Embellishments: 4 Tricks for Using Washi Tape

 

Washi Tape Tips

 

Hello Friends!

I am writing today to share some washi tape tricks. Washi tape is a thin, slightly translucent paper tape. It is great for embellishing cards and scrapbook pages. Here are a few ways I use washi tape:

 

1. Embellish your embellishments: I added washi tape to this wooden butterfly from CTMH. I used liquid glass to secure it. (Blogpost on Liquid Glass)
 

2. Create your own craft pins by using head pins with the ball tip. You can purchase head pins at beads stores or any craft store that selling beading supplies. I love the ball tip head pins over the flat heads for creating craft pins because they look more finished. Fold over some washi tape and cut into banner shape, pennant shape or leave squared off. I like to make a bunch while I am doing it and I don't cut the shapes until I am ready to use it. That way I can tailor it to my page.

3. Place strips of washi tape over cardstock, lining up any patterns. Then use decorative punches to cut shapes out of the washi cover cardstock.

4. Use colored or plain metal paper clips and fold some washi tape up creating a flag. Again you can cut them into various banner or pennant shapes.

 



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Digital Scrapbooking: Grandma's Album

Hello Friends,

I have never done digital scrapbooking, because I am addicted to paper, stamps, embellishments...the works! However, I wanted to give digital a try. So here is my first experience with digital scrapbooking. I used the Studio J program offered through Close to My Heart. I wanted to approach this as a consumer really give you a true product review. I know you may think I am biased but Studio J is truly amazing. 

 

I did some research comparing Studio J and a competitor. Here are the main points:

Studio J gives you:

• A two page layout for $6.95
• 3 jpegs per layout, a small one for the web (as pictured below) and one large jpeg per page to use for printing again later.
• Shipping for $5.95 for a box of upto 50 layouts
• Offers a 5 pack for $39.95 which includes 5 layouts and shipping included (perfect for a gift or for you to stock up on layouts)
• Many digital options including layouts already designed and ready to just place the pictures and print, paper packs with embellishments, and a way to build from your pages from scratch.
• Customizable! Titles, color choices, journaling...etc!
• The paper and printing is 100+ year archival printing process.
• Plus, videos and tips to help you get the most from the program.

 From the research I did I found that Shutterfly offers:

• A one page layout for $6.99, shipping not included
• Very limited paper options
• No customization.
• Not sure about their printing process.  

So I am truly amazed at what Studio J offers! I suggest you give it a try. You can create your first layout without even creating an account and at no cost! Only when you are ready to hit print will you need to create an account so you can save your projects.

 

If you have any questions please let me know!! Check out the layouts I created for a scrapbook for my mom. It was her Mother's Day present.

Why Scrapbook Sketches?

Sketchy Mondays

Vivien Hughston, Sketches and Scrapbooking 2009

Hello Friends,

There are a few reasons why I started this blog. The main reason is to share with you my passion for scrapbooking. My other reasons include: to teach, to expose you to my favorite scrapbooking company (Close To My Heart), to expand my knowledge, and to help keep up with my scrapping.

This post falls under two categories. To teach you, and in turn, teach myself. I was searching pinterest looking for scrapbook sketches. This one pin caught my eye because it was hand drawn. I clicked it and it took me the following article. I was looking for something for you to use and wound up educating myself.

Why Sketches?

• Sketches will aid in the creative process
• They will speed up the process
• One sketch can help create many layouts

Because of this article I will now sketch out all the layouts I complete, before and after. This will be a great asset to me when I am trying to complete a layout quickly. Also, I will post the sketch of my layout for you to use as well!

Please read the following article and comment below about what you learned. Are you going to start using sketches this way?

http://www.examiner.com/article/sketches-and-scrapbooking

Cards: Gratitude Gift Set

Hello Friends!

Here is a really quick and easy gift for someone, or for you to keep. People love handmade cards, so what's better than a set of handmade Thank You cards.

I used the second generation stamping technique. What that means is this: I stamped the first branch with full color straight from the ink pad, then WITHOUT re-inking I stamped it again. This gives the illusion of depth. Next, I stamped a thank you sentiment. Mine was the gratitude stamp from the same stamp set.

For an extra finishing touch you can draw a frame around the edges of the card.

There you have it! A totally easy, but beautiful card. Make 5 cards and 5 envelopes and give them as a small gift. Anyone would be lucky to receive it!

Please leave me a comment below! Did you learn a new stamping technique? How did you like the look?

May Specials



In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get a special paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos. The colors are vibrant and the each of the cardstock sheets have a unique glossy resist pattern that will add texture and make your artwork pop!

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 when you place an order of $50 or more.

Therefore, with these two promotions you can get both the Dream Pop Paper Packet and the Stamp of the Month with a final order of $55! Check out my Fan Page for more artwork and projects you can complete using the paper pack and the Pinwheel stamp set!

Thanks for reading! Please Pin It, Share and Tweet!

Tips: 4 Tricks to Using Liquid Glass

Hello Friends!
I apologize up front for the quality of the photos. I had to take the pics with my phone because my computer was infected with a virus this weekend (Boo Hoo)! Therefore, I have no photoshop either. With that said I am here today to show you a few tricks with one of my favorite crafting tools, Liquid Glass. If you are not sure what Liquid Glass is, well let me tell you it is a must have! It can be used for a very strong adhesive and to give a clear embossed look to just about anything, but there's more!!

Here are my other tips and techniques:

1. Make your own crafting pins

Purchase head pins with the balls, instead of just the flat head and add your own beads. You can get head pins from a bead store or any craft store selling jewelry making supplies. Use liquid glass to glue the beads and let dry for at least a 2 hours (prefer to let them sit a day). If you can make a bunch in advance and then you have them for when you need them! In the image below I used glass pearls and a clear AB glass bead, all about size 4mm.

2. Use Liquid glass to enhance any patterned paper

     a. Choose your patterned paper. Decide what parts of the pattern you want to enhance and lightly squeeze the liquid glass onto the paper, making sure not to add bubbles (do not shake the bottle).

     b. You can take this one step further by adding glitter to the liquid glass while still wet. I like the micro fine glitter, especially if you are enhancing a small pattern. However, any glitter will work.

3. Give stamped images more pizazz by adding the liquid glass. It will look like a clear raised image. It also gives the ink color a deeper, richer hue. Wait to cut out the image until after the liquid glass is dry, otherwise it warp if you cut it out first.

4. Use it as a glue for washi tape, baker's twine,and embellishments.

Washi tape is wonderful, but it isn't super sticky. I applied washi tape to this butterfly and used the liquid glass on the back to secure it.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope you found this informative. Do you have a favorite product that you can't craft without? Please leave a comment and let me know what you love!

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get a special paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos. The colors are vibrant and the each of the cardstock sheets have a unique glossy resist pattern that will add texture and make your artwork pop!

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 when you place an order of $50 or more.

Therefore, with these two promotions you can get both the Dream Pop Paper Packet and the Stamp of the Month with a final order of $55! Check out my Fan Page for more artwork and projects you can complete using the paper pack and the Pinwheel stamp set!

Do you have a favorite product that you can't craft without? Please leave a comment and let me know what you love!

Thanks for reading!

Layout: All about Me

 

Hello Friends!

 

I have been trying to grow as a scrapbooker, stamper, and overall crafter. I have been checking out pinterest and researching new products and trends. One of those trends is the 8 1/2 x 11 layout. Another, is what I have named the clustering or free form style. So I decided I wanted to challenge myself.

Not only challenge myself once but in 3 ways:

1. Scrap an 8 1/2 x 11" page

2. Use the clustering style

3. Start a scrapbook strictly about me.

 

I am almost always behind the camera and telling others' stories. I want to leave something to my children so they can learn more about me as a person. Also, by pushing myself with my scrapping style I am learning more about myself too!

 

So with all that said here is my multi-challenge attempt: the cover page to my scrapbook "It's All About Me."

 

I used kraft cardstock for the base and used the Dream Pop paper pack (the CTMH May Constant Campaign) for the additional papers. You can see in the above and below pictures the grey chevron paper. That one of the cardstocks from Dream Pop, it is a clear embossed (or tone-on-tone) chevron pattern. All the cardstocks are amazing! Also above in this photo I used the polka dot fabric from the For Always Textiles pack. I wrapped it around a piece of cardstock and secured all edges using liquid glass.

 

I wanted to try a compilation of fonts, stickers and stamps to create my title. I added a frame cut from the Art Philosophy Cartridge and embellished with butterflies and black crystal also from CTMH.

 

There you have it! I hope you like the end result as much as I do.

 

What have you done lately to challenge yourself? Whether it is craft related or not. Please leave your comments below. I would love to hear! 

 

May Specials

 

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get a special paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos. The colors are vibrant and the each of the cardstock sheets have a unique glossy resist pattern that will add texture and make your artwork pop!

 

 

 

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 when you place an order of $50 or more.

Therefore, with these two promotions you can get both the Dream Pop Paper Packet and the Stamp of the Month with a final order of $55! Check out my Fan Page for more artwork and projects you can complete using the paper pack and the Pinwheel stamp set!

Thanks for reading! Please Pin It, Share and Tweet!

Project Series: Mini Album Part 3

Travel Mini Album

Stamping and Embellishment Tips 

Hello Friends,

 

Back for another installment of my Travel Mini Album! The purpose of this post is to show you a project I created and at the same time use it to teach various techniques and highlight Close To My Heart products. Please take these techniques and apply them to any project, card, or layout of your choice!

This is part 3 of a 6 part series:

• Part 1: Front & Back Cover
• Part 2: Pages 2 & 3
• Part 3: Pages 4 & 5
• Part 4: Pages 6 & 7
• Part 5: Pages 8 & 9
• Part 6: Pages 10 & 11



Page 4

On page 4 of the Mini Album I wanted cover it with paper. I used a kraft paper color and embossed it used my cuttlebug machine and metal plate embossing folder for a masculine look. I stamped the black cardstock with a subtle grid pattern using black ink. It adds texture rather than a bold stamped look. I rounded the corners and inked the edges of the cream colored cardstock for a journaling block. Finally, I added some embellishments including a corrugated bracket that I lightly inked with black to bring out the texture.
 

 

On page 5 of the Mini Album I covered this page in two coordinating papers and separated them with baker’s twine. I used CTMH Liquid Glass adhesive to secure it. It is a wonderful adhesive, just be sure to give it plenty of time to dry! I stamped the journal block with the lined stamp from the April 2012 Stamp of the Month and added some more embellishments to finish the page.

May Specials 

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get a special paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95). This paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos. The colors are vibrant and the each of the cardstock sheets have a unique glossy resist pattern that will add texture and make your artwork pop!

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 when you place an order of $50 or more.  

Therefore, with these two promotions you can get both the Dream Pop Paper Packet and the Stamp of the Month with a final order of $55! Check out my Fan Page for more artwork and projects you can complete using the paper pack and the Pinwheel stamp set!

Thanks for reading! Please Pin It, Share and Tweet!