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 Wednesday, June 04, 2008
July/August Issue Recap
6/4/2008 4:16:14 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)


July/August Recap


Hello everyone, it’s time for another issue recap. So without further ado:

Cover: This cover just feels like summer to me (my second-favorite season). Love the grass and tall pitcher of lemonade. And Master ’07 Katrina Simeck’s Summertime layout is bright and vibrant.

We’ve had a few requests for the Summertime supply list, so here it is:

summertime
by Katrina Simeck
Colchester, Vermont
 
supplies: Adhesive (SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L) • Brads (Making Memories) •
Cardstock (Bazzill, Die Cuts With A View, WorldWin) • Die-cutting system
(QuicKutz) • Flowers (American Crafts) • Patterned paper (BoBunny) • Pens
(Sharpie)

Pg. 2
Looking for a cute way to document your summer memories? Check out this issue’s Journaling Spot.

Pg. 8: WEB EXCLUSIVES (Don’t have the magazine at your fingertips? I’ve included the links below. Enjoy!)

-We’ve got another irresistible FREE digital kit from Michelle Coleman. Click here to download her Bohemian Summer kit.

-What’s your favorite journaling tool? Click here to share.
(Pg. 40 Find out how to record authentic journaling on your layouts in the Beyond the Obvious feature by Contributing Editor Courtney Walsh.)

-Learn how to combine themed embellishments with a basic collection of patterned papers to create a fun, trendy look in this Web exclusive from Hot Off The Press Designer Laura Nicholas.

-Discover easy-to-learn digital skills to create your own patterned paper. Click here. (Tip: You can use your NEW Bohemian Summer kit. See above for details on where to download the kit.)

-Click here to see inspiring summer photos from Contributing Editor Laura Oles. (Pg. 20: Give your own summer photos a boost using Laura’s tips for capturing sunsets, using white-balance basics and shooting blurred-action photos in this issue's Focus on Images column, 3 Steps to Sensation Summer Snapshots.)

(I love Vita Thai’s Mum’s Advice No. 289 layout. Currently, one of my favorite hybrid techniques is printing text on photos. It’s so easy! Want another example? Click here. (Scroll down to see the layout.) Also, please note that the giveaway mentioned in this blog entry is over.)

Pg. 22
This month’s True Colors column is dedicated to monochromatic color palettes. (Kari Hansen’s Ode to Flylady layout uses variations of one of my favorite colors: purple. Challenge: Read Kari’s tips and create a monochromatic layout of your own that showcases one of your favorite colors. Share them here.

Pg. 44
Traveling this summer? Check out the Wanderlust Revealed feature.

Sneak Peek:

Tip #9—Save maps. In whole or in part, they’ll add a unique touch to your layouts later.

(Idea: I recently incorporated a map on a collage I created (see below). To capture a textured, collage-like look on a layout, you can use the same technique I did. 


 


Here’s how: Adhere your piece of map using gel medium. Use Vaseline on the places you’d like the map to show through. Then, paint over the entire map surface with acrylic paint. When the paint dries, you will be able to wipe away the areas you covered in Vaseline, revealing sections of your map.)

Page 50 to 72
You’ve got to check out all of the incredibly inspiring reader layouts we have in this month’s galleries: It’s A Guy Thing and Reader Idea Gallery!

As always, please leave comments and let us know what you thought about this issue. We truly enjoy hearing your thoughts/suggestions/ideas.

This weekend, I’m off to my sister’s high school graduation and party. If you have suggestions for documenting graduations/parties, I’d love to hear them. Click here to share your ideas.

Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week,

Katie



creative prompt | current issue recap | Digital Scrapbooking | free digital kits | hybrid scrapbooking | layout inspiration | photography | techniques
6/4/2008 4:16:14 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] 
 Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Flocked and Foiled: Find Inspiration in the Ordinary
6/3/2008 2:23:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

It seems like nowadays you can coordinate anything to match the décor of your house. Even Kleenex boxes have become hip and trendy and are sporting textures that you can find on a lot of scrapbooking paper right now. Check out these flocked and foiled boxes that I picked up at Target the other day. These are not the kind of Kleenex boxes that you would find in your great Aunt Edna’s bathroom.



This week’s challenge: Find inspiration in the everyday objects you purchase or even with something you have around your house. Look at the packaging and mimic the colors, textures and fonts. Pick something that grabs your attention and inspires you.

I will be heading out to the Great American Scrapbooking Convention in Arlington, Texas this week, but I will post a layout next week with a picture of my inspiration. Look for an object this weekend and join me in finding inspiration in the ordinary.

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie


creative prompt
6/3/2008 2:23:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] 
new to scrapbooking?
6/3/2008 10:05:26 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
Last Thursday I got together with one of my dearest friends, Brittany. It had been several months since we've seen each other. Life is so busy these days!! When deciding what we should do I threw out the idea of a paper, scissors and glue night. She brought pizza and lots of photos and I provided the basic papercrafting essentials.

Brittany had never scrapped before. So, like most beginners she was quite overwhelmed with my stash of product and questions like "where do i start." Being an artist myself, I realize that art is the freedom to create what's on your heart, so I told her "the sky's the limit". I gave her a few books and Memory Makers Magazines for inspiration and she went to work. I love her finished layout. It's simple, bold, and most importantly, she let her creativity do all the work.



Watching a first-timer it really made me think of why I scrapbook... to tell my story, record the moments that I don't want to ever forget, and to leave a bit of family history for future generations.

Know anyone who might find some hidden artistic ability that lies deep inside? Maybe someone who just wants to tell their story? My challenge to you: next time you get together with some friends, host a craft night and introduce them to scrapbooking. They'll thank you for the opportunity! If you're just getting started, check out the Getting Started section of our Web site for some great tips.

Have a great day!
Christy




getting started
6/3/2008 10:05:26 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [2] 
 Thursday, May 29, 2008
make note of this simple gift idea
5/29/2008 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
5/29/2008 8:45:33 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Noteworthy Giveaway!
5/28/2008 2:04:02 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

To enter the giveaway, post your response in the forum by clicking here.

The winner will receive a Making Memories’ prize package of the new Noteworthy Collection, and will be announced on the morning of Tuesday, June 3, 2008 in the forum. Make sure to check out  Making Memories’ blog for additional product information and inspiration.


I was so inspired by the colors and patterns of this line, I couldn't wait to create a layout with this collection. It can fit every style from clean and classic to graphic and trendy. I played off of the briliant colors in this collection by adding text to my pictures in Photoshop that matched the colors in the line.

Tip:
In order to get a cropped image with text to print at any photo lab, open up a blank white document in photoshop that is 4x6 and 300 dpi. Place your cropped picture on the white background and add the text you want. After you've added text, flatten your image and print it off at any photo lab. This is will ensure that cropped photos will not be stretched into a 4x6 photo format.





Supplies:
All patterned paper and embellishments were from the Noteworthy line.
Adhesives: Tombow
Pen: EK Success

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie

layout inspiration | Photo Printing
5/28/2008 2:04:02 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Noteworthy
5/28/2008 9:28:56 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
The Memory Makers team received the new Making Memories' Noteworthy line last week, and we were all drawn to its bright colors and gorgeous coordinating embellishments. Considering our styles are all different, it's quite an accomplishment that this collection managed to speak to each and every one of our creative sensibilities!



Journaling about my aunt Ellen (Happy Birthday, E!) and Mei-Lin: Ellen and Mei-Lin: Who knew? They've bonded over boiled peanuts on Tybee Island beach; dogs; jewelry; music and fashion ... Two stylish babes related by life and love.

supplies: Adhesive (Tombow) • Butterfly (American Crafts) • Journaling tag (7gypsies) • Phrase stickers (Marcella) • Brad, ribbon, patterned paper, sticker (Making Memories) • Pen (EK Success)

Best,
Beth

layout inspiration
5/28/2008 9:28:56 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Layout Inspiration + An Easy How-to
5/27/2008 10:47:29 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)


I spent much of my long weekend crafting. I enjoyed using Making Memories' new Noteworthy collection on the Coffee Talk layout below. Like what you see? Tomorrow, you'll have a chance to enter a contest to win your own set of Noteworthy supplies. I love all of the scalloped shapes, acrylic accents and bright colors, and everything coordinates so well. Layout tip: Use acrylic paint to add texture to pages. Using a foam make-up sponge, I quickly swiped white acyrlic paint on the Noteworthy patterned paper. A few quick swipes set the stage for my title, and the paint was a great contrast to the glitter title letters.



Supplies: Acrylic embellishments, letter stickers, patterned paper, metal accent (Making Memories) • Journaling spots (Every Jot and Tittle) • Word stickers (KI Memories) • Misc.: acrylic paint, date stamp, staples





How-to: Make Your Own Painted Paper Accent

On the Collage layout above, I created a painted paper accent to anchor my photos and embellishments to the page. We used this technique in my collage class to create a variety of layers for our collages.

Here's how:

1. Tear or cut a piece of watercolor paper to the size and shape you want.
2. Coat the paper in gesso (I used Liquitex Basics). To create texture, use a liberal amount of gesso and spread it around the paper with a paint brush or your fingers to create ridges, circular shapes, lines, etc. (You also can use a pen to draw shapes in the wet gesso, or use other objects, such as the lid of a jar, to create shapes and textures.)
3. Let the paper dry completely.
4. Paint the gessoed paper with the acrylic paint of your choice.
5. Let dry.
6. Place your painted paper accent on the page.

I created the text cards (Grow, Inspire, Create) at Moo.com. I enjoyed being able to personalize the cards, using words, phrases, colors and fonts of my choice. They have a variety of colors and fonts to choose from on the site, and you also can create mini-cards using photos. You can check both products out at Moo.com.

supplies: Bird accents (me & my BiG ideas) • Epoxy stickers (KI Memories) • Patterned paper (October Afternoon) • Journaling spot (Luxe Designs) • Letter stickers (Li'l Davis) • Text cards (Moo.com) • Word stickers (K&Co.) • Misc.: acrylic paint, gesso, watercolor paper, staples

How did you spend your weekend? Did you create anything? Let me know!

—Katie

layout inspiration | techniques
5/27/2008 10:47:29 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [2] 
 Friday, May 23, 2008
More Digital Kit Inspiration!
5/23/2008 3:29:40 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

I was recently inspired by Michelle Coleman's new Bohemian Summer kit that can be downloaded, here, free. Katie and I also used some embellishments from the Emily Power's free Art Nation—Blossom kit that can be downloaded here.

These kits are so much fun to play with and can be mixed interchangeably. I enjoy mixing the paper and embellishments from different kits to capture an eclectic style. On this layout, I used a digital natural brush in Photoshop Elements to give the appearance of a paint behind my title. For more digital kit inspiration, visit our Associate Editor, Katie's blog entry.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends. Make sure to grab your camera and create some digital layouts with these amazing free kits!




Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie

Digital Scrapbooking | free digital kits
5/23/2008 3:29:40 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [2] 
Fun With FREE Digital Kits
5/23/2008 10:07:51 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

SliceofLifeWeb1.jpg
Inspired by Master '08 Caroline Ikeji's Slice of Life layout, I created my own page to document some of the random moments I've enjoyed this spring.

To create this page, I used elements from two of our free kits: Bohemian Summer by Michelle Coleman and Art Nation—Blossom by Emily Powers.

You'll find all of the elements I used FOR FREE on our digital downloads page.

Our newest FREE kit: Bohemian Summer by Michelle Coleman



Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Katie




Digital Scrapbooking | free digital kits
5/23/2008 10:07:51 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Thursday, May 22, 2008
Painting Technique
5/22/2008 1:38:25 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

On an earlier entry, I posted this creative prompt in response to a question posed by one of our forum members.

The creative prompt of the week is use a tool that you own, but have never used more than a handful of times.

This is the layout I created based on the prompt. I used our Cricut machine in the office, because I had never tried to use it before. We just recently received some of the new cartridges from Provo Craft, so I busted it out and used the Street Sign cartridge to cut out the word wish and the arrows. I love this new font, and I could see myself using the arrows on a lot of my pages. Click, here, to see what others have created with their "new" tools, and join in the forum fun!

I used a simple painting techinque on this page and carried it through each element. I used a foam make-up applicator and brushed the paint on the edges and the places where I wanted the journaling stickers to go. I also brushed some paint over the wish word and the arrow to give them some more dimension. I liked using the foam make-up applicator because it gave me more control than a bulky foam brush.



Inspiration: I created this page based on a piece of artwork my grandma created many years ago. She's been gone now for a few years, but there's a part of me that wishes she could see the things I'm creating right now. The journaling says: Sometimes I wish you could see the artist in you is now a part of me.

Supplies:
Letter stickers, Paint: Making Memories
Cricut machine/cartridge: Provocraft
Cardstock: misc.
Patterned paper: BasicGrey

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie

layout inspiration | techniques
5/22/2008 1:38:25 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Monday, May 19, 2008
Our First Entry for the 2009 Masters Contest!
5/19/2008 12:33:09 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

Today marks the beginning of a very exciting time for our loyal readers and our editorial team. The first entry for the 2009 Memory Makers Masters Contest arrived on my desk this morning. We will keep you posted as the entries pile up throughout our office. Learn more about how to enter, here, and join in the fun! We hope many of you will enter with the dream of becoming a 2009 Memory Makers Master.



Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie


5/19/2008 12:33:09 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Thursday, May 15, 2008
A Great Question by a Forum Member
5/15/2008 12:19:04 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

On a recent stroll around the forum, I found an excellent question posted by forum member LISAINOK, a.k.a. the question guru. (She is always asking our forum members great questions about all sorts of things.)

THE QUESTION IS:

What's the one tool or item that you just thought you had to have, and now, you never really use it? Why don’t you use it? Is it because it doesn't do what you thought it would, you don't know how to use it, or have you forgotten you have it?

Check out the post by clicking, here, and let us know which tools you haven’t used and why. For those of you who have tools collecting dust, either because you’ve forgotten you bought them or because you were intimidated to use them, I say dust off those tools and put them to good use!

The creative prompt for the week is use a tool that you own, but have never used more than a handful of times. If you're intimidated by your tool, post your questions here and we’ll all try to help you figure it out. Also feel free to post anything you’ve created with your “new” tools.

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie


creative prompt
5/15/2008 12:19:04 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  #  Comments [0]