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.