5 - Better Scrap Newsletter Project

Have you signed up for the Better Living Through Scrapbooking newsletter yet?  There's loads of inspiration every month, tutorials, and sometimes even a monthly prize.  Go to the right sidebar of the Better Scrap page to sign up.

Here are the details for the newsletter challenge. I highlighted in red the ones I chose to use:

Hate growing older? Try to remember it for the good times you had.
Scrap your favorite Birthday memory!

Options (choose two):
1. Paint on your page using object other than brush (pencil eraser, q-tip, bubble wrap, etc)
2. Make an embellishment entirely from cardstock (okay, so I cheated and used some patterned paper, too!)
3. Use multiple layers of cardstock for a photo mat - try ripping, using a border punch, die-cut machine, etc, for fun!
4. Journal on a shape
5. Use a very bright color palette - vibrant yellows, reds, blues, and greens!

Aynyone that knows me well knows that I don’t ever have a big to-do on my birthday. I like to celebrate peacefully with just my husband and son. But boy, do I like to throw a party!! One of my very favorite memories is Shane’s 5th birthday back in 1994. It was the spring after my father passed away, and I thought we needed a good party to bring everyone together. I ordered up a clown, and we had everyone from both sides of our family in attendance. Shane also had loads of his little friends there to help celebrate the day. This party accomplished all that I wanted it to – Shane had a fabulous 5th birthday, and everyone that came that day had lots of good laughs!


Sponsor Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Polka Dots Evening Surf, Sunflower 80#, Brilliant White 80#”
Embellishments: Charlene’s Button Box
Adhesives: Plaid: All Night Media “Pop Dots”; Mod Podge “Dimensional Magic”

Additional Supplies Used:
Patterened Paper: Close To My Heart “Animal Cookies”
Printable Stamps: The Cutting Cafe “Birthday Fun”
Embellishments: Close To My Heart “Foam Numbers, Sunflower Waxy Flax, Organdy Ribbon, White Daisy RicRac”

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal Day

I hope you that you are thinking about your Bucket List layout from last week.  You've got until the end of the month to submit to Better Living Through Scrapbooking to be eligible for a prize!

This week we are challenging you to scrap about your charity work:

“The Greatest of These is Charity” challenge
One way to make your life better is through scrapbooking, another way is to do something nice for someone else. Scrap about something you do or have done for someone else. A loved one, a neighbor, a charity, etc.
Choose 2 of the following: (I've highlighted the ones I did!)
1. Print an element of your page (NOT a photo) using your home or office printer. This can be your title, your journaling, an embellishment, or anything else you can use on your page, but not a photo!
2. Use three brads somewhere on your page.
3. Use a chipboard letter or shape on your page.
4. Use the following quote somewhere on your page or in your journaling: “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. . — Bob Hope””

It is so amazing to be involved with a charity! I am sharing this layout about one of the things that is truly near and dear to my heart. Do you ever go to the mailbox and just hope there might be a card or letter for you? Of course you do! We all love happy mail. It can pick us up on a hard day, and it helps us remember that there are people thinking of us – even if we don’t know it. My layout is about just that. I send handmade cards to Operation Write Home and Share-A-Card. Both organizations are tremendous and really have found a way to help others that truly need mail.

I created a kind of unique background for my page. I found this idea in Creating Keepsakes special issue, “101+ Creative Ways to Use Your Scrapbook Supplies” (page 54). I adhered several different pieces of chipboard to my kraft cardstock. Then I painted the paper and chipboard with Apple Barrel paint. When it was dry, I covered that with gloss mod podge. Now that takes a little time, but what a unique background with a fun 3-D effect! As you can see, my layout is pretty simple from there. I created my own embellishments using vellum, flowers, buttons, and ribbons. So fun to just pile things on!!

Sponsor Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Kraft #80, Black Linen #80,Primary Red Vellum”
Embellishments: Charlene’s Button Box; Discount Cardstock “French Vanilla Bazzill Flowers”
Adhesives: Plaid: All Night Media “Pop Dots: Mod Podge Gloss
Paint: Apple Barrel “King’s Gold”

Additional Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Close To My Heart “White Daisy”
Embellishments: Close To My Heart “Sparkles, Dimensional Elements”; May Arts “Black Wrinkled Ribbon”
Other Tools: Making Memories Slice; Making Memories Slice Design Card “Think Pink”

What's Your Bucket List?

That is the challenge this week at Better Living Through Scrapbooking.  It was a very heartfelt project for me, and I did a lot of thinking.  Our sponsors this month along with Plaid and Discount Cardstock are Charlene's Button Box and Punky Sprouts.  Here are the details for the challenge:

November Challenge #1 - “Bucket List” Challenge
Create a layout or mini-album about the items on your “bucket list” (things you want to do or see before you “kick the bucket”).

Choose at least 2 of the following:
1. Use only scraps of paper from your scrap paper collection in the album.
2. Use photos printed from a royalty-free photo website such as Stock Xchange to represent the items in your album from your “bucket list”.
3. Use color mist such as Tattered Angels, walnut ink spray, or your own homemade color spray to add some color to your mini-album pages.
4. On the cover of your mini-book, use various rub-ons for the title.

I was very happy to work with this Punky Sprouts album. These marvelous mini albums are so sturdy and have so much variety within themselves! I used Crate’s new collection, Restoration, for this album. So often I scrap in “boy” colors, and because this was for me, I wanted something pretty and soft. I used Plaid’s Mod Podge to adhere all my paper, and when the album was completed I sealed the covers with Plaid’s Matte Mod Podge. It’s a fabulous sealer so that your work on mini albums is protected. I splashed some paint across the front, let it dry, and then stamped “my bucket list” with Staz-On timber brown. The little butterfly resting on the banner is a button from Charlene’s Button Box. 

I splashed some paint on the corners and used rub-on numbers to mark my list items.  I wanted to go through and explain each of my items, but I put little titles on each page using letters from October Afternoon.  The journal blocks you will see on all my pages are printable stamps from The Cutting Cafe

Now I love fabric/canvas pages! Anything you can do on a regular page, you can do on canvas. Rub-ons adhere very well!

If you want to read my pages, just click on the picture. I took my pictures up close so that you would be able to do that. I wrote very honestly in my album. After all, it’s just between you and me :)

I will tell you what my mid pages are all about. This is an acrylic page, but I covered it with paper because I wanted to continue with the flow of the beautiful Crate paper. The journaling on the first part of this page says, “Pausing here…who knew it would be so difficult to write a bucket list? To think about ‘before the end.’ My guess is that I must be living a contented life…” (Look to the next page for the rest of this thought.)

I continue on the back of the rounded page by saying, "…because I am GOOD with what I am accomplishing and do not have any regrets. It is amazing if we let go and let God, our journey is all the richer." 

Those fabulous chipboard elements from Crate are just fabulous!

 

I am anxious to see what you come up with for this week’s project!

Sponsor Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Kraft #80, Clove Felt #80”
Embellishments: Charlene’s Button Box
Adhesives: Plaid: All Night Media “Pop Dots, Mod Podge Paper, Mod Podge Matte
Paint: Plaid: Apple Barrel “Antique White”

Additional Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Close To My Heart “Colonial White”
Patterned Paper: Crate “Restoration”
Ink: Staz-On “Timber Brown”
Stamps: Close To My Heart “Felicity”; The Cutting Cafe “Jot it Down”
Embellishments: Crate “Restoration Stickers, Rub-Ons, and Chipboard”; Jenni Bowlin “Chipboard Banners, Bingo Card”; Close To My Heart “Colonial White Crocheted Ribbon, Black Legacy Writer, Sparkles, Number Rub-Ons”; Mark Richards “Assorted Gems and Pearls”; October Afternoon “Letter Stickers”; Bo Bunny “Mama-Razzi Flowers”; Prima “Natural Flowers”; Michael’s “Organdy Ribbon White and Gold”

Other Tools: Martha Stewart “Double Loop Punch”; Making Memories Slice Design Card “Bon Appetit”

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal

“Favorite Recipe Challenge” at Better Living Through Scrapbooking
Create a page showcasing your favorite recipe that you received from your mother, grandmother, or other relative or family friend.

Choose at least 2 of the following:
1. Include a photo of yourself preparing the dish, or a photo of the completed dish.
2. Include a photo of the person who gave you the recipe.
3. Make a copy of the original recipe, or hand write the recipe on a card and include it on your layout.
4. Use cardstock as your background, but ink, stain, paint, or color-spray it to make it unique.
5. Use a shape punch or border punch somewhere on your page.

I guess I started using this recipe about 12 or 13 years ago. On Christmas morning, we always went to my in-laws for brunch, and my mother-in-law made her traditional brunch. As Shane grew, we decided to start staying home for our own traditional brunch. And that’s what this quiche is. I make it every single year. I also use this recipe when we have company. It’s so easy, and it’s a press-in-the-pan crust. No rolling pin!! Really don’t you think it looks yummy?

I have used three of this week’s options in my layout:
#1 – I used a photo of the finished dish that was taken last Christmas
#3 – I die-cut a fancy recipe card using my Slice Bon Appetit card and hand-wrote the recipe for the layout
#4 – I used kraft cardstock for my background. I so seldom do that! It was fun to paint it using the big circle mesh. I let the mesh dry and added that to the page as well. The splatters in the corners are from an All Night Media background stamp. I love that one!!

Can I tell you a secret? I have really been challenged this month designing for Better Living Through Scrapbooking! I am not much of an emphera girlie, but these challenges have helped me grow and learn more about myself as a scrapbooker. I truly appreciate that about BLTS, and I hope as you go through the challenges you learn more about yourself, too!!

Sponsored Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Kraft 80# 12×12, Really Red Cardstock 80# 12×12″
Stamps: For the Luv of Art “My Favorite Things stamp set; Plaid All Night Media Splatter Background stamp”
Papers and embellishments: Gauche Alchemy “Acme Mixed Media Paper Crafting Kit (mesh); Kitsch Delish Mixed Media Paper Crafting Kit (Basic Grey rub-ons, Nook Pantry paper; Graphic 45 Domestic Goddess paper)”
Paint: Plaid “Apple Barrel: Antique White”

Additional Supplies Used:
Embellishments: American Crafts “Chocolate Ribbon”; Making Memories Slice “Bon Appetit design card” Colorbox “Chestnut Roan ink”

Better Living Through Scrapbooking

Time for a new reveal at Better Living Through Scrapbooking!  First, I'll share the details:

“About Me Challenge” Create a scrapbook page layout about yourself!

Choose at least 2 of the following:
1. Include at least one photograph of you (and only you).
2. Journal about yourself (i.e., your quirks, something you would like to change, your hopes, disappointments, etc.)
3. Use a traditional office supply on your layout.
4. Use foam adhesives or “pop-dots” to give elements on your page dimension.
5. Use an old book or magazine page as part of your layout.

Don’t forget, to be eligible for the grand prize, you must complete all four weekly challenges for the month of October!  Take a peek at the prizes on my right sidebar - they are some good ones!!

Okay, on to my layout ~

I found this challenge rather difficult to do. I scrap about me, but I am not used to this type of layout about myself. I started a book some time ago that is just about me, and I hope this week’s challenge will inspire you to so the same!

I used all five options this week. My office supply is a paper clip, and I attached a flower on top that I cut from my patterned paper. The paper flowers were die cut from a book page that came in my Gauche Alchemy kit. You’ll see some dark brown flowers hidden amongst the others. They were raw chipboard flowers that I painted to match. I also painted the hearts and then gave them a good dose of glitter!

Journaling reads: “What did I want life to be like at 48? I was very goal-oriented in my 20’s. I think I accomplished enough of what I wanted to at that time. I’ve learned a lot about myself over the years and understand now that sometimes goals have to be shifted to meet the circumstance. Now there are wrinkles on my face, and I carry extra pounds, But I am what I hoped I’d be on the inside. I’m happy, over-the-top in love with my husband, proud of my son, and I love my ever-changing life. That’s a pretty good 48 to me!”

Sponsored Supplies Used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Clove Felt 80# 12×12, Patriotic Blue Linen 80# 12×12, Surf Blue Translucent Vellum 27# 12×12”
Stamp: For the Luv of Art “My Favorite Things stamp set”
Papers and embellishments: Gauche Alchemy “Acme Mixed Media Paper Crafting Kit”
Paint: Plaid “Apple Barrel: Burnt Umber, Antique White”
Adhesive: Plaid “All Night Media: Pop Dots”

Additional Supplies Used:
Paper: Close To My Heart “Serendipity”
Embellishments: Close To My Heart “Outdoor Denim Ribbon, Prisma Glitter, Chocolate Ink, Chocolate Brads, Dimensional Elements – On Target “; American Crafts “Thickers: Chit Chat – Chestnut”; Creative Imaginations “Creative Café – Chipboard Shapes”; May Arts “Ivory Wrinkled Ribbon”

Wish

I am still getting that little bit of a jump on my Christmas cards!  It will be so nice to pick out various cards rather than to make in bulk this year.  I am so grateful for all the challenges that keep me on my toes!  This card fits into three challenges - Just Inspirational (Christmas), Glitterbabe (embossing), and Scrapbook Challenges (holiday).

I used the beautiful Bo Bunny Snowy Serenade paper.  I fussy cut the snowflake from a piece of patterned paper.  The CTMH stamp "wish" is embossed with sparkly Bride's Tinsel embossing powder from Judikins.

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal & A Winner!

What is your favorite color?  That's the challenge at Better Living Through Scrapbooking this week - show us your favorite color!  Here are the details...


Create a layout dedicated to your favorite color.
Choose at least 2 of the following:

1. Journal on the layout as if you are speaking directly to your favorite color, and tell it why you love it, and what it means to you.
2. Take a photo of something you love that is in your favorite color, and use it on your layout.
3. Use rounded corners somewhere on your layout.
4. Create hand-doodling somewhere on your page.
5. Make the name of your favorite color a prominent part of your title.

Hmmm…my favorite color. I know what my favorite color is, but I wanted to show you something vibrant, something bright. Wouldn’t you love to see bright pink, maybe a purple, or sunshine yellow? However, the truth of the matter is that I love brown. All things brown – no matter what shade – make me feel peaceful inside. So I am bringing you a layout that is somewhat (ok, extrememly) unconventional for me, but definitely highlights brown!

Plaid is one of our sponsors this month, so I wanted to show several different ways to use paint on a layout. The base sheet is a kraft cardstock, and I painted the edges. If you look closely, you’ll see that I also stamped a splatter stamp on my base and on the corrugated cardstock. I stamped with paint. It gives my layout just a little more texture, I think. That huge leaf is actually a stencil. After painting it, I put some dimensional magic here and there to give it some shine. Do you see the interesting bits and pieces on my layout? How fun are they? They are from another one of our monthly sponsors, Gauche Alchemy, and I am crazy about all these types of embellishments! I used old book pages and a simplicity pattern to make the flowers.

I sprayed the book pages (and the tickets) with Coffee Shop glimmer mist. Once I created the darker flowers, I randomly applied dimensional glaze and some antique bronze stickles. I aged the simplicity pattern flower with chestnut roan ink. Using Norma Kennedy stamps (yet another fabulous sponsor!), I created the journal spot and stamped on the lace. I have to tell you, the black lace is what wrapped my Gauche Alchemy package! How pretty is that!! I’ve used two options this week on my layout . First, I rounded the corners on the journaling tag and secondly, I used the name of my favorite color in my title on that journaling tag.


Plaid Products: Apple Barrel Burnt Umber Paint, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, Fresh Foliage Stencil, Spouncer, All Night Media Splatter Stamp
Gauche Alchemy Products: Ouchless Cardboard, Book Pages, Simplicity Pattern, Pin, Tickets, Lace
Norma Kennedy Stamps: My Favorite Things
Discount Cardstock: Kraft 12×12
Other: Fancy Pants Buttons, Colorbox Chestnut Roan, Tattered Angels Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist, Ranger Antique Bronze Distress Stickles

Go ahead and give it a try!  We'd love to have you join us!  Check my right sidebar for the monthly sponsors and prizes!!


And now for the winner of last week's blog hop prize!  Through random generator, the winner is:

Kim said...

I love your new blog colors! This photo of you and Jerry is precious! You know how I simply adore your style!!!!This layout is just another gorgeous example of your wonder and talent!!!!
Those flowers are scrummy, I must get that die!!!!
Blessings,
Kim xXx
September 26, 2010 8:21 AM

 
I will get that prize in the mail to you tomorrow Kim!  I know you are going to do amazing things with all the goodies!

Cardstock Tutorial for Better Living Through Scrapbooking

Have you thought about that name?  I really do have a better life because I scrapbook.  How about you?

It was my turn to do a tutorial using our beautiful cardstock from Discount Cardstock.  I am going to teach you how to make flowers from scraps!  I have seen a number of these tutorials come out on the internet, but can I tell you a secret?  I have been making these flowers for about 3 years!  Ever since I was taught how to fringe cardstock at a CTMH convention, I kept thinking up ways to use that fringe.  Really, just play sometimes in your craft room and you will find many ways to use things!  Anyway, on to the tutorial ~

Let’s get started with the paper you need for this flower:

I’m starting with two different colors – Eggplant Felt and Kraft. I want to layer my colors so I’ve chosen to use two different cardstocks. The dimensions are Eggplant Felt – 1-1/2″ x 12″, Kraft – 2″ x 12″, and Eggplant Felt – 2-1/2″ x 12″. So you see, I added 1/2″ for every layer. With this simple start, you can create as many layers as you want in as many different colors that you want.

Fold your pieces lengthwise. If you have a bone folder, that works best to get a nice solid crease. The next step is to make those pieces into fringe. Let me show you what it looks like when you are done:

This is a quick technique using your scissors. It doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to make sure to leave about 1/4″ uncut at the fold. I’ve been using this fringe technique for grass, cowboy fringe, and decorative elements on my pages, cards, and gifts for years. Isn’t it fun to turn it into a flower? When you are done cutting the fringe, leave your pieces folded in half. If you like a little distressing, go ahead at this point and add some ink. I love the worn look to my flowers!

Now you are going to start creating your flower, working with the narrowest piece first. I use a high temp glue gun at this point, but glue dots or strong double-sided adhesive will work, too. Put some adhesive near the fold of your cardstock, as I have shown, and start rolling it up until you reach the end:

At that point you are ready to add the next piece:

When you are done, this is what you will have:

Start fanning out the fringe:

And this is what you will end up with:

At this point, you can distress your “petals” some more. You will notice how strong and durable they are!

You can use this flower for just about anything. It is a lovely embellishment for your creations! This is strong enough that it would make a lovely pin as a gift. Just pick up a pin back at your local craft store, and attach it to the back with your glue gun. I’ve chosen to add mine to a Halloween treat bag for one of my friends. You can use an bag pattern to make one out of cardstock and then embellish as you like!

Let me know in the comments if you decide to make one of these. The Better Scrap team would love to see what your lovely work!!

Items used: Bazzill Eggplant and Kraft Cardstock (Discount Cardstock); Hallowe’en in Wonderland (Graphic 45); Black Grosgrain and Lace (Paper Source); Vintage Photo Distress Ink and Applicator Tool (Ranger Ink)

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Blog Hop!

Are you ready for some great inspiration?  The team at Better Living Through Scrapbooking is having a Blog Hop!

Better Living Through Scrapbooking has a fabulous prize pack up for grabs, thanks to Plaid! We will be giving away a Mod Podge starter pack, plus a selection of FolkArt paints, stencils and some Extreme Glitter!  This prize pack is worth $50 retail, and will be awarded to one blog hop participant that comments on ALL of the blog posts during the hop.  You must leave your comments by Saturday, October 2nd to be eligible for the Plaid prize!

All of the design team members are creating a new project for you using the product of their choice.  You'll see a new and fresh style at each and every stop, and I am quite certain you will find a project or two (or more) that matches your style!    Here is what I put together using one of my very favorite pictures of Jerry and me.

My style is definitely more clean lines.  There's always a way to add interest to clean lines, and you'll find that in much of my work.  I like to pop things up (as I've done with "be together"), curl and crinkle (look at the flowers), layer (photo mat and ribbon), and lightly distress edges.  I'm a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to color always making sure my different shades match and that my paper compliments the picture.  Finally, I love a pretty embellishment!!

Items used: Creative Imaginations Beloved paper and stickers; CTMH bookplate, pewter brads, hinges, and ribbon; Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die; Ranger Clear Rock Candy distress paint and Pumice Stone distress ink; ZVA bling; 7 Gypsies rub-on

As you hop, you'll find that many of the design team members are giving away RAK in addition to the big package from Plaid! So be sure to visit all 10 stops and leave comments along the way! 

BetterScrap - http://www.betterscrap.com/

Angela - http://www.theprissypixel.com/

Beth - http://runswithscraps.blogspot.com/

Brenda - http://roseblossomlegacies.blogspot.com/ (you are here!)

Candy - http://candyscraps.typepad.com/

Chelsea - http://scrapbookingtostaysane.blogspot.com/

Kas - http://artloveschaos.blogspot.com/

Kim - http://memoriesinthyme.blogspot.com/

Katie - http://telerobotic.tumblr.com/

Michelle - http://funkyfreshcool.blogspot.com/

If you comment on all 10 blogs, you also have a chance to win a fabulous prize from me!  Winner will be drawn on Saturday and announced on my next Better Living Through Scrapbooking post on Sunday, October 3rd.
 

Package includes a big variety (not all is shown in the picture):

• 30 pieces of patterned/designer paper
• 10 sheets of cardstock
• (2) 12x12 sheets of colored vellum
• (2) 12x12 sheets of green denim cardstock
• (2) 12x12 alpha sheets
• (1) embossed cardstock
• assortment of buttons and ribbon
• a few more surprises just to keep you smiling!!

So grab a cup of coffee (or the beverage of your choice) and hop on!  You won't be disappointed!!

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal Day!

Time for a new challenge!  Have you been playing along?  When you complete all four challenges for the month, you are eligible to win one of the great monthly prizes from our generous sponsors.  Take a look at them on my right sidebar.  You don't have to finish one challenge before the next one comes out.  You just have to complete them all in one given month to be entered for the goodies.  I love the concept of Better Living through Scrapbooking which is "challenges to heal your soul and inspire your mind."  Give us a visit.  I bet you'll find a challenge you'd love to do that will help you grow in this hobby!

Let me tell you about this week's challenge:
"Holiday paper challenge”
Use holiday-themed papers (Christmas, Halloween, Easter, 4th of July, etc.) to create a non-holiday themed page layout or mini album.

Choose at least two of the following:

1. Use photos that are at least five years old.
2. Use punches or a die-cut machine to hand-make embellishments or letters out of patterned paper for your page.
3. Use pop-dots to give 3-D dimension to an element of your page.
4. Use numbers in the title of your page.
5. Use rubber or acrylic stamps somewhere on your page.
 
 

 
When I pulled out this picture, the first thing I noticed was Shane's shorts. Look at all those colors! I thought of Hallowe'en in Wonderland right away. It is just the perfect match! Have you noticed lately that many holiday papers are useful all year round? That is such a great trend! Those fabulous double sides are a bonus, I think, and make patterned papers so much more valuable. Doesn't this holiday paper work perfectly for this every day photo?

I really like that although this paper seems busy, Shane's little face is the focal point. I've used four options on this page that I hope will inspire you. My photos is actually 20 years old. Boy, this little guy turned into a man quickly! Shane's matted picture, the word "play," and the banner are all popped up. I combined the last two options by stamping his age at the bottom. These were not options, but I added a couple of other techniques to the page. I've distressed all of the paper by simply rolling the edges. It's easy, and it adds great dimension! I also sewed on my page with one of the Granny Stitch'z template and purple floss from Bazzill. This template set is fabulous! It has 8 different edging stitches, and it's they are so easy and fun to work with. The purple floss is from the Crayons floss set. Both of these items can be found at a great price from Discount Cardstock.

Items used: Bazzill Eggplant Felt Cardstock, Granny Stitch'z Template, and In Stitch'z Crayon Floss Card (Discount Cardstock); Hallowe'en in Wonderland (Graphic 45); Journaling Block (Quick Quotes); Transparency Frame (Colorbok); Big Kids Slice Design Card (Making Memories); Black Buttons, Alpha Stamp Set, Swirl Clip, and Black Archival Ink (Close To My Heart); Hemp and Vintage Ribbon (stash)

Better Living through Scrapbooking Newsletter

Have you signed up for the Better Living through Scrapbooking newsletter yet?  There is so much GREAT information in it!  I think you would love having it come to your e-mail box!  There is a challenge for you in this month's newsletter, and it's all about you!! 

Baby, You’re the Greatest” challenge

Create a baby layout about you, using the oldest photo you have of yourself.

It’s wonderful to pull out our own baby pictures! Sometimes we are so caught up in scrapping others that we forget to take time for our “All About Me” books. If you haven’t started a scrapbook for yourself, this would be the perfect jumping off point! I’ve used four of our challenge options for my layout, and I've highlighted them for you.

1. Scan the original photo and print it using your home printer or photo printing service, or take the photo to your local copy shop and have them make a color copy of the photo so that you can scrap the photo and save the original. I wanted my layout to have a 5×7 picture. If the quality is a little grainy to you, it is because I started with a very small picture! I scanned it and then printed it on my printer. I love this picture of my Dad holding me as a pretty happy baby!

2. Use no pastels or “baby colors” on the page (no light pinks, blues or pastel yellows) Now this was pretty easy for me! I m not a pastel girl, but rather prefer rich, warm colors. With a black and white photo, these Graphic 45 papers worked beautifully!

3. Frame the photo on your page in an unusual way.

4. Use words/letters as “art”. Cut letters and words from old magazines, junk mail, newspapers, packaging, etc. and use them in an artistic way on your page. Use them as a title, journaling, or just as embellishments on your page. Okay, I interpreted this a little differently! Instead of cutting out letters, I painted a journaling block directly on my page. This is so much fun! And very easy to do with a fan brush. You don’t even need to be perfect! When it was dry, I stamped my phrase with archival ink.

5. Use lace or ribbon on your page. I doubled some beautiful crocheted ribbon to add to the vintage feel of this layout.

A simple thing I did was distress the edges of everything. For me, it left enough clean lines, but still brought this layout back to 1962. Now, I bet you are wondering about that flower! I made it with two different colors of vellum. I used my Slice to cut scalloped circles – (4) 3-1/2″ circles and (4) 2-1/2″ circles. I crumpled them up pretty good, flattened them out and then stacked them. With four layers of each color, it was easy enough to manipulate the vellum to give it some floral poof. Give it a try – it’s really simple!

Items used: Natural Smooth CS, Cream and Wisteria Vellum (Discount Cardstock); Hallowe’en in Wonderland papers (Graphic 45); Edge Distresser and Vintage Pin (Tim Holtz); Slice Basics 1 Design Card (Making Memories); Antique White paint (Ceramcoat); Colonial White button, Colonial White crocheted ribbon, Alphabet stamp set, and black archival ink (Close To My Heart)

It's Sunday - Better Living Through Scrapbooking Reveal Day!

These aren’t colorful pictures done on vintage paper. These are just bad photos! They were left in one of those old magnetic albums too long, and this is what happens to them after time. So if you have any photos still in magnetic pages, you might consider taking them out as soon as you can!!

I could never let go of these pictures, though, because they are the only ones I have of my great-grandmother who we called Moo Moo. She didn’t speak English (or maybe she did but just loved her native language of Finnish). I don’t remember much about her because I was just a little girl when she passed on, but I do remember how very nice she was – and that I loved the times we did visit her!

And that is what the challenge at Better Living through Scrapbooking is all about this week – scrapping those bad photos! Maybe you have old ones like this. Or maybe you’ve got a recent one that you love, but it’s just not the best quality. Scrap them anyway!! You can do marvelous things with them, and you will never regret having them in your memory book!  You'll need to use at least two of these options on your layout:

Create a layout using a photo or photos that you would normally have discarded.

Chose at least 2 of the following:

1. Use rub-ons or stickers directly on your photo(s). 
2. Use paint on your page in a messy or unusual way.
3. Use a die-cut or pre-purchased journaling “spot” on which to write your journaling.
4. Use the following sketch as design inspiration for your page: http://www.betterscrap.com/images/sketch2.jpg 
5. Make a handmade flower using Katie’s technique in our August 1st reveal, and use the flower on your layout.

I’ve done a few different things on this layout, so I’ll tell you first about the four challenge options I used:
 
1.  Rub-ons directly on my photos
2.  Painted edges of my photos with gold and sandal ranger paints
3.  Angela had a great sketch for us to use this week, so I gladly used that!
4.  Journaling spot was diecut with vellum and cardstock

There are a couple of other techniques you’ll see on this layout:

1.Stitching using a Bazzill template and floss
2.Crackle paint and glimmer mist on the flowers

Now take out those bad pictures and see what you can do! Be sure to go over to Better Living Through Scrapbooking to see what the rest of the marvelous design team did!!  We’d love to have you join us!!  Play along all month for your chance to win one of the prizes on my right sidebar.  WOW - there are three amazing prizes!!

Items from Discount Cardstock:

  

Midnight Black Cardstock

Cream Vellum

Bazzill In Stitch’z Granny Stitches Template

Bazzill In Stitch’z Pebbles Floss

Bazzill Raven Paper Flowers

  

Graphic 45 Papers:

Communique

Hallowe’en in Wonderland

Le’Romantique 

Other items: K&Company – crocheted ribbon; May Arts velvet ribbon; Tim Holtz Filmstrip; Prima flowers; Imaginisce gems; Tattered Angels wheatfields glimmer mist; Ranger gold, sandal, and clear rock candy paints; 7Gypsies rub-ons; Close To My Heart edge anchors, paper clip and charm; Slice Vintage Findings Design Card

Are you a Better Living Through Scrapbooking fan on Facebook? We are holding a Labor Day giveaway on our Facebook page, and it’s so easy to win! 

Just visit our Facebook page (if you’re not already a fan, just click the “like” button at the top of the page, and you’ll be signed in!) and look for the Labor Day giveaway post. Just leave a comment to that post, tell us your favorite inspirational quote, and you’re entered to win! 

Once lucky recipient chosen at random from the eligible participants will win a Punky Sprouts album from their new Summer CHA release, along with a pack of My Little Shoebox alphabet stickers to help you decorate the album!

Better Living through Scrapbooking - September Challenge #1

Ooooh, I so loved the challenge this week!  I have to tell you, even though I am on the design team, Better Living Through Scrapbooking challenges me in a unique and wonderful way!  When you do one of the layouts for the challenges, you will find that you think a lot more and the layout takes on special meaning.  Have you joined in yet?  What about the Facebook page?  You can follow there and keep up with everything going on!

All rightie, on to the first challenge for September!  Cehct out my right sidebar for the prize this month - it's a really good one!  Play along with all four challenges in September, and you have the chance to win!!Here are the deets for this challenge.  I've highlighted the options I used in my layout.

"Inspirational Quote challenge"

Create a layout that is based on your favorite inspirational quote. Need some ideas? Visit http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/ for a great searchable collection of quotes.

Chose at least 2 of the following:

1. Use one 5x7 photo of a place or thing that inspires you.
2. Use a palette similar to this one: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/1254702/BetterScrap_Ch5
3. Make this a double 12x12 or double 8 1/2 x 11 layout, with at least 2 photos per page.
4. Place your title on a circular or wavy path.
5. Use a transparency of some sort on your page, whether an actual transparency sheet (Hambly Screen Prints, Fancy Pants) or transparent embellishment (Heidi Swapp Ghost Shapes, Making Memories) that you purchased, or a handmade transparency made by hand or with your computer printer.

Now I know everyone has a favorite quote!  Grab a picture or two and create!!  Here's what I created:

I so love this picture of Shane.  He was such a tiny little peanut, and I love what the studio did with the background.  Seemed like a perfect time to use Graphic 45 papers! 

It was very easy for me to choose an inspirational quote for the challenge this week. I prayed this Proverb for Shane non-stop. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Not because he was a difficult child to raise, but because children find their own wings at a certain time in life. There was a point as a parent that I had to understand to let go and trust that what we taught Shane would stick for the rest of his life. And today, I still find myself meditating on that Proverb.  Once a mother, always a mother!!


Items used:
Graphic 45 (Hallowe’en in Wonderland and Christmas Past)
Bazzill Cardstock from Discount Cardstock (Natural Smooth and Midnight Black)
Bazzill Flowers (Raven and Kisses)
CTMH (Bamboo Bitty Brads, Swirl Clips, Black Grosgrain)
Slice Cards (Big Kids, Noteworthy; Spring); Colorbox Chalk Ink (Chestnut Roan)

Better Living through Scrapbooking Reveal Day!!

We all do it.  We buy paper and then we get home only to look at it again and think..."boy is this paper ugly!"  I guess we should say that it's just not our favorite - LOL!!  So that is what the 4th challenge for the month at Better Living Through Scrapbooking is all about - your least favorite paper.  Search your stash for sheets or scraps of paper that aren’t your favorites, and use them on a layout!  Chose at least 2 of the following:

1. Use a 12x12 sheet of “ugly” paper as your layout background.
2. Use at least 3 scraps of “ugly” paper somewhere on the page where they can be seen.
3. Use 2 4x6 photos, any orientation.
4. Use “stitching” somewhere on the page. It can be actual sewn stitches, or your stitches can be hand drawn, created with a template, or stamped.
5. Use color mist (such as Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, or a homemade ink or paint mist) anywhere on your page.

Would you like to see mine?

It’s not in the right colors for me, and it’s somewhat muted. But here it is – having sat in my craft room wondering when it was going to be loved!

This challenge was the perfect time to bring out this paper. I have used three of the challenge options on my layout. I used the cardstock and printed paper as my background (#1). I also used three other different papers from the set on my layout (#2). The faux stitching was done with a white Uniball (#4). That always a little something.  I like the pictures very much! But even though I “cuted” this up – just not sure. The funny thing is that now I have to make a matching page – LOL!!

Items used: Recollections Rockets and Sprockets; Bazzill carstock; White Uniball; Ranger Glossy Accents; American Crafts Thickers

Let's see what you can create.  Link it up to Better Living Through Scrapbooking when you're done.  This is the last challenge for August!  If you do all four, you are eligible to win the monthly prize!!  Check out my sidebar to see those goodies!!

I really hope you get the chance to play - either this week or the coming months.  As an instructor, I am always looking for ways to grow in paper crafting.  I appreciate - and love - what Better Living Through Scrapbooking is all about.  The challenges are fantastic, and I think that you'll find you would grow in them, too!  There is a newsletter you can sign up for right here, and you'll get great tips and articles.  This month there is a great sketch in the newsletter, and here is what I did with it.

My cat, Miss Sassy, and our dog, Miss Chanel #5 (yes, she was named after Coco Chanel by our 21 year-old son!), are a constant source of photo inspiration in this house. I do believe they think they are human!!

Let me tell you a little about how I make “designer” buttons. It’s so quick and easy if you take clear buttons and scraps of whatever paper you are working with. Put a little Ranger Glossy Accents (or CTMH Liquid Glass) on the back of the button. Set it down on the top of the paper. Let it sit a couple minutes to adhere. That’s it! You can use your paper piercer to poke through the button holes to thread with your choice of floss. Easy peasy, and it adds a nice touch!

Items used: Imaginisce Apple Collection; CTMH Colonial White CS; CTMH Clear and New England Ivy buttons; Hero Arts Hello Flags stamp (I stamp on the wrong side of the paper, fussy cut my banners and mount them on matching paper); CTMH white hemp; Chicks with Lasers die-cut

Better Living through Scrapbooking Reveal!

Here we are again for our 3rd week at Better Living through Scrapbooking!  Are you playing along?  If you participate in all the challenges during the month, you are eligible for the grand prize (see it on my right sidebar).  But don't let that stop you, there will be occasional goodies and RAK as weekly prizes!! 

This week's challenge is to do a photoless layout of a happy memory or event.  You need to choose at least 2 of the following on your layout:

1. Use memorabilia in lieu of photos. If you have a map, brochure, flyer, receipts, or other paperwork from that day or event, use them on the layout.
2. Create your own photos of the memory or event. Take photos of favorite souvenirs from the day or event. Use your kids or grandkids, pets, or even dolls or stuffed animals to recreate a photo to represent the memory.
3. Use your favorite die-cut machine to create your page title.
4. Use at least two metallic elements on the layout.
5. Distress some element of your page – fray, tear, or crumple paper, or use distress ink or other distressing techniques on your page.

Does that sound challenging?  I thought so, but get an idea down, and soon your page just flows!  I am anxious to see what you come up with!  Here's mine for you:

This layout is of my 48th birthday. Jerry and I were going to spend the day at the Mall of America. I walked out of a store to find Shane waiting for me to, too!! What a great surprise! I was treated to a coffee at Caribou, a bag of Brighton, and an extremely wonderful day!! I had my camera, but I was enjoying myself so much that I forgot to take pictures!

I used four of the options on my layout. A Brighton bag was cut apart and used for the number 48 and as an element. I die-cut my title “queen for a day” with my Slice Bon Appetit card. Do you see that sparkly crown and key? Those are my metal embellishments. To create the flowers, I tore Brighton tissue paper (more memorabilia!) in crude circles, and then ripped the edges. I inked them with white pigment ink and then added some (well, a lot - and it's still all over to prove it!) glitter. Fun flowers! The cute little lady sticking out from the flowers was chalked, and her hair, wings, and dresses were coated with crackle accents.  Here are some close  up shots:

Aren't those flowers so pink and pretty?!

This vintage stamp from Unity and Melody Ross is so lovely - but even better when coated with crackle accents!

Items used: Melody Ross Homespun Chic collection; American Crafts and May Arts ribbon; Unity Brave Girl stamp; SU! journaling tag; Creative Imaginations pearl brads; Studio Decor metal; Recollections pearls; CTMH black cardstock, prisma glitter, chalk, and white daisy pigment ink; Ranger Crackle Accents

Now, why don't you hop on over to Better Living through Scrapbooking and play along!  I think you will love it!

Better Living through Scrapbooking Reveal!

Happy Sunday!  That means it's time for the second Better Living through Scrapbooking reveal!  Before I show you my layout, I want to let you know to head on over to BLTS and sign up for the newsletter.  It's going to be WONDERFUL, and I know it will be something you look forward to in your inbox!

Okay, now on the challenge for the week.  You are going to be scrapbooking about the most influential person in your life.  Chose a person, living or dead, whether you know them personally or not, that has had a big influence on your life, and create a layout about them. This person can be a friend, relative, historical figure, celebrity - anyone at all.

 

 Choose at least 2 of the following:


1. The photo must be black & white. If you don’t have a black & white version, change the photo to black & white in Photoshop, or take the photo to your local 1-hour photo and have them do it for you. You can also make a black & white copy of the photo at your local office store. If you do not have a photo of the person (if they are a historical figure or celebrity) find one on the internet and print it out.
2. Use at least one major circular element on your page - whether it’s the photo, photo mat, or other noticeable circular element.
3. Use paint or ink in a fun and unusual way.
4. Hand make your own flowers and use them on the layout.
5. Include hand written journaling.



Now doesn't that sound like a great layout? Here's what I came up with using options #1, #2, and #5.  This is a layout of my son, Shane.  

I love handwritten journaling for two reasons. First of all, I think my grandchildren (and so on) will find a great connection to me through my penmanship. But the second reason is that I think I speak more freely from my heart when I have a pen in hand. Yes, sometimes I make mistakes. Sometimes I don't even like my handwriting that much. That is the beauty of it! My pages are a reflection of me - right here and right now.

In case you can't read the journaling, I'll share it with you. "Since the day I found out you were in my belly, you influenced my every decision. Where I went, what I did, what I said, what I ate - everything. That continued on through your growing years, and it became second nature to think 'Shane' first. What I realized one day (and I can’t pinpoint the exact day) is that as much as I lived to impact your life, you were actually the one who influenced me. Your kindness, love for others, generosity, and willingness to be yourself made me a much better person."

Items used: Adornit Nancy Jane papers; Stampin' Up! ribbon; Bazzill and Prima flowers; Creative Imaginations epoxy stickers; CTMH gems

I do want to mention that there is actually another person in my life that has influenced me tremendously.  That is my husband, Jerry.  You know I was going to put both of them and my thoughts on one layout, but instead I'm going to do the exact page for Jerry and put them side by side in my book.  These two men have truly helped me become the woman I am today!

Now it's your turn?  I hope I see your work linked up over Better Living through Scrapbooking!  Remember your scrapbooking is for a monthly prize - see that on my right sidebar.  Also, if you are on Facebook, look for Better Living through Scrapbooking there.  This is a truly wonderful website, and I think you are going to learn a lot about yourself through these challenges.  That's what scrapbooking is all about!!

Better Living Through Scrapbooking

I am SO EXCITED to let you know about a new challenge blog that is starting up today - Better Living through Scrapbooking!  I am equally as happy to let you know that I am on their first design team!!  This is a challenge blog that is going to do just that - challenge you to scrap all the things you encounter in life.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  I am so thrilled to start this journey!  I also know that so many of you are going to be love taking part in these challenges!!

Here is the first challenge:

This week's challenge is to Scrapbook your scrapbooking!  Yep, you heard that right. We want you to create a layout or other paper crafting project that showcases some aspect of your scrapbooking hobby.

Chose at least two of the following for your project:
1. Journal about how you've achieved "better living through scrapbooking".
2. Use at least 3 photos of your scrap space.
3. Use the title "I Scrap, Therefore..." (finish the statement in your journaling.)
4. Create a scrapbook layout using photos of your scrapbooks.
5. Have someone take a photo of you surrounded by your supplies, then use that photo as the main image on your page.
6. Create a mini-album "tour" of your scrap room.
7. Journal a list of your ten "can't live without" scrapbooking tools/supplies.

Now what could be more fun than scrapping about this hobby that has brought so many of us together?!  I have a layout to show you.  I've used #1 and #3 in this layout:

First, I'll tell you what the journaling says:

"It took me until I was in my early 40's to discover that my passion and my little nook in the world truly is putting pictures to paper. There is nothing I love more than to sit down and create a page. I am never in a hurry - quite the contrary! I love putting my heart into a page. My albums will go to Shane one day, and I want him to look back and not only see my work, but feel me on every single page. It is my therapy. It is my relaxation. It is scrapbooking."

I've used quite a bit of technique on this, so I want to share that with you as well.  I used a lot of different elements to create the flowers on this layout. The deep red roses are American Crafts pink rosette ribbon. I misted them with coffee shop Glimmer Mist to deepen the color. I also misted the corners of the page with coffee shop. With the Prima flowers, I used a Ranger paint dabber (sandal) to cover each petal. I then misted them with tattered rose Glimmer Mist and then painted again with Ranger clear rock candy Crackle Paint. The petals roll easily then to give them a very antique look.
 
Other items used:  CTMH rub-ons and fancy pins; Tattered Angels embossed chipboard (this resists ink so nicely!); Melody Ross chipboard phrases; random ribbon


Take a minute to pop over to Better Living through Scrapbooking so that you can check out the amazing prize for this challenge!!

Along with that please take a minute to visit the other design team members.  They are amazing and you will love their work!

Chelsea Langworthy http://scrapbookingtostaysane.blogspot.com/

Beth Moore http://runswithscraps.blogspot.com/

Kim Sparks http://memoriesinthyme.blogspot.com/

Katie Turner http://telerobotic.tumblr.com/

Michelle Sanders http://funkyfreshcool.blogspot.com/

Are you excited to get going?  I can't wait to see what you come up with!!