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!