CHA

Is anybody at CHA?  Following CHA?  Excited about CHA?

One day, I would like to go!  I think it looks incredible!!!!

How about the eCraft?  Did you check it out?  What do you think?
http://www.craftwellusa.com/pages/home

Okay, I HAVE to get some Scrapping done tomorrow night.....

I am falling further and further behind and have had FAR too many projects on the go.  I vow tonight that tomorrow I will finish at least one layout!!!!!!  I'll report back tomorrow.

Have you been any better than me?  Have you done any scrapbooking?

Today's Tip! - Cricut Mat Cleaning

Just found this GREAT little tip for removing all those little paper scraps that take forever to clear from your Cricut mat.

Watch the video to see how. You're gonna LOVE this one!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uu7rqeL2Ns&feature=player_embedded#!

So excited.......

Only 10 more sleeps until my sister, brother-in-law, and all my nieces and nephews get here.

How is your summer going?

Kiki Art Newletter Name Call Out

Kiki Art is creating a new newsletter and is looking for help naming it.

Post your suggestions on their blog site to have your idea considered.

Something fun and you get to create with your mind.

Deadline for submission is July 31.

Today's Tip - Scrapbook Layout Tips - Final Thoughts

A few final thoughts to help you come up with ideas for scrapbooking pages:

• Remember the "Golden Ratio" - 1, 3, or 5 of the same item will typically have a more finished look.
• When using metals, keep them matched.  Use all gold, all silver, or all brass, rather than mixing.
• Be aware of the alignment and placement of all the titems on your page.  Nothing should be placed arbitrarily.  Every element should have a visual connection with something else on the page.
• Items relating to each other should be grouped close together.  When several items are in close proximity to each other, they become one visual unit, rather than several separate units.

These are some great starter tips for layout composition.  As you keep these in mind, remember also that there are exceptions to every rule, and your photos and page elements will help you determine what composition is best for you and your page.

Today's Tip - Scrapbook Layout Tips - Adding the Other Elements

Sure, your photos may be the focal point of your scrapbook, but what fun is scrapbookign without the scrapbook embellishments, stickers, titles, etc?  Every element should relate or connect to another item on the page.  Repeat colors, shapes, textures, etc. throughout your layout to maintain consistency and balance in your srapbook layout design.

Today's Tip - Scrapbook Layout Tips - Arranging Photos

Once you have your theme chosen, it's time to begin thinking about how you will arrange your photos on the page.  There are many visual design elements that can help you to arrange you rphotos ofr the best overall look.

Consider a layout you've seen before.  How could you tailor it to meet your theme, photo size, number of photos, etc?  PageMaps are a great way to plan your layouts and give you many options.

Today's Tip - Scrapbook Layout Tips - Pick a Page Theme

Looking at your photos, start by picking a theme for your page.  The theme can relate to the events, people, or places in your photos.  They can be one-work themes like "Love" or "Joy".

Let your creative juices flow and you'll find yourself with a solid start to an impressive layout design.

NOTE:  Most often, when I refer to a scrapbook "page" , I am meaning a 2-page layout.  While there are a few benefits to using the occasional 1-page layout (eg. at the beginning of an album or to mark a separation within an album), I always recommend a 2-page layout for the sake of consistency, flow, and overal visual appeal.

Quilt & French Memory Board

Okay, as promised (albeit a little late) here is the quilt and french memory board I made for my 3rd cousin (is that right?)

Busy, busy, busy......

Besides the BEAUTIFUL weather we've been experiencing, I've also had many things on the go lately.  Hopefully things will slow down a bit next week and I'll find some good tips to pass on to all of you.

In the meantime, I haven't been working on any paper projects for the last little while, but have been working on a quilt anf I have to say it's turning out very nice.  Will finish it up and present it this weekend and will then post some photos.

What projects have YOU been working on?

Today's Tip - Picnik

My cousin introduced me to a new photo editing site, www.picnik.com.  I've just started playing with it, but so far, I like it.

Do you use on-line photo editing?  What site do you use?  Have you tried Picnik?

Happy Monday!!!!

Good morning all..... I'm back to work today after 2 weeks off.  This will be a long day!

Tomorrow night, will hopefully get some crafting done!!!!!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

To me,

and to all our friends in the United States,

a very Happy Independance Day!!!!

No tip today, but rather a poll......

Does anybody wear a "crafting apron"?

Do you have one?

What do you like about it?  What would you change?

Just thinking about them because aprons seem to be making a bit of a comeback (since I tend to wear a lot of what I'm cooking, I'm thinking I may need a few).  And this thought led me to crafting aprons.

Are they better for the stand-up scrappers out there?