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 Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Get ready for new American Crafts products!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 10:35:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Woohoo! New scrapbook supplies are coming!!!!! Start looking at your favorite scrapbook and craft stores for the five new American Crafts product lines at the end of July. These papers and supplies are absolutely inspiring and drool-inducing (at least, they were for me)! And grab a copy of "Remember This" to get some great layout ideas for using these beautiful new products. The "Dear Lizzie Enchanted" line will feature big, beautiful flowers, teacups, keys, and butterflies, all somewhat inspired by Alice in Wonderland. These will be the perfect supplies for a whimsical, fairytale-style layout, maybe using photos from a child's birthday party. The papers are beautiful, but my favorites are the gorgeous rose brads!!!!!  "City Park" is full of the bright, modern colors that I love - green, olive, aqua, and pink. The accompanying embellishments feature fun, colorful buttons that will give your layouts that accomplished-but-handmade look. Inspired by Central Park, this line will be perfect to set-off your photos of a day outdoors at the park, zoo or backyard barbecue. If you're like me and playing scrapbook-catchup during the summer months, you may find some Halloween pictures from last year that still need to be scrapped. "Boo" features papers that are bright and vibrant, and embellishments and stickers that have a little hint of Tim Burton spookiness . . . . "Dear Lizzie Christmas", co-designed by Elizabeth Kartchner, will give your Christmas photos and memorabilia a timeless and classic feel. I love the gingerbread men, holly, popcorn garlands and beautiful calligraphy-style letters, but my favorite is the sheet music paper! Last but not least, "Love" will have you making Valentine layouts year-round. The papers have a vintage feel, but there's a modern pop of aqua thrown in for added effect. Everyone knows that aqua and red is my current favorite color combination, so I'll probably be picking some of this line up soon.  These new lines from American Crafts will be in stores in late July. Grab some of your new favorite materials and a copy of "Remember This" and you'll scrap some beautiful memories! - Kelly
gift ideas | inspiration | Memory Makers Books | products we're loving
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 10:35:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
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Monday, December 14, 2009
From the archives: handmade stocking stuffers
Monday, December 14, 2009 7:54:32 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) This week, we're continuing to visit the online archives to share some our best ideas for the season. Check out these handmade gift ideas, which make for great stocking stuffers. Handmade Calendar
  Hand-crafted calendars make great stocking stuffers. This one here is crafted from a painted piece of
canvas, which makes for a durable cover. The inside pages are made from patterned
papers, ribbon, letter stickers and a calendar template. ( Click here to read the orignal post.)
Mint Tin Gift Card Holder
 For gifting retail store gift card or small stocking stuffers, dress up a mint tins in vintage style. Simply gather shabby chic and
vintage-inspired goodies, and print a vintage postcard image to serve as the base of the
lid. (You can download vintage images here.) If you don't have an array of vintage-looking product, turn crisp white tags old by staining them with coffee. Then adhere all the elements to the top of the lid, and sand the edges to enhance the vintage effect. (C lick here to read the orignal post.) Happy Christmas crafting, Kristin
gift ideas | holiday inspiration
Monday, December 14, 2009 7:54:32 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Handmade gift idea: Memory game cards
Friday, December 11, 2009 1:09:44 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) It’s that gift-giving time of year again! Although it adds to the hecticness of the season, I really do like to make handmade gifts for the people on my list. This memory game is one gift that I’ve been working on. I saw the idea many years ago in Martha Stewart Living, and this is the third set I’ve made since.  Store-bought memory games test a child’s ability to remember and match images of animals or shapes. The beauty of this game is that the child can match pictures of himself and the people and things he loves. I use photos of the child, siblings, far-away relatives, favorite toys and pets. Because the cards are sandwiched between contact paper, they are durable, so that you can play the game for years, and see how much the child has grown. What you’ll need: - 4x6 photo prints, 2 each of at least 10 different images
- clear contact paper
- patterned contact paper
- craft knife
- straightedge
- cutting mat
- brayer (optional)
 1. Trim each photo to 4 x 4 inches square, making sure to trim each pair of photos so that they match each other. 2. Cut 4.25-inch strips of both the clear and patterned contact paper. 3. Peel the backing off a 5-inch portion of the clear contact paper strip. Place a photo face down and press down to make sure no air bubbles are caught underneath. Continue to peel the backing off the strip, placing photos face down as you go. 4. Peel the backing off a 5-inch portion of the patterned contact paper. Line up the patterned paper strip above the clear contact strip, and put the backing over the back of the first photo on the clear contact sheet. Brayer the contact paper down if you wish. Continue to peel the backing off the patterned contact paper to cover all the photo backs on the strip of clear contact paper, brayering as you go. 5. Trim the photos out from the contact paper to get 4 x4-inch completed cards. Happy weekend holiday crafting! Christine
gift ideas | techniques
Friday, December 11, 2009 1:09:44 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, December 03, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide: Part 2
Thursday, December 03, 2009 1:59:36 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) This week, I’m rounding up the top ten book ideas for every scrapper on your holiday gift list. Be sure and check out Monday’s post to see my first five picks. And here are the rest of the top ten …  #6. For the embellishment-lover: The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook50+ techniques for using and creating gorgeous embellishments #7. For the non-traditionalist: The Scrapbooker’s Creativity Kit180 word and color cards to jump-start creativity #8. For the traveler: Outstanding Mini AlbumsIdeas and techniques for creating 50 mini scrapbooks #9. For the new mom: Oh, Baby!100+ layout ideas for scrapping baby’s first year
#10. For the family historian: Modern Memory KeeperA new approach to scrapbooking family legacies Have a favorite Memory Makers Book that would make a great gift? Share your idea in the comments section! ~Kristin
gift ideas | Memory Makers Books
Thursday, December 03, 2009 1:59:36 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, November 30, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide: Part 1
Monday, November 30, 2009 3:24:24 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for your scrapping friend or family member, Memory Makers is here to help! This week, I’m rounding up the top ten books for every scrapper on your list.  #1. For the busy mom on a budget: Time to ScrapIdeas and techniques for fast, fabulous and budget-conscious scrapping #2. For the newbie: Scrapbook Secrets100 techniques and tips for making scrapping easier and more productive #3. For the pattern lover: Playing with PaperTons of layouts showing how to use one or two papers or mix four or more #4. For the old-school journaler: The Scrapbooker’s Handwriting Workshop20 original handwritten title and journaling fonts to practice and play with #5. For the scrapper stuck in a rut: Kick It Up!Ideas for taking backgrounds, title, photos and embellishments up a notch Come back later this week to find out my remaining five picks! Happy Monday, Kristin
gift ideas | Memory Makers Books
Monday, November 30, 2009 3:24:24 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, October 01, 2009
Inspired by Outstanding Mini Albums
Thursday, October 01, 2009 10:14:11 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Reader Mary Puskar shared with us her version of the Exploding Box Album from Outstanding Mini Albums.   I love Mary’s use of festive patterned paper scraps and her addition of little bottle brush tree. You can read more and see additional photos of Mary's mini album on her blog. To find the project instructions, along with 49 other creative ideas for making mini scrapbooks, check out Outstanding Mini Albums by Jessica Acs. Click here to buy the book. Have you created projects from one of our Memory Makers idea books? Share your projects in the forum! Your project might be featured in an upcoming issue of the Memory Makers e-newsletter. ~Kristin
gift ideas | holiday inspiration | inspiration | Memory Makers Books | mini-albums
Thursday, October 01, 2009 10:14:11 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Scrappy Square Collages
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:55:09 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Our Memory Makers team recently has been experimenting with collage, thanks in large part to the inspiration we’re getting from our Mixed Media columns. Christy, Katie and I have basically bought out all the on-sale 5x5 canvases at our local art supply store just around the corner! Mei-Lin and I took a little time this weekend to make our own artwork. While she was creating a freehand “M” painting for her room, I took a more analytical approach and happily painted, punched and pasted patterned paper onto canvas. We both liked the result so much that she created her own, too. Hers is the first, and mine is the second, below.  Here’s how I made mine, and Mei-Lin followed the same process: - Paint the edges of the canvas and let dry.
- Create 16 paper squares with a 1 1/4-inch square punch.
- Apply matte medium to the top of the canvas.
- Place the 16 paper squares in the desired patterned, 4 to a row.
- Brush over the collage with matte medium and let dry.
supplies: 1
1/4-inch square punch (Creative Memories) • 1 piece textured cardstock (Bazzill)
• 15 patterned paper scraps (K & Co.) • Adhesive (Claudine Hellmuth
Matte Medium, Ranger) • Paint (Ranger) • Misc.: 5x5 canvas, paintbrush We're going to hang these in her room, and voila! Simple homemade artwork. We're going to make more with different patterned paper for some friends and as an end-of-school year gift for Mei-Lin's teacher. Best, Beth
gift ideas | inspiration | mixed media
Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:55:09 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, May 08, 2009
simple, handmade gifts + paint i LOVE
Friday, May 08, 2009 10:57:06 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) When my husband lost his job a couple of months ago we, to no surprise
had to cut back on a lot of expenses. Handmade gifts instantly took on
a whole new meaning. I think what I've realized more than anything, is
that no matter how simple the gift is, as long as it comes from the
heart, the person will love it. I LOVE to cook, so a lot of
my gifts come from the kitchen. Homemade pickles, cookies, herbs from
the garden, handwritten recipes on pretty cardstock ... they all make
great gifts. And what better way to decorate the package full of
goodies with paper scraps, ribbon that's too short to use elsewhwere or
labels that piling up in a drawer. I wanted to show a dear friend how special she is with a simple gift from my herb garden.  these lovely designed labels (Veggies Journaling Book) from American Crafts made it easy to dress up a rather plain jar. Add a ribbon and a tag and voila!, the result is something that will surely brighten a friend's day. Oh, and I must rave about these Studio paints ( Claudine Hellmuth).  I finally put them to good use, along with the Sticky-Back Canvas, while making my mama a cute little mixed-media piece for her desk in honor of Mother's Day. I've been through a lot of not-so-good paint since college and I was super-excited about how smooth the paints are, the beautiful colors available and how wonderfully easy they are to paint with. Be sure to put some of that craftiness to work this weekend, creating something from the heart that your mom will appreciate for years to come. Happy Friday to you! Christy
gift ideas | inspiration | journaling | mixed media | products we're loving
Friday, May 08, 2009 10:57:06 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, March 04, 2009
It's Fun Being Green
Wednesday, March 04, 2009 12:20:11 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) As our home becomes more eco-friendly, I am constantly on the lookout for green products, especially fun, trendy ones. My keen "green" eyes found these lovely, inspiring products at ecojot.com ...     ... and some creative inspiration on designer Carolyn Gavin's blog. The journals make me want to journal and doodle my little heart out :) P.S. Visiting the Web site and listening to the relaxing music and birds chirping, is totally making me yearn for spring and open windows!! christy
gift ideas | journaling | products we're loving
Wednesday, March 04, 2009 12:20:11 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, December 02, 2008
a scent-sational treat for you ...
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:02:58 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) When I told my good friend Jennifer that I was going to craft a layout for her to hang on her studio wall and share it with you all on this blog, she decided she wanted to share some Good Fortune goodies with you! One lucky blog reader will win this gift set, nicely packaged in a wooden box with a bow ready to give as a gift (wouldn't it be nice to cross another gift off the shopping list?) or to keep as a pampering treat for yourself this season :  Sandalwood + Lavendar Gift Set
$45.00 Value
all natural handcrafted soap
The gentle sandalwood lavender soap scrub is made with the addition of finely ground oatmeal and cocoa powder.
element spray
Affectionately called sleepy spray! Try misting your pillows and linens for a great night’s sleep! Enhance your mood and soothe your spirit by spraying wherever a good scent is needed. Perfect for pillows, linens, rooms, tents and travel.
massage candle
Made with soy wax and shea butter. When melted, the soy and shea make a smooth, sensual massage oil for you to enjoy.
lotion
Restore your dry skin with our luxurious lotion packed full of vitamins with the amazing ability to renew, repair and protect the skin.
soft white wash cloth and soap holder
______________________________    • I didn't put photos on this layout and instead left space for Jennifer to add her own
photos and memories. • The washcloth on the layout serves a purpose by holding a journaling card that I left blank so Jennifer could write her thoughts/best memories on it. • I wrote a note on the back of the layout with the date. • I used all scrap paper and embellishments that I already had around the house (check out the super-cute Karen Foster bathtub brad with rhinestone bubbles in the center photo). Do you have a friend or family member who doesn't
have time to scrap? This idea would make a perfect holiday gift. Make a
mini-album or layout and leave space for photos and journaling, wrap it
up and you have a simple, handmade Christmas gift that'll bring joy for
years to come. Click here to enter our Scent-sational giveaway.
PLUS!Click here to enter the Ask the Masters Sweepstakes. Click here to enter our December Online Sweepstakes
contests | gift ideas | holiday inspiration | layout inspiration
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 1:02:58 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
easy holiday projects
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:30:19 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  For these two cards I started with cardstock and American Crafts thickers.I then added other embellishments like buttons, ribbons, beads, letter stickers, rhinestones, and hand-drawn elements.  I made this pillowbox from thick cardstock to hold little gift items like jewelery, handwritten notes, recipes or cash (who couldn't use a little of that this holiday?)  You don't have to look much farther than your closet of supplies to create unique cards and packaging this holiday season. Happy Crafting! Christy
cardmaking | gift ideas | holiday inspiration | techniques
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:30:19 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
Vintage-inspired mint tin gift card holder
Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:43:28 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) This year my family members and I are exchanging gifts via the post office, so gift cards will be our purchases of choice. I love giving—and getting!—the gift of shopping, but gift cards are really no fun to open. While rummaging though my purse the other day, I was struck with inspiration: My beloved Altoids mint tin would make the perfect gift card holder! I love the vintage look of the top of a mint tin, so I channeled my inner Lisa Pace to create this pretty, vintage, glimmering piece to house a gift card. (Speaking of Lisa Pace, it’s not too late to join her online holiday workshop! The cost is $19.95 and you can read more about it on mycraftivity.com.) To begin the project, I got out all my shabby chic and vintage-esque goodies (left over my days as a Rachel Ashwell groupie.) Then, I printed a vintage postcard image to serve as the base of the lid. You can download an array of vintage images here. I found the perfect lace-trimmed tag, but its crisp white color clashed with the vintage look I was going for. So I poured a cup of the leftover morning coffee (gross, I know, but convenient!) and dyed the tag to shabby chic loveliness. (Thanks to Katie for the idea.) Finally, I cropped and pasted and arranged until I felt the lid was complete. (If you don't have an Altoids tin, you can purchase mint-szied tins at your local craft retailer or right here.) I added my favorite tiny alphas from Making Memories and a bit of glitter glue, and sanded the edges to enhance the vintage quality. Inside the tin, I added vintage-inspired paper and coffee-dyed a piece of white tissue paper to wrap the card. I also added a velvet loop to the card to ensure it would easily lift out of its cozy home.  For more homemade gift ideas, click here and here. Got a great idea for recycling products for gift-giving use? Share them here! Happy holiday crafting, Kristin
gift ideas | holiday inspiration | techniques
Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:43:28 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
crafting green
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:41:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) My husband's family came up with the idea of giving handmade gifts this year and my family adopted the idea as well. We are focusing our attention on family and the reason for the season rather than gift giving, shopping, lists, stress, and everything else that tends to come with the holidays. Luke and I are having lots of fun deciding what we are going to make everyone this year (I guess I should say "what I will make ..."). We are really trying to use what we have instead of buying things. Being crafty on a tight budget (or no budget) has really allowed my creativity to shine. I've really been thinking outside the box and stretching my creative wings. After finishing the raisins in this container, I thought it would be a cute pencil or embellishment holder or even a cute container to send a special small gift in. I used paper from Cosmo Cricket and Bazzill pom poms ribbon to decorate it. Once I decide what I will use it for I will add a gift tag and a label or other cute embellishments that I already have.    I always save jars too. After making a lot of BBQ sauce, I poured some into a jar that once contained pesto, added a label and ribbon and gave it to a dear friend.  I think that these gifts will be a lot more fun to open too. Sometimes it's easy to guess gift certificates or clothes etc... but this year no one will get the same gift so it'll be fun to watch expressions as our families unwrap gifts that are straight from the heart. P.S. Check out this blog entry from last week for some great stocking stuffer ideas. Christy
gift ideas | holiday inspiration | home decor
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:41:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, November 04, 2008
simple, handmade 2009 calendars make great stocking stuffers
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 12:48:21 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) This is a project you can make digitally or with paper. Here are two examples of both that I made this past weekend. Here I used a beautifully designed digital kit by Paislee Press. The papers are gorgeous and I LOVE all the elements. I was introduced to Paislee Press on We Are Storyteller's Web site. This kit is available here on December 1st. You can find inexpensive calendar CD cases here (they even have a mini calendar case).     With the same kit I made a 12x12 layout and placed it in a shadow box that will soon hang on the dining room wall in our new house. I printed the calendar and this layout on our Epson R1900 Photo Printer.   Here's the paper calendar I made. I cut out and painted a piece of canvas for a durable cover. For the inside pages I used patterned papers (that had a vintage look), ribbon, Making Memories Tiny Alphas, and calendar dates that I cut out of this template that I designed. Here is a hi-res PDF file that you can print or a .png file that you can crop and place into a digital calendar or layout.        christy
Digital Scrapbooking | gift ideas | home decor | Photo Printing
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 12:48:21 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, October 31, 2008
A good-bye gift album
Friday, October 31, 2008 8:37:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) Our sweet coworker, Eileen is leaving the Memory Makers family to pursue a new career as a mom. We’ll really miss Eileen and her sweet nature and great ideas, but we’re really excited for her new path in life.  Of course, being the crafty people that we are, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do something creative as a good-bye gift. The result of some brainstorming and participation from the MM and North Light craft teams, is a sweet little book full of funny, encouraging and inspiring quotes. Plus, each page reveals a little pocket with tags of good-bye messages.   To design the pages, we made use of digital paper and elements from the adorable kits available at We Are Storytellers, including Autumn Sky, FALLing Leaves, Puddle Jumper, Kabloom, Once Upon a Dream and Retro Quirk.  And Happy Halloween to you all! Do you have any crafty (or other) Halloween plans? Leave a comment and let us know! Happy Friday, Kristin
Digital Scrapbooking | gift ideas | mini-albums
Friday, October 31, 2008 8:37:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Easy Gifts + Home Decor
Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:42:16 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Check out this video from craft and lifestyle expert Terri "Terri O" Ouelette. In the video, Terri O shares easy and fun ways to craft cost-effective decorations for your home from Halloween through the New Year. You'll get great gift ideas, too.
Enjoy!
—Katie
gift ideas | home decor
Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:42:16 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Two-for-One Hip Necklace
Thursday, September 25, 2008 10:23:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I was at GASC Chattanooga last Friday, and two hip, lovely women walked by wearing beautiful necklaces. I commented on their artsy jewelry, and Juli, who created them, said they were super easy and cheap to make. She used panty hose (!), two washers, a magnet, a circle punch and patterned paper scraps. She promised to bring me one the next day. And she did and I love it!    Here's how to make the necklace. - Cut a thin horizontal strip of black panty hose.
- Knot it through a little washer from the hardware store.
- Glue a strong magnet to the washer.
- Use a circle punch to create two different patterned circles and glue them to a washer of the same size.
- Attach the magnet to the decorated washer. Flip sides to match your outfit.
These would make great Christmas gifts, and they'd take no time at all to make. Thanks, Juli, for sharing your art and for being such a great GASC volunteer! Hope to see you in Chattanooga again next year. Best, Beth
creative prompt | gift ideas | jewelry
Thursday, September 25, 2008 10:23:57 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, September 22, 2008
93 days until Christmas ...
Monday, September 22, 2008 2:41:17 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Can you believe it? My sister sends me a text message last night reminding me of this. I haven't even thought about it to be honest ... but she got me thinking about how these projects that I created last week might make creative and thoughtful Christmas gifts for a teacher, holiday party hostess, co-worker, stylist, etc ... With a little time and few supplies, you can create these projects in a flash! My sister just bought a new house a couple of months ago. Her favorite colors are red, white, and black. So I used the new Twilight in My Garden digital kit by Michelle Coleman at Little Dreamer Designs and designed her some recipe cards that would look great in her new kitchen. I designed the 4x6 cards on the computer, printed and cut them, then used ribbon and a tag to create a cute little package.   My mom loves little handmade note cards, so I made her a little pack and gave it to her when my parents came to visit this past weekend. This was a great way to use my scraps and embellishments! I did not buy anything new for this project.   cute. simple. thoughtful. easy to make. Have a great week! christy
cardmaking | Digital Scrapbooking | gift ideas
Monday, September 22, 2008 2:41:17 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
try this; handmade journal
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:35:31 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) One of my good friends bought me this cute, little handmade journal from Made By One Girl,
an artist in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each journal, scrapbook, album,
etc. is built by hand in her studio. That journal has been sitting
pretty on my desk for about a week inspiring me to be creative. Do you
ever have those things that are so pretty you don't want to use
them? :) Kind of like my new All-Clad Stainless Steel pots and pans
... I am dying to use them, but don't want to get them dirty. Crazy, I
know!  I had painted a canvas not too long ago with ideas and inspiration from Kelly Rae's new book, Taking Flight.
After reading the book and picking up a paint brush, I realized how
much I missed painting, something I haven't done since college. What I
especially love about the book is that Kelly Rae packed it with
inspiration galore, and she gives step-by-step instructions that anyone
can do. The technique I used from the book is using cut up scrapbook
paper, canvas and paint. Seriously, if you're looking to spread your wings a little, you need to get this book!  I was off work on Monday due to the power outage caused by remnants of
hurricane Ike. I was looking at the handmade journal and my painted canvas when suddenly,
my next project came to life! I cut the canvas to make a journal
cover. Then, I cut scrap paper that was laying around (since
college) for the inside pages of my journal. I cut windows on the
journal's cover and wrote the title on the first page so it would
show through the windows. Lastly, I punched two holes in the front and
back of the cover and added eyelets and ribbon to tie the journal shut.
Voila! A simple, handmade journal that was easy to make.  Don't
like canvas or paint? No worries! Find a heavy-weight paper, cardboard,
scrap paper and create your own journal. This is a great way to use
what you already have! christy
gift ideas | Memory Makers Books | techniques
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 12:35:31 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
"Back to School" in Style
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:39:16 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Three 99 cent composition books + adhesive + patterned paper + a vintage sewing book page + ribbon + paint + a prepainted wooden item = stylin' back-to-school notebooks ... or, in my case, a journal, a list keeper and a book journal.  Easy, quick, cheap, pretty ... doesn't get any better than that! Best, Beth
creative prompt | gift ideas | mini-albums
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:39:16 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, August 01, 2008
Lots of photos? Here's a time-saving solution for getting your photos scrapped.
Friday, August 01, 2008 1:00:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) ... Mini-Albums. I love them! I take a ton of photos during one event, and rather than choosing one to three and create a layout, I can fit a lot into a small album. Combine hybrid scrapping + a mini-album and you get a great time-saving solution for using lots of photos. Luke and I had our engagement photo session with our photographer at the beginning of June. We had a lot of great photos. I narrowed it down to 12 of my favorite and created this little album to display at our wedding. I also included journaling describing our different personalities and little quirks. While it's convenient (and tempting) to go out and buy an album, I am on a tight budget these days with only 5 weeks to go until the wedding and house hunt. So I made my own album out of corrugated (cover) and thin cardboard (inside pages) that I had leftover from another project.       Here's the step by step: 1. Find a mini-album template from your favorite digital designer and download it. (I downloaded the Tutti Frutti 4x6 Quick Page Album from We Are Storytellers.) Gather some cardboard or a blank album you already have. 2. Design your album in PhotoShop, PS Elements, or any design program with the digital template you downloaded. 3. Print and trim your pages. (I printed my pages on our Epson R1900 and trimmed them with an Xacto knife). 4. Now is the time to add embellishments to your pages that you don't want sticking through the other side of your cardboard. For example I wanted stitching on my cover, but I didn't want to see the stitching on the other side of the cardboard. So I stitched the cover before I adhered it the cardboard so that it looked seamless. (This would be a good time to add any brads.) 4. Measure and cut out cardboard to match the size of your album. Adhere your designed pages to the cardboard. (My album is 4x6 and I used Tombow Mono Adhesive) 5. Use a hole punch to create holes for binding. Use ribbon, binder rings, or other binding method to finish your album. 6. Add any stamps, embellishments or handwritten journaling to finish the album. This hybrid album took about half the time it would have taken me if I didn't start with a digital template. Do you have any time-saving tips to share for making mini-albums or multi-photo layouts? Have a great weekend! Christy
Digital Scrapbooking | gift ideas | hybrid scrapbooking | mini-albums
Friday, August 01, 2008 1:00:56 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hybrid Card Take 3
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2:44:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  I made this hybrid card for my best friend Jen. Since we don't live in the same city, I sent it with a little birthday box I put together for her. The title treatment was inspired by Master '08 Brittany Laakkonen's I Am Striving layout, which appeared in the July/August Techniques section of the magazine. Supplies: Brads (Bazzill) • Digital patterned paper ( FREE Art Nation Blossom Kit by Emily Powers) • Flowers (Making Memories) • Ribbon (KI Memories) —Katie
cardmaking | free digital kits | gift ideas | hybrid scrapbooking
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2:44:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Spice Up Your Home Decor
Friday, July 25, 2008 9:33:47 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I had a vase lying around my apartment that had simple contemporary lines. I was in the creative mood last night, so I sat down, grabbed some foam stamps and bright turquoise paint and began to play. I used a modern Damask foam stamp from Making Memories and stamped one of the designs on top and one of the bottom to create a diamond shape. I then took my paint brush and distressed the contemporary edges with paint. I added a few gems from Hero Art and voila! A new vase with a lot more color and pizzazz was born. The whole project probably took me about ten minutes. Find something around your house and think of the ways you can use your crafts supplies to personalize it to your style. Hope you have a fun this weekend recreating something in your home!
 Create something. Inspire everyone. GinaMarie
gift ideas | home decor
Friday, July 25, 2008 9:33:47 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Bridal Shower Card and Notebook
Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:41:34 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
One of my younger cousins is getting married a month before I am in August. I'm traveling home this weekend to attend her bridal shower and I made her a funky card and decorated a notebook to keep track of everyone's gifts. The colors for her wedding are black and white, so I added some bright colors to give it a nice punch of color.
I used Master '08, Staci Etheridge's technique featured in the July/August issue and pleated some ribbon along the bottom of the card and attached it with staples. If you're using this technique on a card, make sure you staple the ribbon to a piece of patterned paper and then attach it to the card so the staples aren't seen on the inside of the card.
  Supplies: cardAdhesive: Tombow Black/Pink Patterned paper, chipboard embellishments: KI Memories Black/white patterned paper, 7gypsies yours always element: Li'l Davis Ribbon, staples: Misc. notebook
Adhesive: Towbow
Patterned paper, photo corners, chipboard: KI Memories Vinyl letters, pen: American Crafts Create something. Inspire everyone. GinaMarie
cardmaking | gift ideas | techniques
Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:41:34 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, June 13, 2008
back to basics: paper and scissors
Friday, June 13, 2008 9:12:04 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I love digital and hybrid scrapbooking because it's fast, less mess, and I can take my computer anywhere to do it. But, when I haven't worked with paper, scissors, and my Tombo Mono Adhesive (I LOVE this stuff) in a while I start to experience some serious withdrawal symptoms :) There is just something so different about tearing paper, layering embellishments, adding dimension, painting, etc. My cousin just had a beautiful baby girl about 2 months ago. I haven't had the chance to meet her, but will see her at the wedding in a couple of months. I couldn't wait to create a layout about little Bella. I was also excited because this is my first baby page. Talk about breaking out of my traditional patterns and colors. It was tough going through my supplies to find that I barely had anything pink and yellow or for babies.  I normally love to do multi-photo layouts, but my focus was to make this more of a home decor project for my cousin. It would be so adorable in a 12x12 shadow box in the baby's room. I made little pockets at the bottom of the layout with three journaling prompts so that the happy parents could write little notes to Bella. They read 1.) We love your... 2.) You make us... 3.) We hope & pray... This layout took me about 30 minutes. My main techniques were layering paper, ribbon, and embellishments. I gave the layout added dimension by adding thick pop dots behind the photo to lift it off the page. Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend! Christy
gift ideas | home decor | layout inspiration | techniques
Friday, June 13, 2008 9:12:04 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
handmade goodies
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 9:25:08 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) This week I am making handmade gifts to give my bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner. I bought small bars of peppermint tea tree menthol handmade soap from Good Fortune for my bridesmaids and as a favor for each guest. I bought them without the traditional packaging so that I could decorate them to match the wedding colors. It smells so yummy! I wrapped each bar differently so that each girl gets something a little different.  What I love most about buying my soap from Good Fortune (besides the fact that it's only made with high-quality, natural ingredients) is that Good Fortune gives back to charities when specific items are purchased. And the web site allows you to donate a bar of soap, wash cloth, and a message of kindness to an orphanage, women's shelter, or women and orphans in South Africa. How awesome is that? :) I also put together a little stationery pack with some of my favorite stationery and some of my handcrafted cards. Something different for each bridesmaid. Here are three of the six.    The soap idea would be great favors for an evening dinner party or baby shower! Wrap the them to match the theme or color palette. Even making a few cards or beautiful tags make a wonderful priceless gift. Oh, and if you like inspiring stories, check out Good Fortune's story and blog to read how Good Fortune started out of a woman's home with a dream to make the world a better place. christy
cardmaking | gift ideas
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 9:25:08 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
make note of this simple gift idea
Thursday, May 29, 2008 8:45:33 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) On Monday morning I was welcomed to work by a colorful surprise on my desk ... a sampling of the new Making Memories' Noteworthy line. For me, it was love at first sight. The colors, patterns, paper with scalloped, round, and die-cut edges all had me itching for some creative time (something I haven't had much time for lately). Being in wedding mode, I decided to craft a little memory book for my upcoming bridal shower. I guess now would be a good time to tell you that I got engaged in March and getting married in September... :)   The colors of the new line were perfect for this project, green for the
color of the wedding and pink and purple to add a romantic touch. I
even used part of the packaging (from the brads) as you can see on the
inside front cover of the tabbed, chipboard book (by Zsiage). Want to win the Noteworthy collection? Click here! Know a bride-to-be? This would make a darling gift for the next bridal shower you attend. Have a wonderful day!! christy
gift ideas
Thursday, May 29, 2008 8:45:33 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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