Making Your Own Journals

I LOVE journals and sketchbooks. I don't know what it is about them, but I could just buy up tons of the pretty books at the bookstore. However, they can be VERY expensive.

I saw this post on the Mod Podge Facebook page and had to share since I LOVE journals. I really like this because I can make custom sketch books for my son Sean that fit his personality.

Part 1 - Making the pages http://heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-book-binding-creating-pages.html

Part 2 - Making the cover http://heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/tutorial-book-binding-creating-cover.html

Organizing Paper

When organizing your paper stash you have to decide whether you will go horizontal, vertical, or both. How you work and what kind of space you have will help determine that. I use both methods. I store my solid color cardstock horizontally using the ROY G BIV (for the colors of the rainbow). It makes it easy to find coordinating papers. I like the trays by Display Dynamics found here:
http://store.scrapbook.com/dd-st-011.html?w=perfect+paper+stackable+paper+trays


I store my patterned paper vertically using the Cropper Hopper vertical paper files that come with dividers. You can finds these at Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I usually wait for their sales and get them for at least 40% off. I prefer these for my patterned paper, because they offer many options for sorting them.



I sort/separate my patterned paper in several ways: by theme, by manufacturer, and by color



Theme is my first sorting method. Since there are certain themes I know I will work with this makes it easier later for me to find them. Plus I can store the scraps for those themes there, instead of my scrap file. Here are some of the themes I use:

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (with subcategories for the holidays that fall in those time frames. A holiday will get it's own file if it's one that I scrapbook a lot, i.e. Halloween and Christmas)
Baby
Party
School
Specialized (these are themes of my interests... for me that's birds, owls, and because of my son robots, pirates, and monsters)


After I've put my papers that belong to a theme away, I sort my remaining paper by my favorite manufacturers. I only do it for my favorites or ones I have a large amount of. I tend to favor Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon, Little Yellow Bicycle, BoBunny, just to name a few. So I have a file for each of them.


Any pattern papers that don't fit the categories above will be sorted by color. Color is always my go to organization method, because it makes it easy to coordinate for pages and projects.


Lastly I store paper packs and page kits separately from my other paper. When I'm not feeling particularly creative I go to these paper packs and kits. I have found that sometimes when I confine myself to a set pallet or base of supplies it forces me to work on techniques, which ultimately lead me to feeling inspired for another project.

Scraproom Organizing

With the new year approaching the buzz all around is "getting organized". I love looking at photos and pictures of eclectic ways to organize scrapbook and art supplies. Just wanted to share some of my favorite photos:

Some of my own ideas:

I found this wire bird cage at Ross for about $10 and bought little hooks that I attached underneath to hold my misting and inking masks. This would also make a great piece for hanging ribbons from.

This is a wine rack that I also found at Ross for about $12. I found the glass jars at Ikea. You can use any glass or plastic container as long as it's the same size as a standard wine bottle. It holds all my markers neatly and I can see what I'm looking for.

Yet Another Scrapbook Store Closing (Houston Area)

One of my favorite scrapbook stores in Houston is closing. They are open to selling the store if anyone is interested.

It's so sad that all the scrapbook stores are slowly disappearing.

They are selling everything 40% off and they are also selling off their fixtures.

http://www.lonestarscrapbook.com/

Embellishing by Recycling...

Going Green... we see it everywhere. Well here are some great ideas you can use in your scrapbooking.

This is a great idea by Tim Holtz for using all that plastic packaging that comes with SO many of the products we buy. He used it on his Day 10 Tag for the 12 Tags of Christmas:

http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/12-tags-of-christmasday-10.html

I will never look at that hard plastic packaging the same way again. He actually uses the tag die cut to cut the plastic then puts it in an embossing folder to create this awesome overlay.


Here is an idea that I got from one of the ladies at Scrapville in Greenville Texas (http://www.scrapvilleonline.com/):

You know those phonebooks that get left on our doorsteps a couple times a year (hint it's the big book with all the phone numbers and addresses in it - I know we usually throw it in the recycle bin or trash). Here is a great use for those pages:

Use your 2.5" and up scalloped circle punches to punch all those pages. Yes that seems like a lot but when you're feeling less creative it's something you can do to move in the creative direction.

Once you've punched out some shapes, grab several (the amount depends on the size of the scallop circles and how full you want the flower). Punch a hole in the center with your Crop-A-Dile and add a brad. Then start gathering and scrunching up multiple layers at a time. Then separate to create these beautiful flowers. Spray with some Glimmer Mist, Maya Mist, or Pearl Mist (whatever is your product preference) and ta-da... beautiful recycled phonebook flowers!!!

Family Mini Album

Here is my Punky Sprout Savvy Sprout album using the Togetherness paper line by Cosmo Cricket. It took me a week to complete because I kept going back to Crafty Scrapper for more supplies for the embellishments. I'm really pleased with how it came out. Of coarse now I'm dwindling down my supply of Punky Sprout albums - LOL.

Halloween Mini Album

This year I decided to do a mini album instead of a layout for Halloween. This was alot of fun to make.

Chipboard Christmas Tree

I saw this Maya Road chipboard album at Crafty Scrapper Saturday and just fell in love with it (so did Sean... he's working on his). Here is my take on it. This was a fun little project. I haven't decided if it's done or if I'm going to put anything in the album.

More Scrap For Your Buck - #2 Paper and Packaging and Die Cuts, Oh My!

So once you have a die cut system that works for your scrap style, what about the expendable part... the paper (or other medium) that you cut the shapes from? Remember that beautiful sheet of paper you paid $1.50 to make some 5x7 mats? Well you DID pay for the whole sheet. Or what about that cool misting mask or embellishment with the pretty packaging? You paid for the ornately decorated chipboard backing. I put my scraps and packaging in a bin and save them for mats, die cuts or other creative layering. Over time you'll be surprise the treasure trove you've amassed! (Another hint... sometimes it's great for your kids to rummage through for their school projects. Saves you from buying supplies.)




When I don't feel particularly creative, sometimes I just sit with my Cricut or my Big Shot and go through my scrap paper bin and cut shapes. Sometimes finding some long lost pretty paper and cutting out a scroll or some different flowers can be inspiring.

More Scrap For Your Buck - #1 Big Shot (or Other Manual Die Cutter)

With all the various die cutters on the market I have to say I'm tempted to buy them all, but in the grand scheme of things... you won't use them all enough to get your money's worth. Before you buy, research and assess your scrapping style. When I chose to buy the Big Shot I did it for a couple reasons... accessibility to reasonably prices dies (most craft chains carry a large enough assortment and regularly have 40-50% off coupons and sales) and ability to use other manufacturers dies and embossing folders. Every die or embossing folder I've found available in a retail chain has worked in it. I may have had to add an extra clear plate, but it still worked.

I don't use themed die cuts, so where I save money is the dies that are versatile. I buy scrolls and other decorative shapes, tags, frames, borders and flowers. That way you don't spend money on a die that can only be used for a certain occasion or holiday.

The flower dies I've bought in several styles and sizes. You will NEVER have to buy another package of flowers if you buy a few well thought out dies. You will be amazed what beautiful flowers you can create from scrap paper, glimmer mist, paint, stickels, etc.

I'm Back...

I've been on a hiatus for the last 12 weeks... pregnancy can really wipe you out in that first trimester. Hopefully I'm on my way to feeling energetic and productive again. I've managed to get me scraproom cleaned up and I'm working on a blog series to stretch your scrap dollars, current scrap supplies, and how to get a bigger bang for you buck when you go shopping for supplies. Keep an eye out for it... it will definitely help you look at your craft a little differently.

Another Great Scrapbook Store Is Closing

I'm sad to say, another DFW scrapbook store is closing. The Scrapbook Barn in Carrollton is closing. For other area scrapbook stores check out my weblinks at the bottom of the page. I'm unsure how much longer they will be open, but they are having a huge clearance sale.

Creatively Canvas Mini Album from GASC 2010

This was a great class taught by Staci Etheridge at GASC 2010. We used watered down acrylic paint and our fingers (no paint brushes). It was very artsy and we did alot of freehand work. Definitely helps you break out of our perfectionistic creativity and just let it happen.

Easter Chipboard Album

Home Tweet Home Sign

I'm just cranking out the projects today ;)

Hoo Loves You Baby - Punky Sprouts Album

Okay... I'm working on one of my owl mini books. I'm using My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Line (Little Boy Blue Collection) and a Punky Sprouts Alfalfa album. Here's where I'm at so far... playing around with the layout and textures. Still have to dig through my stash to find just the right embellishments and get some journaling done.

Hoo Loves Owls?

My favorite thing right now is all the fabulous owl papers and embellishments. I'm currently working on a bunch of owl themed projects, so stay tuned for the finished photos. One of my absolute favorites is My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary... specifically the Little Boy Blue Collection. The colors are beautiful muted shades. JUST LOVE IT!!!

GASC Day 2 - Punky Sprouts Heart Album

During the day 1 crop I fell in love with the Punky Sprouts Albums at Scrappin Goodtimes. I walked the showroom floor on day 2 to find all the items I wanted for the color scheme. Here is a glimpse of the finished product. Since I have a son and most of my pages and projects revolve around him, I finally got to do something just for me.


Since Suzy West got me addicted to these adorable books. I had to give her a hard time. It was very exciting to have her so delighted by my creation. She is doing a feature of my album on the Punky Sprouts blog - http://punkysprouts.blogspot.com/2010/06/awesome-talent-in-the-house.html.

GASC Day 1 - Me & Tim Holtz

Thanks to Judy I was able to get a vendors pass and get into the show before they opened. What did that mean? I got to see Tim Holtz before he was mobbed by a bunch of women. It was great to meet him!

Preparing for GASC 2010

Saturday Kimberly and I have the task of putting together our projects to take to GASC in a couple weeks. I've got SO many things planned and I can't wait to get started. The classes will be awesome to. Need to get those photos ordered from Shutterfly to have them in time :)

GASC Count Down...

18 Days!!! I can't believe it's just around the corner. I can't wait for all the classes and getting some pages/projects completed.

Color Added

I only started my scraproom 3+ years ago and got as far as painting the wall (lilac bisque), installing cabinets, counters, and shelving/storage. Finally I got the paint for the cabinets and my extra desk. Deciding to paint the desk was hard, since Michael gave it to me as a gift and stained it himself.

The color palette: Lilac Bisque (Behr), Spring Green (Glidden) and Blooming Fuschia (Glidden)

Totally Bummed :(

I got a message today saying I got picked for the CE 2010 lotto, but I only have til 4/23 at midnight to accept/register. Which means I have to pay my $750 registration at that time. Yeah, like I have an extra $750 that I can justify blowing. I guess I'm saving up $750 and I'll just try next year.

Classes, Classes, and MORE Classes

I'm on a class kick... I did the chip art class yesterday, I'm signed up for a soldiering 101 & 102 class, and I just signed up me and a friend for a metals class. That's not even including the classes I'm taking at GASC. If this doesn't get all the creative juices going, I don't know what will.

Chip Art

I have a new favorite technique... Chip Art!!! I made this album today using special tools to create the embossed patterns. This project required ALOT of painting (alot of detail painting).

I also learned a neat technique to get the antique finish... you mix mod podge and a brown acrylic paint together then paint in on the board. Immediately after you wipe it off and viola!! it's antiqued!!! It's really cool and pretty!

Wish Me Luck...

I entered the lottery for one of the 640 spots for CE 2010. I'm praying I get a spot, but I also have to save up the money. It's $749 for the weekend, not including airfare and accomodations. Fortunately I have a free flight on SW from all the work travel, maybe I'll have enough HHonors points for my hotel... otherwise I'm crashing at a co-workers house in Phoenix - LOL.

I hope I get a spot. Tim Holtz, Heidi Swapp and a bunch of other well know artists will be teaching at this event.

Gonna Meet Tim Holtz

I'm SO excited, I'm going to get the opportunity to meet Tim Holtz and see him demo. Yes, I'm a scrap groupie!! LOL

58 Days and Counting...

That's how long til GASC 2010. I'm thrilled to be going with my best friend, Kimberly. I'm already getting together my projects, ordering prints, looking up ideas, marking up magazines with other ideas... it is just crazy. I'm doing 2 of the crop nights, plus we're staying at the convention center. I have all intentions of cranking out a bunch of stuff. CANNOT wait!!! I'm even making my shopping list of things I know I'm gonna have to get or I won't find it. Watch out... crazy scrapper on the loose :)

GASC Registration is NOW open for Arlington Texas

GASC 2010 registration is OPEN... can you believe that it's only a couple months away!!!!!

I'm registered and taking classes this year. I can't wait. I'm already planning the stuff I'm brining so I can get alot done this year!!

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