photo.  Works like a charm!!!

I've also heard that putting your album in the freezer will harden the glue and make it easier to remove, but I haven't tried this method.

My Great-Niece on Her First Halloween

First Halloween

Today's Tip!

Cleaning Clear Stamps


Baby wipes work like a charm!  Even if stamping with both inks and acrylic paints, I grab a baby wipe and it got it all off.  AND all the ink and paint that was on my hands too!

No harsh chemicals or special stamp cleaner needed, just a pack of baby wipes. Since one wipe can clean multiple stamp surfaces, you can put the wipe in a plastic bag to stay moist and use it again later!

How about a Prize????

All blog posts from November 1 to November 7 will be entered into a draw for a prize!!!!

So start blogging!!!!!  Let us know what you've been up to!!!!  Maybe show us some of your work.  Maybe you have a question, comments, or new technique/tool?  We'd love to ooohhh and ahhhhh over any or all of it.

Happy Halloween!!!!!

Anybody going to be scrapbooking this weekend?

Can't wait to see some halloween layouts!!!!!!

Today's Tip!

Hide journaling and/or squeeze more photos on a page

Do you have more pictures for a layout than you have space for?  Or do you simply want to hide your journalling?

One option is to choose one of the photos and turn it into a 'pocket'.  Simply use adhere only the sides and bottom of the photo/matting and you have your journaling pocket!  Just slip your photo or journaling into the pocket, making sure it sticks out enough that you'll notice it's there, attach some ribbon at the top to pull it out, and you're done!

Today's Tip!

Carpet Tape


Carpet tape is, apparently, acid-free, double-sided tape used for laying carpets but it can also be used in cardmaking and act as a scrapbooking adhesive for embellishments and glitter.

Today's Tip!

Remove a rub-on without damaging your layout!

Use double sided tape to "peel" a misplaced or skewed rub-on from your photo or paper.

Today's Tip

Save Money on Foam Adhesive Dots


When I use 3-D foam adhesive dots, I don't waste anything!!

Save the areas left when the circles are punched out!  They are sticky too and can been easily torn or cut out.  Use them under things that won't show! You'll get twice the product for the money!

Today's Tip!

Too Many Pictures? Try This!

When you have too many pictures from an event and don't want to create multiple layouts, consider a mini album within the page to showcase those extra pictures.  Mat the mini album in coordinating paper and tie together with a ribbon, raffia, or fancy closure.

NOTE re: Multiply Site

Please note that I have CANCELLED the Multiply site (http://multiply.com/mail/updates/aunt2jaymz#_mainfilter) and THIS will be the new MAIN site for Ladybug Layouts.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but I think that this site is a much better fit for our needs.

See you soon!!!!!

Today's Tip

Preparing for a Scrapbook Crop

This makes so much sence in my head, but if I could just put into practice.

Preparation is everthing when going to a crop. It always seems that I take WAY more than I could ever hope to use and the one thing I need is sitting in my studio at home. This isn't suppose to be stressful - it's suppose to be fun and relaxing. Being organized is the key.

Organizing Paper - How is your paper organized? By color? By theme? In some other fashion? Or maybe it's still in the planning stages (wink, wink). Wouldn't it be nice to have all your papers sorted, protected, and easy to find? This is my goal.

Embellishments - this is the easiest for me to organize. I LOVE my emebellishment storage!!!! Pick your favorite storage method and take the time to organize it ONCE. Then everything will be easy to find, and use!

Stickers -another tough challenge. I've tried a number of ways to store these and find that accordion folders work the best for me. I have them sorted by holidays, words and letters, etc...

Tools - only take the necessities! Check with your crop organizer to find out what, if any, tools will be available so that you don't need to bring bulky items like my die cutting machine, embossing tool, ribbon iron (yes, I have one of these), and many other tools. Check with your crop cropping buddies to see what they are bringing and avoid doubling-up. I have even heard of crops where computers and printers are set up to assist you with your journalling!

Of course, for the highly organized, make up page layout kits. Each kit should include everything needed to complete your layout; papers/cardstock, embellishments, photos/memorabilia, etc. The only thing not in your kit should be adhesive.

You are now ready for your next class, crop, or weekend retreat!!!!!

Label everything! It will make your search much easier.

Having Blogging Issues....

.... darn it.  Hopefully figure it out soon!!!!!

Today's Tip

Journaling
Journaling is so important in scrapbooking, it tells our story for future generations. We all have photos or albums where there are people, places, or times that we can not easily identify. We always intend to sort those out, but then life gets busy, loved ones pass on and, with those, we lose the knowledge and important details.

I know, for many of us, journally feels like a chore, but it can be fun. Use your creativity to display your journaling in interesting ways. Use embellishments to replace letters or words....have fun! And I will try to practice what I preach..... I promise!

Today's Tip

Great Way to Preserve your Child's Artwork!

Do you have no place to store that precious artwork of your child? Is there absolutely no way it will fit in your album?

Here is a great tip!
Scan the artwork adjust to the size you would like and then print on acid free paper. Now you have wonderful scrapbook paper for their album!

Work in progress

This is definitely still a work in progress, but if you have any pointers for me, let me know!!!!!

Okay, new plan......

Got a new laptop today and plan is to make use of this blog!!!! Plan to update it WAY more often and use it to stay in touch with my scrapbooking friends!!!! Wish me luck!!!!

Today's Tip! - Card Crafting Basics - Measuring

This is an excerpt from a July 2006 article in CardMaker magazine:
Card Crafting Basics
Card crafting is easy, creative and fun. Collect basic tools and supplies, learn a few simple terms and techniques, and you're ready to start. The possibilities abound!


__________________________________________________________________________________


Measuring

Rulers - a metal straightedge for cutting with a craft knife (a must-have tool).  Match the length of the ruler to the project (shorter rulers are easier to use when working on smaller projects).
Quilter's grid ruler - Use to measure squares and rectangles.