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?

Today is my 20th Wedding Anniversary

We've planned a pretty low-key celebration with dinner out and a show after.

I'm so overwhelmed as 20 years passes by so quickly.  Of course, as in all relationships, there have been ups and downs but through it all we've stuck together and he is still my best friend.

We've seen many loved ones come into this world, come into our lives, and we've also seen too many leave.  All hold a special place in our hearts.

Thank you, honey, for the best years of my life and I look forward to the next 20 years!  I love you!

Back from my Vacation.....

.... and lots of work to do.  I have blog posts to catch up on, housework to be done, projects to complete.  And, I'm sorry to say, I'm starting with the housework.

I've come home with fresh prints of my sister's family and need to see if I can create layouts to do the beautiful family photos justice.  I will give these some thought.

In the meantim, do you have any projects you are working on?  Anything you'd like to share?  Descriptively or photos?  I'd love to see.

Today's Tip: Beads

To make a cool and color appropriate embellishment for a layout, pick out seed beads and wire that matches colors in your layout. string the beads on your layout and twist into whatever shape you can think up.

Today's Tip: Magic Mesh

Do you love the look of mesh on layouts, but cringe at the cost?  I use the mesh drywall tape! It's really inexpensive, already has an adhesive backing, and it can be painted or inked or chalked to whatever color you want. You can tear it, distress it, thread ribbons through it and more.

I've also used it as a "stencil" by sticking it down on my paper then dab an ink pad over it.  Pull up your mesh and you have a great pattern, good for a background, a photo mat, or anything.


Its really cheap for a HUGE roll. You can get it any home improvement or hardware store. Lots of the big chain stores sell it also.
 
I haven't tested it for acidity, though, so if that's an issue for you, you may wish to check it out or refrain from placing in direct contact with your photos.
 
(My husband is a drywaller and hates the stuff for drywall, so he doesn't steal it from me..... tee hee hee)

Today's Tip: Measuring Tape

Ruler/Measuring Tape Ideas

• Baby
• Recipe
• Measuring Time
• Children Growing/Birthdays
• School Days
• Tool Time
• Working in the Garage
• Project with Dad
• Measuring Love
• Diet & Weight-Loss
• The Measure of a Man, Hero, Parent, Grandparent...
• Not being able to measure the price of Freedom

Today's Tip: Mixing Patterned Paper

• Mix different size patters together - such as a one large pattern with a few smaller patterns.
• Use consistent patterns with different colors
• Use patterns with similarities other than color
• Use a solid piece of card stock to pull together several patterns using the same color.
• Use patterns with subtle similarities
• Use patterns with the main colors within the same color family
• Try thinking of it as an outfit (for someone who will wear patterns)
• Put all your patterns on your desk beside each other, step back and squint. If something sticks out like a sore thumb, remove that pattern and look again
• If you have a pattern you want to use, but it doesn't quite match, try changing it with chalks, inks, or laying vellum over to tone it down
• When using bright patterns, if you like them together, but something just isn't quite right - try "inking" the edges white. It will soften the colors and give it a more unified look.
• Try using texture patterns in different shades of one color instead, such as using three pieces of  different shades of pink with all different textures

Today's Tip: Pets

You love your pets and they love you, but try to get them at their best AND their worst.  How about:

• 
  Sleeping (where does it like to sleep the most?)
• Being naughty
• Playing
• Doing tricks
• Eating

Today's Tip: Mom

Adding your personal thoughts about your Mother makes your scrapbook more sentimental and a much nicer gift. Here are a few ideas on what to write about:

• Physical looks
• Hobbies
• Talents
• Special achievements
• Your Thoughts
• All the reasons you love your mom
• Things your mom does for you that you are grateful for
• Things your mom taught you