Good Saturday morning!
Have you seen the March/April issue of Memory Makers yet?
It is a great issue so go pick up a copy if you haven't already!

I want to share my layout from the Masterpieces column here and then show you a few easy techniques from it that you can use too.

My layout is about my cute yardboy (aka my husband).

Supplies: Patterned paper (October Afternoon, My Minds Eye, Prima), Cardstock (Prism), Alphabet stickers (Doodlebug, Making Memories), Chipboard (Fancy Pants), Pen (American Crafts), Misc (notebook paper, paint, embroidery floss)

And here are some super-easy techniques that I used on this layout:

1.
I created somewhat of a "grassy" border by tearing patterned paper and layering it over the torn edges of notebook paper (I messily painted the notebook paper edges first). Then I added some random hand-stitching with green embroidery floss and a few flowers cut out of patterned paper.  

2.
I like to add a different paper in the spaces behind alphabet letters. This adds a pop of color to the title and it helps the letters stand out better against a busy background.

3.
When I have several pictures lined up next to each other, I like to sand the edges to create a subtle white border to give the pictures some distinction so they don't get lost next to each other.

I hope this gives you some easy ideas that you can use the next time you are scrapbooking.

Have a great weekend!
{and happy scrappin'!}
gretchen

Ever start a layout, not sure where it's going?  That happens to me all the time.  Or do you ever have the picture of a project in your mind, start to craft and the project takes a completely different direction?  This also happens to me, often.  Do you ever think you're doing with a layout, revisit it and think, "Oh my!  Now, that needs some work to get it to that happy place!"

This is what happened with the "I Wish" layout on my Master's entry, as seen in MM's Jan/Feb '09 magazine.  I had the layout done almost a year before I decided to enter the contest.  When reviewing layouts to consider for entry, I thought this was a good candidate; however, it definitely needed some spicing up.  Here is the before and after..

Have you ever revisited a layout like this?  Granted, often in the digital world it may be a little easier to manipulate older work; however, sometimes the simple addition of an embellishment, stitching or photo can change the entire look and feel of a piece of work.  Try it out!

Create a fun decorative wrapping accent for your next gift with scraps of paper, wire, a punch and eyelets. I used a star punch on my project but think how cute this could be with a heart punch, a variety of circles or even flowers. Simply punch a bunch of shapes from your scraps of paper. Then punch holes and add eyelets. I used floral wire from the craft store cut in various lengths. Then I attached stars to both ends of the wire. I wrapped the wire around the wine bottle and then curled the wire around a pencil.

Create a matching gift tag with your extras punched shapes.

 

Viola ...

 

(Supplies Used: Paper from SEI, Punch from EK Success, Stamp from Stampin Up, Eyelets from Heidi Swapp, Ribbon from Stampin Up and Ink from Versafine)

Happy Valentines Day ~ Summer

I hope you are having a wonderful day!!
Are you going to be needing some inspiration to give you that jumpstart when scrapbooking pictures you take today??
Well look no further than the gallery here!
It is full of fun inspiration!

Here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day layouts I found in the gallery today.

(Traditional layout by Angela Niehaus)

(Digital layout by Jeanet Almhoej)

(Digital layout by Julia Stockert)

You have probably already made your Valentine's cards but in case you haven't you should totally scraplift this cute card by Beatriz Jennings!

Find these and more layouts & cards in the Valentines section of the Memory Makers gallery!

Have a great day!
gretchen

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  Are you ready?  Do you and your special someone have anything planned? 

In the spirit of Valentine's I created a couple of cards...these two cards are a great way to use up some scraps you have on hand! 

 

I used my Heidi Swapp Edge Distressor Tool to distress the hearts and paper layers.  I used Pop Dots behind each of the heart to give it extra dimension.  I simply used a Maya Road Sheer Heart as my template!  These cards were simple and easy to create! 

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's!!

Supplies Used:  Patterned Paper:  (Studio Calico, Making Memories, October Afternoon); Cardstock:  (Bazzill); Embellishments:  (Best Occasions Rhinestones, Making Memories Sticker); Stamps: (Studio Calico "you", Heidi Swapp "love") Ink:  (Staz On); Other:  (Stickles Glitter Glue); Adhesive:  (Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 3-D Foam Dots, Scotch Photo Stickers)

Like almost everyone who scrapbooks I'm in love with ribbon.  I like collecting it and I can't resist the tiny spools of ribbons available now.  I love Bobbin Ribbons and American Crafts.  I always wind up with tons of tiny empty spools.  I have seen mini albums and ornaments done with the large rolls so I decided to try altering some of my little spools.  I like using them for photos, using them to hold mini embellishments, and just to have around for pretty knick knacks.  Here are some quick instructions and a few photos of my newest favorites.
 









I'm all for using up my scraps and getting more value out of scrapbook packaging.  This project is a great combination of both. Thanks for reading! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Enjoy! Love, Melissa

Supplies: Brads (Making Memories); Buttons (My Mind's Eye); Chipboard (Scenic Route) Paper (Cloud 9, Fancy Pants Designs, Scenic Route); Ribbon (Offray); Ribbon Spools (Bobbin Ribbons, American Crafts); Stickers (Cloud 9)

There was a nice break in the temperature today - the mid 40s. I had my window open to let a bit of fresh air inside. When I caught some of that nice breeze, it made me long for one of my favorite vacation spots. (I know 40s is not warm, but it is welcome compared to the temperatures we experienced the past week - LOL!)

So, I decided to scrap this charming find from a trip to the beach in September of 2006. We love to vacation in the fall - not too hot, and a bit of coolness in the air.

While taking a walk along the water, we happened upon this empty chair. We imagined not too long before it held a content vacationer taking in the scenery or perhaps catching some quiet time to read a book.



However, the sky in the original photograph was very washed out. To give it some punch, I decided to combine it with another photograph to create a new and more powerful result. In Photoshop, I simply removed the washed-out sky, created a new layer, and added the new sky.


This layout is now a great representation of this memory. Although my camera did not capture it perfectly, my layout does.
I can't wait for vacation time!
~Kim

(All digital supplies by Pixel Canvas)