Color Inspiration Challenge

Who is your favorite paper crafting goddess? Stacey Julian? Leah Fung? Heidi Swapp? Becky Higgins?

While I love all of these goddesses, my personal favorite may be someone you've never heard of, yet - Kristina Werner.  Kristina works at Stampin' Up! as a graphic artist. So, she helped design some of the great stamps you probably have in your craft stash. But, even better in her spare time she creates color inspiration challenges and videos stepping you through fabulous card creations.  

The photo is from Kristina's challenge this week. Hurry, the challenge ends Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 pm MT. 

Visit Kristina's blog, kwernerdesign.com .  View her videos on You Tube here .

I hope you find Kristina as inspiring as I do.

Colleen

Freebie Friday

FamilyFun magazine is offering a free Island Party Planner booklet for download through Amazon.com. Get your free booklet here.

Make It Monday

I really like the stars and stripes combination on this HP ad. It might make a nice background paper, card or try replacing the photo of the computer with a photo of your loved one and title and journaling and you're done.

What will you make this Monday?

Go get creative.
Colleen

Make It Monday

This hand bag by Dolce & Gabbana is this Monday's Make It Monday inspiration item. What can you make with this as your inspiration? Could you use it as a color scheme? Use your scraps, that are taking over your craft room, to create a one-of-a-kind background or accent paper?

Time to get crafty!

Colleen

Freebie Friday - Bonus Freebie

Today I'm providing a bonus freebie. A printable birthday card that you simply print and embellish that was created by Cindy Wyckoff of Scrapbook Dimensions magazine. Instructions are included.

Hurry and nab this freebie while you can this card is available for a limited time only.

Enjoy,
Colleen

Freebie Friday

Today's Freebie Friday comes from Jenni of Weathered Halo Designs.

If you use her design, make sure you give her some kudos at her scrapbook.com post.

Happy scrapping!,
Colleen

Freebie Friday

Today's Freebie is a collection of unusual buttons © 2003 Ronna Penner. You can download the collection at scrap-bytes.com.

Happy Scrapping!,
Colleen

What's New Wednesday

Today's What's New Wednesday item is Basic Grey's new Cupcake Collection. You can buy it at your local scrapbooking store or online here.

What a great collection for all the upcoming summer outings.

Colleen

Tuesday Tips

Today's Tuesday Tip is a reminder that this Saturday, May 3rd is National Scrapbooking Day. Scrapbooking stores throughout the country will be celebrating. Check with your local scrapbooking store to see what special events they have planned.

Online scrapbooking stores are celebrating as well with freebies, challenges and discounts. A list of a few of the many sites with celebrations is available on the official National Scrapbooking Day website.

Get together with your friends this Saturday and get scrappin'.

All the best,
Colleen

Make It Monday

Today's Make It Monday inspirational item is a Coach handbag. What does this inspire you to make? Scrapbook paper? Embellishments? A card? Something else?

Go get creative!,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch

This 5-photo, 2-page layout was created using a digital kit. Don't despair if you are a traditional scrapper. This layout is easily duplicated when broken into steps.

1. Start with a solid background paper.
2. Cut large paisleys or crescent moons from patterned paper and adhere to the background paper.
3. Trim the 5-photos to size.
4. Using a large circle punch or Coluzzle circle template, cut a half circle from each of the two end photos as shown.
5. Adhere photos to pages.
6. Adhere ribbon so that it overlaps both the paper and photos.
   
7. Pierce the middle of each felt or paper circles (as well as the paper where the embellishment will go) and insert a large brad (or a button) through all layers and splay the back the back of the brads to secure.
8. On a slightly larger circle of felt or paper, add your layout title and journaling.
   Adhere to layout.
9. The final touch is a coordinating frame adhered over the main photo to highlight your subject.
   

Digital kit: Rainy Day Sunday Add-On, designed and copyrighted by Amy Bleser. See yesterday's Friday Freebie to grab this kit for free.

Please send me your completed layouts. I helps keep me motivated to create these sketches each week.

All the Best,
Colleen

Freebie Friday

Today's freebie is available for download from digitalfreebies.com. Rainy Day Sunday add-on kit is by Amy Bleser.

Happy Scrapping,
Colleen

What's New Wednesday

Making Memories as new tool, the Slice digital design cutter. It will be available for purchase summer 2008. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Here's why...

1. It's small, only 5 inches square.
2. It's light, less than 2 pounds.
3. It doesn't require a computer.
4. It can cut almost every paper - including vellum, vinyl, textured cardstock and photos up to .5 mm thick.
5. It can cut any size of paper.
6. It doesn't require a computer cartridge with special matching keypad.
7. It is cordless (though it shows one in the picture on the right, that is for the recharging its batteries).
   
8. It claims to be easy to use. The video seems to confirm it.

Possible problem. I have not seen a price.

As soon as the Slice becomes available, you can be sure I'll be posting a link on where you can get yours.

Happy Scrappin',
Colleen

Tuesday Tips

Tuesdays at For the Love of Scrap are full of tips. These tips could be anything, for example:

• How to organize your craft space.
• Hosting a crop at your home.
• Getting the most from your supplies.
• Great scrapbooking sites.
• Answers to questions you send to me.
• An much more...

Today's Tuesday Tip is how to scrapbook with your children.

First, you need to keep your child's age in mind. Your child needs to be able to use scissors and a glue stick in order to be successful at scrapbooking. Also, you need to use tools appropriate for your child's skill level. Safety is important.

• For younger children (<10 years)
  
• For tweens (10 to 12 years) use the above list plus: glue dots, buttons, flowers, brads, paper trimmer, decorative scissors, ribbons, staples, stamps and punches.
• For teens (13+) use: anything that you use in scrapbooking. (ie coluzzle, X-Acto knife, piercing tools, sewing machines, etc.)

Next, chose an appropriate scrapbooking size for your child. Because children are smaller, it is usually best for them to use smaller sized scrapbooks. tag, coffee filter, paper bag, 4x6, 6x6 and 8x8 albums are great for kids. These sizes are easier for them to carry, pages can be completed faster, smaller (less expensive) photos can be used, and they can use your scraps (instead of them using your new stash). Directions for making a 4x6 album can be found here. Directions for making a 6x6 album can be found here. Directions for making just about any other album can be found here.

Creating these mini scrapbooks is a ideal craft project for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of all ages (for example, Brownie Hobbies Try-It badge).

Go make memories with your child today.

Colleen

The image above comes from http://www.mayaroad.com/new/images/2cover.jpg

Make it Monday

Mondays are Make It Monday at For the Love of Scrap. You are challenged to create a layout using the inspiration I provide. The inspiration maybe a word definition, a quote, a color palette, or an advertisement. This challenge meant to train your mind to look for scrapbooking inspiration in the world around you.

This Monday's inspiration is Pet Owner’s Day. April 18th is Pet Owner's Day so this week's challenge is to complete a layout of your pet(s).

I want to see your work. Please post completed layouts on our google group board here.

Have fun,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch

To created your finished layout using this sketch:

1. Start with a dark cardstock.
2. Trim 1" from two sides of an 12x12 light monochromatic patterned paper (one that looks solid when seen at a distance). Using a corner rounder punch, trim each corner. Adhere to the cardstock.
   
3. Cut a circle from patterned paper. Cut the circle in half.
   
4. Trim three photos into diamond shapes of the same size.
   
5. Test placement of photos and half circles on layout. Once happy, adhere to background paper (adhering the half circles first, then the photos.)
6. Add a large title as shown.
7. Place brads, buttons, flowers or other embellishments in each of the four corners.
8. Finish by journaling.
   

Happy Scrapping!,
Colleen

Freebie Friday

Fridays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing freebies that either I have created or found in my internet travels.

These quick pages can be downloaded for free from digitalfreebies.com here.

A Spring Garden {Quick Page Bonus} by Angela Sharrow

Happy Friday,

Colleen

The Thursday Review

Thursdays at For the Love of Scrap include reviews of products, books, magazines, stores, and all things related to scrapbooking and papercrafting.

Up for review this week is Layout Blueprints: Creative Concepts for Scrapbook Page Design by Amy Elkins.

The stats:
Cover price: $19.95 US $22.95 CAN
ISBN 978-0-9787433-0-7
108 pages

Layout Blueprints offers 55 sketches in a variety of sizes all of which are double layouts. Each sketch is accompanied by no less than two full-color sample layouts. Each layout includes a materials list with manufacturer information.

The book's construction is spiral bond, so it lays flat when open. The books pages are printed full-color on glossy paper.

Sprinkled throughout the book, 'It's in the Details' boxes offer advice on recreating the sample layout.

The layout sketches are simple and streamlined. You can see a preview of the book here.

Though, overall I like this book, If you only can buy one sketch book I would suggest Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches For Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck. Buy Layout Blueprints here.

Rating: $$ out of $$$
$ = Not worth the money.
$$ = I wouldn't pay full price, but definitely pick it up when on sale.
$$$ = Don't wait, buy it now!

Happy scrappin',
Colleen

Tuesday Tips

Tuesdays at For the Love of Scrap are full of tips. These tips could be anything, for example:

• How to organize your craft space.
• Hosting a crop at your home.
• Getting the most from your supplies.
• Great scrapbooking sites.
• Answers to questions you send to me.
• An much more...

Today's Tuesday Tip is how to host a crop in your home.

First, food and beverages are essential to any gathering. But when scrapbooking, it can spell disaster. You should set up a separate area just for eating and drinking. I've had a glass of pop, accidentally spilled by a fellow scrapper, take out a stack of my favorite papers. Consider serving non-finger food. Greasy fingerprints can ruin a layout. Try offering scrap-friendly snacks instead, like pretzels.

In addition to the food station, you will want an inspiration station. This is where you would leave scrapbooking magazines, books and sketches for others to borrow.

You may also want to consider having a supplies station. I'm not suggesting you provide the supplies for everyone. But, rather that all the participants can leave supplies they no longer want and take what they like. Like a mini scrap swap.

Finally, you need cropping areas for each participant. I suggest that you provide a space about 3' by 3' for each person. This allows for spreading out their materials and a nice sized area to work on their layouts. Remember to provide everyone with a plastic grocery bag for their trash, so clean up is easy. Also, remind them that they can place larger scraps that they don't want at the supplies station for others to use.

All the best,
Colleen

Make it Monday

Mondays are Make It Monday at For the Love of Scrap. You are challenged to create a layout using the inspiration I provide. The inspiration maybe a word definition, a quote, a color palette, or an advertisement. This challenge meant to train your mind to look for scrapbooking inspiration in the world around you.

This Monday's inspiration is an advertisement. Try your hand at making a layout based on this ad. This technique is called a scraplift.

I want to see your work. Please post completed layouts on our google group board here.

Have fun,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch

I know I said I was going to only sketch in grey scale from now on and avoid using digital kits, but I couldn't resist this one. 10 photos of varying sizes fit on this double layout.

The two journaling blocks are created through the use of Hand Drawn Journaling Panels acrylic stamps by Autumn Leaves.

Pattern Paper, ribbons and bows all from No Room for Grey kit by retrodiva (Tracy Collins) www.retrodiva.net.

Remember to post your completed layouts at our google group.

Happy Scrapping!
Colleen

Freebie Friday

This entire digital scrapbooking kit can be downloaded onto your computer for zip, zilch, nada. That's free folks. ;o) Get it here.

Be Mine by retrodiva {designs}

Happy Friday,

Colleen

The Thursday Review

Thursdays at For the Love of Scrap include reviews of products, books, magazines, stores, and all things related to scrapbooking and papercrafting.

Up for review this week is Scrapbook Page Maps by Becky Fleck.
Let me start out by saying I wish I had written this book. This is the best scrapbooking book I have purchased to date (let's just say I have a few).

So what exactly makes this book so great? First, the book's construction. The book is spiral bond, so it lays flat when open. But, unlike most spiral bound books, the publishers were smart enough to cover the spiral binding with a hard cover. This way when the book is on a shelf, you can still find the book by looking at its spine. Also, unprotected spiral binding tends to snag itself on objects. The books pages are printed full-color on glossy paper.

Second, the books sketches or page maps (60 in total) vary in size and orientation. They include: 12x12 single, 12x12 double, 8 1/2x11 vertical, 8 1/2x11 horizontal and 8 1/2x11 double. In addition, each sketch is accompanied by no less than two full-color sample layouts.

Third, along with the details of how the sample layout was created, each page contains "tip," "give it a try" and/or "eye spy" boxes. The "tip" boxes give advice, such as "For added dimension, double up photo anchors one on top of the other and attach with a brad." The "give it a try" boxes provide step-by-step photos demonstrating a scrapbooking technique, such as how to create a title block that looks like granite. The "eye spy" boxes draw your attention to details contained in the sample layouts that you may not have noticed, such as "Connie used the negative piece left over from popping the 'Y' out of the nested chipboard letter and backed it with patterned paper."

Lastly, the most unique and arguably the best part of this book is the deck of sketch cards that is included. The cards and card box are located at the back of the book. All you do is punch out the cards and box. The box is easily assembled by folding on the pre-scored lines and taping shut one side. The cards, just like the book, are full-color. One side of each card contains the sketch and the other contains a sample layout along with a materials list needed to recreate the layout. The cards are the size of children's playing cards and are coated, thus perfect for bringing to a crop or shopping.

So, is there anything I don't like about this book? Yep. I don't know when or if a sequel will be published.

This book is perfect for the novice scrapper to the seasoned scrapbooker.

Rating: $$$ out of $$$
$ = Not worth the money.
$$ = I wouldn't pay full price, but definitely pick it up when on sale.
$$$ = Don't wait, buy it now!

Happy scrappin',
Colleen

What's New Wednesday

Wednesdays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing what's new in the world of scrapbooking.

Today's find is a set of clear acrylic stamps Sometimes You're the Bug ($9.99) by Clear Dollar Stamps LLC. This set of stamps is so cute, unique and versatile.

2 coordinating stamp sets are currently available too. These include: Heaven Bound ($4.99) and Bugs and Kisses ($9.99).

I've been buying stamps from Clear Dollar Stamps LLC for a couple of years now. The quality is always great.

I also like that when you spend at least $50, you get the stamp of the month set free. In addition, if you spend more you get more free. See here for details.


ttfn,
Colleen

Tuesday Tips

Tuesdays at For the Love of Scrap are full of tips. These tips could be anything, for example:

• How to organize your craft space.
• Hosting a crop at your home.
• Getting the most from your supplies.
• Great scrapbooking sites.
• Answers to questions you send to me.
• An much more...

Today's Tuesday Tip is how to make your own scented embossing powder.

1. Add Kool-Aid drink mix (dry) to clear embossing powder in a small container.
2. Shake container to mix.

You can also try substituting dry spices and unused coffee grounds for the Kool-Aid drink mix.

Note: If you use larger granule ingredients, like unused coffee grounds, you will not to use embossing enamel or UTEE in place of regular embossing powder. This is due to the fact that regular embossing powder has finer granules and they will sink under the larger coffee granules and the result is less than ideal. Also, don't use powders that contain sugar. The sugar will caramelize when heated.

I recommend you only use these scented embossing powders on cards or other papercrafts that don't need to be archival safe.

Here are some card sentiments to try:

Have a berry nice Christmas.

You're a grape friend!

Thank you cherry much.

Thank you berry much.

Thank you for being a berry good friend.

Thanks a bunch. (think grapes or bananas)

I love you a whole bunch.

I'd go bananas without you.

May your new year be fruitful.

Orange you glad we're friends?

You're an orange-inal.

I'm nuts for you.

I'm cocoa for you.

Thanks a latte.

Is there any problem chocolate can't solve?

When life gives you lemons...make lemonade.

You can use the scented embossing powder just like regular embossing powder. Just stamp your image, sprinkle with the embossing powder, tap off excess powder and heat with embossing gun.

Try it on stickers, die cuts, and patterned paper too.

Post your creations on our google group board.

All the best,
Colleen

Make it Monday

Mondays are Make It Monday at For the Love of Scrap. You are challenged to create a layout using the inspiration I provide. The inspiration maybe a word definition, a quote, a color palette, or an advertisement. This challenge meant to train your mind to look for scrapbooking inspiration in the world around you.

Plum is this year's hot color. So, try incorporating some into your next layout. Here is this Monday's inspirational color combination. Here's how to translate this combination to your layout. Use:

• a dark royal plum for about 1/2 of your layout,
  
• a light silvery grey for 1/4 of your layout,
• a medium violet for 1/8 of your layout,
  
• and a medium olive for the final 1/8.
  

When you have completed your layout, please post it on our Google Group.

Just like Project Runway...Make it work!,
Colleen

Saturday Sketch - Sketch #32

Saturdays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing my original sketches.

So, without further ado, here is sketch 32.

Please remember to upload your completed layouts on our Google Group website here.

ttfn,
Colleen

The Thursday Review

Thursdays at For the Love of Scrap include reviews of products, books, magazines, stores, and all things related to scrapbooking and papercrafting.

Up for review this week is Digital Scrapbooking magazine.


The stats:
Issues per year: 6
Cover price: $6.99 US and $9.99 CAN
Advertised subscription price: $23.97 US
Best subscription price: $14.99 US.

Digital Scrapbooking is published by CK Media. CK Media also publishes Paper Crafts, Simple Scrapbooks and Creating Keepsakes. These magazines are leaders in the industry. So how does the newest sister publication stack up?

This review is based on the April/May 2008 issue.
As you can expect from its name, digital scrapbooking, the magazine has a digital scrapbooking focus. It does, however, also incorporate tips and techniques that can be used by hybrid, tradigital and traditional scrapbookers alike. For example, on pp.13-15, of this issue the article addresses that fonts should match the mood of your page. Though the article goes into details about how you can create a layered title that utilize different font styles and sizes using either Photoshop or Photoshop Elements; the tips can be applied for use with traditional materials fairly easily.

Other topics covered: photo color correction, scanning, templates, tutorials, product reviews, and more.

Renee Pearson is probably the best-known contributor to this magazine.

This magazine is best for those who are comfortable using a computer, like a challenge and can learn independently. You do not need to be proficient with Photoshop to enjoy this magazine, though you may glean more from some of the techniques demonstrated.

Rating: $$ out of $$$
$ = Not worth the money.
$$ = I wouldn't pay full price, but definitely pick it up when on sale.
$$$ = Don't wait, buy it now!

Happy scrappin',
Colleen

What's New Wednesday

Wednesdays at For the Love of Scrap are for sharing what's new in the world of scrapbooking.

Today's find is a set of acrylic stamps Boy Zahn's Life by Little Yellow Bicycle. This set is targeted at the crafter with boys. This doesn't apply to me. I have all girls. Though, it didn't prevent me from buying this set. I loved the 'Top 10 List' and the large arrow that says 'check this out.' It will work perfectly with my Sketch #29. With the exception of the 'boy' stamp, I think the rest are fairly unisex.

I also love that for those of you who are journalphobic, the 'top 10 list' and circle journal box are perfect. Just stamp the image and write on the lines. No worries that your lines aren't straight or that you don't have enough to say to fill the space. Just write a few quick lines and you're off to your next layout.

It's rare to find a great 'boy' stamp set. But, this is one of them. I'd love to see what you've created using this stamp set. Please feel free to post your creations on our Google Group here.

Happy Scrappin',
Colleen

Tuesday Tips

Tuesdays at For the Love of Scrap are full of tips. These tips could be anything, for example:

• How to organize your craft space.
• Hosting a crop at your home.
• Getting the most from your supplies.
• Great scrapbooking sites.
• Answers to questions you send to me.
• An much more...

Today's Tuesday Tip is how to properly clean your craft stamps. Regardless of what type of stamps you use (foam, polymer, or rubber) they all must be cleaned after each use. Cleaning your stamps preserves its details, prevents it from becoming brittle and avoids accidental inkings.

For proper cleaning you will need a stamp cleaning pad and stamp cleaner.


If you use a solvent-based ink such as Staz-On, you will need a solvent ink stamp cleaner.

Of course, if you use both types of inks, it's best to have a separate stamp cleaning pad for each.

What I have found works best to clean my stamps is to first clean them with baby wipes, then scrub them on the stamp cleaning pad (with the proper stamp cleaner) and finish by patting them dry on a clean cloth.

I hope you found this week's Tuesday Tip helpful.

All the best,
Colleen

Freebie Friday

I know it's not Friday, but I wanted you to have this week's freebie early. Head on over to our Google Group and download our Make It Monday quote as either a .psd or .jpg file.

Have fun!,
Colleen

Make It Monday

I'm trying something new here at For the Love of Scrap. Every day I will be providing inspiration. Mondays are Make It Monday. You are challenged to create a layout using the inspiration I provide. The inspiration maybe a word definition, a quote, a color palette, or an advertisement. This challenge meant to train your mind to look for scrapbooking inspiration in the world around you.

So this Monday's inspiration is a quote from Shad Helmstetter

You are everything that is, your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true. Your are everything you choose to be. You are as unlimited as the endless universe.

When you have completed your layout, please post it on our Google Group.

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #31

Get out your craft stamps. The finishing touch to this layout is two stamp images. To overlap the stamped image onto both the paper and your photos using acrylic or rubber stamps, you will need to use either Staz-on ink or regular ink and embossing powder that is heat-set. Otherwise, the ink will smear.

Here are some stamps to try:

If you aren't familiar with acrylic stamps, let me fill you in. In addition to our clear stamps, you will also need clear acrylic stamp blocks when using clear stamps. The blocks only need to be purchased once, can be used forever, and with any manufacturers acrylic stamps.
I love clear stamps. They take up so much less space than wood-mounted stamps. Also, if you need to restamp your image, they're see through, so you can easily line the image up and restamp.

Finally, you can use foam stamps and acrylic paint (which is acid free) to stamp on your scrapbook page. The paint adds an textural interest to your page that is impossible to get with any other medium.

Give these techniques a try.

"where there is fear, there is no creativity."
- Christopher Lowell

Get creative today,
Colleen

Sketch #30

Another 2-page layout for you to try. The large photos are 4x6 and the circular photos are roughly 2-inches across.

If you would like the .psd file of this layout, all you have to do is post a comment about this layout and email me at colleen@colleenmulder-seward.com.

Of course, your finished layout is always welcome here. So, email it to me. I love to see what you talented scrappers can do!

All the best,
Colleen

Sketch #29

10 photos fit on this 2-page 12 x 12 scrapbook template. The bold title on the left hand side of the spread is balanced by the dominant arrow graphic that is just off center.

Your journaling goes around the perimeter of the photo collage. I show the journaling just on the bottom and right side, but if more room is needed, write around the entire photo assemble.

Design note: when creating a scrapbook layout with many photos, it's best to vary the weight of the photos. In other words, make sure some of your photos are distance photos, while others are close-ups.

Have fun!

Colleen

Sketch #28

Here's sketch #28. A 5-photo layout inspired by...dare I say it?...a spam message. Normally, nothing is more annoying to me than junk messages in my email inbox, but one actually gave me pause before I hit the delete key.

Sketches should provide you with inspiration. Feel free to inject your own personality into my design. Turn the stars into flowers, hearts or skulls (whatever you're into). If you can't stand straight lines, then tilt some or all the photos and tear the paper edges. Your scrapbook should be a reflection of who you are.

I welcome your comments. Please send me a .jpg of or link to your completed layout using any of my sketches and I'll be sure to give you the accolades you deserve.

All the best,
Colleen