Creative Scrap Designs

The Versatile Banner

2010-02-12T18:08:00.005-05:00

Whether you're hosting a bridal reception, baby shower, birthday, or other event, consider using a banner in your decorations. A banner is quite versatile and makes a wonderful gift. Creative Scrap Designs was asked to create a baby shower banner for the sister of our client. We had carte blanche with regard to colors, paper, and ribbons. Our client's only request was to incorporate birds in the baby boy design theme. It turned out adorable! Don't you agree?

The pennant, birds (3 varieties), branch, star, and background circle were created using AccuCut dies; the alphabet was created using an old favorite - Sizzix San Serif. Chipboard birds were painted then glittered for a soft shimmer; rhinestone eyes added bling.

If you're interested in having a banner for your next event, please contact Creative Scrap Design. We also provide cupcake tags, invitations, favors, and other party needs.

Because of You

2010-02-07T16:19:00.004-05:00

I managed to get a couple of layouts done today. I'm so far behind on Ava's book so I decided to scrap a picture from September. This one cracks me up...my hair was such a mess from the humidity and Ava was having such a blast pulling it out.

Jamie

February 2010 Challenge

2010-02-07T16:03:00.003-05:00

Border punches are everywhere! Martha, Fiskars, EK Success...everyone is making them and everyone is using them. So I thought they would make the perfect February Challenge! Here's what I came up with, but we would love to see your designs as well. Go on....get scrappy. And make sure you post to the CSD Flickr Group:)

Happy Scrapping!
Jamie

I Accept The Challenge!

2010-01-06T18:05:00.006-05:00

Jamie bears most of the burden for updating the CSD blog. She creates posts to inspire and her Monthly Challenge is a popular favorite among our readers. Each month I vow to accept the challenge, but sadly fall short of this goal. But no more! I accept the challenge :)

In addition to the challenge, I created two other layouts using the same paper line. This is an example of how you may get the most from your paper. Embrace your scraps!

What about you? Will you accept the challenge? We'd love to hear from you!

January 2010 Challenge

2010-01-03T15:00:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it through the holidays and a family trip to Disney World. Now it's 2010 and I'm so hopeful that this new year will filled with many wonderful experiences and happy memories for us. Every new year I try to come up with at least 10 resolutions. One has been on my list for 5 years straight but I refuse to give up hope that someday I'll actually accomplish this goal!

January's challenge to you is to come with some resolutions or goals that you want to accomplish in 2010 and create a layout about them. I decided not to put a photo on my resolutions page because I really wanted to focus on the the things that I want to accomplish this year.

What's on my list?
1. Lose 30-40lbs
2. Demonstrate more patience with my kids
3. Drink more water, less Diet Pepsi
4. Read at least one book per month
5. Create a December Daily album at least 6 months before the month of December
6. Learn more about digital scrapbooking
7. Send out birthday, anniversary and holiday cards...on time!
8. Go on monthly dates with Jason
9. Put away clean/folded clothes same day as washing them
10. Stop having such high expectations...enjoy the process and event more.

Don't forget to post your layout with the Creative Scrap Designs Flickr Group.

Happy Scrapping!

Jamie

Vintage Christmas Album Class Photos

2009-12-29T15:04:00.007-05:00

Thanks much to our guest instructor, Deb Swyters, the Vintage Christmas Album class was enjoyed by all. The first class was held December 6th and a second will take place January 17th. The photos below are of Deb, her lovely daughter Erika, and the December students. One participant shared a bottle of wine that she thoughtfully brought to class. Yum!

Thanks much to all who continue to make Creative Scrap Designs a success! Be sure to check the blog often for classes coming in 2010.

November Challenge

2009-11-11T14:56:00.004-05:00

I love using flowers on my layouts but I like handmade flowers the best. So whether you use patterned paper, felt, chipboard, ribbon...whatever!...this month's challenge is to create a layout using handmade flowers.

Here's a few inspiration pieces:

Cowpoke - Davinie Fiero

Delight - Elizabeth Kartchner

Precocious - Stephanie Howell

Be sure to upload your layouts to the Creative Scrap Flickr Group when you're done!

Happy Scrapping

Butterfly Frame Kit

2009-11-04T18:59:00.008-05:00

Jamie designed the following gorgeous butterfly frame as a project for a spring scrap event. It became a hit with students who happened to see my completed frame in my scrap room. By popular request Jamie recreated her butterfly frame kit in limited quantity.

The kit includes step-by-step color instructions and everything you see in the photos: one sheet of 12x12 Basic Gray Ambrosia Fresh Squeezed; one sheet of 12x12 Designer Paper Simpicite; Making Memories black Shimmer Alpha; chipboard butterfly die cut; chipboard tag die cut; circle tag; white 8x10 frame; silk flowers; wired ribbon; brads; and beaded embellishment.

All you need to complete the project are standard scrap tools (paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive). Just in time for Christmas, e-mail us at creativescrapdesigns@gmail.com to order your butterfly frame kit. We have 5 kits at $30 each (plus the cost of shipping).

Class Announcement: Vintage Christmas Box Album

2009-11-03T07:40:00.001-05:00

I am pleased - no, EXCITED! - to announce a unique class project from guest instructor, Deb Swyters. The following photos are of Deb's original Vintage Christmas Box Album. This beautiful 6x6 vintage box holds a 5.5x5.5 accordion album that you'll create - a perfect backdrop for your cherished holiday photos. Sure to draw attention, I plan to display my album box on our coffee table.

Here's another tip...adhere your photos with removable adhesive if you want to change out your photos each year. Or, add photos to your album each holiday season and build upon your family photos year after year.

Deb needs at least 6 students for the class. We are still in the process of ordering product for the project, but we estimate the cost to be no more than $50 per student. Deb has convinced me to order the full line of Graphic 45 vintage papers for the class kit (click here to view the entire line of Graphic 45's Christmas Past paper collection). This will give you more than enough to complete the project, plus oodles of leftover paper for your favorite holiday layouts.

At this great price, you'll want to make one Vintage Christmas Box Album for yourself and another to give to your favorite someone as a Christmas gift. Because I'm in the holiday spirit, save 10% - $5 - off the cost of a 2nd kit.

The class date is Sunday, December 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. To reserve your space for this awesome class, please e-mail us by 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 6 at creativescrapdesigns@gmail.com. If you want to purchase a 2nd kit at a discount of 10%, please let us know in your e-mail. However, don't delay. The first 12 people to e-mail us will be guaranteed a seat in the class.

At The Park

2009-11-02T14:31:00.003-05:00

October Challenge Accepted!

2009-11-01T17:36:00.005-05:00

For this layout I used Scenic Route paper from their Lynden line. I used a round punch for the circles and the Martha Stewart butterfly punch. It's hard to tell from the scanned image, but I punched 6 butterflies from a transparency, inked the edges and then stapled them to my circles. I punched 3 additional butterflies from the patterned paper to complete the layout.

I plan on adding some journaling just below the 3 smaller photos. This was an important day for our family and I don't want to ever forget its significance. Ava had just been transferred to the intermediate NICU at Piedmont Hospital so we were finally allowed to bring family in to see her. Mimi, Bumpa, Ayden and Jameson were all able to meet our sweet baby Ava for the first time. The main photo is of Ava holding onto Peter's thumb. It's hard to believe that she was actually that small! Now she's a healthy 21lb baby who's about to turn 1 year in just 26 days.

I hope you had fun with the October challenge!

Get Ready for the Holidays

2009-11-01T17:35:00.003-05:00

With Halloween behind us, it's time to get seriously ready for the holiday season - Thanksgiving and Christmas. The season brings ample opportunity for holiday photos. When photographing the family, don't forget to take photos of the table setting, food, and other often missed details.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the moment. I strive for perfection - from the Thanksgiving turkey, to the Christmas tree - and I often miss the fun and excitement of the moment. Capture the memories and scrap for future generations to enjoy. Document how you spend the holidays. It'll be a special treat for your family to read about in the years to come.

PSE 7.0 Tips & Tricks - Dodge and Burn

2009-10-31T19:22:00.000-04:00

Of all the dramatic impacts you can make on a photo, the dodge and burn effect is one the easiest. By following the steps below, you never touch the actual pixels. Instead of using Element's Dodge and Burn tools, we'll use the brush tool and a separate layer to achieve a more controlled result.

1. Open a photo you want to work on. You'll dodge areas of the photo to add highlights and burn areas you want to darken, keeping the viewer's eye focused on important aspects of your photo.

Here's the photo I selected...

2. From the Layer menu, choose New>Blank Layer. In the dialog box change the Mode to Overlay, and click the Fill With Overly-Neutral Color (50% gray) check box. Click OK.

3. Be sure you are working on the Layer; not your original image. Press B to switch to the Brush tool. Choose a soft-edged brush from the Brush Picker in the options bar above the workspace ( I used the Soft Round 100 pixels); set the brush's opacity to 30%.

4. Now we'll do some dodging, which means we will brush with a bright color. Press D, then X to set your foreground color to white. Start painting on areas in your photo that you want to brighten and draw more attention to. If you look at the gray thumbnail in your Layers palette you should see some light gray strokes appear and the image will become brighter in those areas.

5. If the highlights appear too bright, lower the opacity setting of the brush tool.

6. To burn - or darken - parts of the photo so they appear less prominent, we'll switch from painting with white to painting with black. Press D to set your foreground and background colors back to their defaults black and white. Here, we want to darken the background, so begin painting in those areas.

Here's my photo after dodging and burning. Notice the intensity in color of Jameson's sweatshirt, and the darkening of the background. His sweatshirt looks less washed out and the distracting background is less noticeable.

As you finish dodging and burning, don't forget you have the benefit of having worked on a separate layer. That means you can modify the layer's opacity if the settings are too strong. Or, if you're unhappy with the effect, just delete it and start over again. That's one of the great benefits about working with layers. Have fun!

Credit given to Adobe Photoshop Elements Techniques, September/October 2009, "Dodge and Burn Like A Pro"

Hip Hip Hooray!

2009-10-17T14:35:00.002-04:00

The CSD class schedule has been on temporary hold awaiting the arrival of our business license and state tax ID. Woo hoo! After seven weeks it finally arrived in the mail. Why is this important? Although the business is registered in Fayette county, having a state tax ID means significant savings for us that we may pass along to our customers. Plain and simple.

Product orders are in the works for the Recipe Class. Hopefully all the product will arrive in time to hold a class before the holidays. In the meantime, our guest instructor Deb is preparing her class project for December. You'll love it! Stay tuned for sneak peeks of Deb's project.

Thanks much for being so patient with us :)

October Challenge

2009-10-15T08:19:00.000-04:00

Break out the punches!

Everywhere I turn lately, I see people using punches on their layouts and projects. It's no wonder why with all of the awesome new products coming out lately. Check out a few of the latest punches to come out in stores lately....

Aren't they cute?

This month's challenge to you is to break out the punches! Circle, square, border, butterfly, pumpkin...whatever. To help you out, I found a little inspiration online.

- Stephanie Howell

-Stephanie Howell

-Valerie Salmon

- ??? (I forgot to write this one down)

Have fun and be sure to post your layout to the Creative Scrap Flickr Group. Chere's digital "Stop" layout from last month is just yummy!

Happy Scrapping!

Jamie

Albums

2009-09-15T13:07:00.003-04:00

In our Scrapping 101-Basics class, we discussed the many album options that are out there today. Within the past year, I have moved from post-bound albums to D-ring albums for a few reasons.

You can fit many more pages in a D-ring that you can in a post-bound.
Organization is a snap. You don't have to unscrew the entire book to move your pages around. Since I don't scrap in chronological order, this is really important to me.
I like the simplicity of the covers. I have an album started for each of my children and then a family album. Ayden is "sky", Jameson is "cardinal", Ava is "taffy" and family is "leaf". The colors will make more sense once you visit the link below...I promise:)

I started with the American Crafts 12x12 D-ring album and I really enjoy them. They offer two styles of page protectors which I also like a lot.

Choosing an album style is important. You and your family will be looking through these for many years to come!

Geez Mimi

2009-09-14T09:33:00.001-04:00

This was a super easy but fun layout that I made up yesterday using the new exclusive Making Memories Giggle Kids Boy line from Archivers. The letters are foam Thickers and I stitched around each block using green thread from Joann's. Buttons, brads and flowers are older miscellaneous items that just seemed to work on this layout. I plan on adding some journaling, but I included the date the photo was taken so I wouldn't forget when I finally get back around to it.

I love to refer to my mom as our Mimirazzi. She is so good about always having her camera around and takes such wonderful pictures of my children. I'm usually busy making sure that they're all doing what they're supposed to so this comes in handy. Mom took this picture at Ayden's soccer game on Saturday. Jameson was hamming it up for the camera but by this point he was over it. No more pictures Mimi!

September Challenge Accepted!

2009-09-14T08:34:00.000-04:00

I truly loved using the sketch from Page Maps for this challenge. I don't normally use or draw out my own sketches so this was definitely something "out of the box" for me. I found it so easy to pick out my papers and get everything laid out so I may be using them more in the future.

Lupus is something that I've been living with for 18 years, but it wasn't until the delivery of my third baby, Ava, that I've experienced the most complications. I went a total of 13 years without the need for medication so to have to rely on Prednisone and Plaquenil right now isn't something that comes very easy to me. It seemed only fitting that my "Stop" layout be created around my need to stop resisting the medication so I can finally get healthy.

I hope you enjoyed this challenge as much as I did!

Scrapping 101 Basics

2009-09-13T15:53:00.008-04:00

At last I finished the layouts from Jamie's Scrapping 101: Basics class. I suppose I was waiting for the perfect photos that would compliment Jamie's lovely designs. My three beautiful grandchildren are always willing subjects for my camera and a constant source of inspiration. Although I have a photo printer, not everyone has the ability to print photos from home. Jamie's designs conveniently use standard 4x6 photos that can be printed at your local Walmart, Target, or other photo processing location.

Her layouts usually involve hand-written journaling, which is out of my comfort zone. I don't like my handwriting and prefer to use my computer to prepare printed journaling. My grandchildren will inherit my photo albums someday. They will appreciate a story written in my own hand-writing, I suppose, just like I appreciate notes hand-written by my grandmothers who are long gone. If I may offer any advice, it's to embrace your hand-writing :)

12x12 layout using one 4x6 photo...

12x12 layout two 4x6 photos...

Two-page (side by side) 12x12 layout using 3 4x6 photos...

I hope you'll find inspiration in Jamie's layouts. Remember...journal in your own hand-writing. Your family will appreciate it!

September Challenge

2009-09-10T13:08:00.003-04:00

When I think of the word stop, so many things come to mind.

STOP!
...rushing through the day

...eating a bowl of ice cream at 9pm

...folding the laundry and then forget to put it away

...being so impatient with the kids

...and enjoy the scenery

...overextending yourself

...and kiss your husband

...doubting my own abilities

...my kids from getting any bigger

It seems I could go on forever and ever (which is probably not a very good thing)!

This month's challenge is to scrap a layout documenting one or many of the things you need to stop doing. Be sure to post your layout on the CSD Flickr group so we can see what you've come up with.

Need a little more motivation? How about an awesome sketch from Page Maps...

Happy Scrapping!

Something New!

2009-08-26T18:19:00.009-04:00

Do you notice anything different here? Look again...it's something BIG...something that will make your buying experience easier. Give up?

Located on the right side of this page is a PayPal link. From this point forward we will accept payment for classes/kits only via PayPal. If you haven't already set up a PayPal account, it is a free, easy, safe, and secure way of making on-line purchases. You may set up an account using a credit card and/or bank card to pay for on-line goods and services anywhere PayPal is accepted. Simply log onto http://www.paypal.com/ to create an account.

At the time we open registration for a class, we will announce the class offering and cost via this blog. Because registration is limited, we request that you send us an e-mail to reserve your seat. Seats will be confirmed on a first come/first served basis. The sooner you respond, the more likely you will be confirmed a seat in the class. We will send an e-mail to you confirming your seat and invite you to "purchase" your seat via PayPal. Please DO NOT use PayPal until you are notified. Even if the class is full, someone may drop out. Open seats will be given in order of e-mail requests and you will be notified if a seat becomes available. Once you receive an e-mail confirming your place in class, simply select the "Class+Kit" option from the drop down menu, then click the "Buy Now" button.

Once you secure your seat via PayPal, refunds will not be given. If you cannot attend the class for which you registered, you will be given a project kit that was reserved especially for you. If the class is full and you want to purchase a kit, you may pay via PayPal by selecting the "Kit Only" payment option. All class projects come complete with detailed instructions and, as always, Jamie and I are available to help if you need it.

Jamie and I appreciate your enthusiasm for this amazing hobby and hope you'll join us at future classes. Thank you!

Scrapping 101 Sneak Peek

2009-08-16T17:28:00.013-04:00

In one week Jamie will be teaching Scrapping 101 to a group of 8 eager students. The class was purposely kept small to focus on each student as they create two 12x12 one-page layouts and one 12x12 2-page layout.

Students will learn the basics of scrapbooking: tools, composition, rule of thirds, visual triangle, journaling, and much more. Afterward, they will apply their knowledge into creating three layouts using 4x6 photos.

STUDENTS:

Please bring your favorite adhesive (i.e. Tombow), scissors, and paper trimmer. You may complete the layouts in class without photos by adding them later. However, they were all designed with 4x6 vertical photos in mind. This is the most common print size. Should you wish to complete your layouts with photos, please bring the following:

Layout #1 has a feminine appearance. Bring one 4x6 vertical photo of your favorite girl (mother, daughter, grand-daughter, friend, pet, etc.)

Layout #2 is more masculine in appearance. Bring one 4x6 vertical photo of your favorite guy (husband, son, grand-son, friend, pet, etc.)

Layout #3 is a general layout using shades of green, pink, yellow, and black accents. Bring three 4x6 vertical photos. Jamie's layout incorporates photos of her three children.

Students, please leave a comment or contact Jamie at jpayne@macoc.com if you have any questions. Payment of $35 in cash or personal check is payable at registration on the day of class. We look forward to seeing you at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23rd.

Watch here for sneak peeks of upcoming classes. We hope you can join us!

PSE7 Tips & Tricks - Creating Frame & Text Overlays

2009-07-28T15:20:00.020-04:00

1. Open your target photo in the Editor. Mine is 4x6. To check your photo size, go to Image>Resize>Image Size. Start with a 4x6 photo to follow along.

2. Add a new layer (Layer>New>Layer) and name it "Outline". Click "OK".

3. Turn on the grid (View>Grid). This is a non-printing grid and you'll need to change the increments. Go to Edit>Preferences>Grid. In the dialogue box, type "1" for the Gridline Every field and "6" for the Subdivisions field.

4. To draw the overlay box, select the Rectangular Marguee tool. Click on the first intersectiong gridline, hold down and drag to the opposing intersecting gridline, and release. You should have "marching ants" which indicate an active selection area.

5. Next, add the overlay rule (line). With the "marching ants" still active, go to Edit>Stroke (Outline) Selection. A dialogue box will open. In the Width field, type in "3" or "4" (higher numbers will give you a thicker line). Click once directly on the Color box and select white by placing your cursor in the uppermost left corner. Click "OK".

Note: You can really choose whichever color you prefer for the outline, I just happen to like white.

6. Press ESC and turn off your grid (View>Grid) and voila, your white overlay outline appears!

7. Next, add text to your overlay. Select the Horizontal Type Tool and click once anywhere in the window. This will create a new text layer and you should see a blinking line.

8. Choose your font, font size and color. For the number "5", I used Century Gothic @ 30pt in white.

9. I repeated steps 7 and 8 for the words "Years Old" except I used Courier New @ 14pt in white.

10. Position both lines of text down towards the bottom of the outline and save your photo for printing.

Here are a couple of finished examples....

July Challenge

2009-07-15T09:51:00.007-04:00

Why do you scrap?

I scrapbook to document my life. While I love scrapping the big moments in our family (birthdays, holidays and vacations), I also like capturing the not so big moments. I cherish the everyday moments that we tend to take for granted and want to make sure that I document it all. It's important to me that my kids know I enjoyed watching them play in the sprinkler just as much as I enjoyed their birthdays.

Have you ever scrapped about...

...your insecurities?

...your favorite cleaning product?

...your favorite room in the house?

...the color that makes you the happiest?

...the TV show you just couldn't live without?

...a typical Saturday morning breakfast at your house?

...your love for baking or knitting?

...why you scrap?

Take a look at the following layouts. They have absolutely nothing to do with the "big" moments and everything to do with the "everyday" moments.

Pool Play - Elisha Snow

Orange - Emilie Ahern

Life Happens - Sara Winnick

Why - Emilie Ahern

Our House - Cheryl Overton

Now, if you prefer to only scrapbook the "big" moments in life, that's okay! But this month's challenge to you is to find any "everyday" moment and create a 12x12 layout documenting it. Be sure to post to the Creative Scrap Designs Flickr Group so we all can see!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/creativescrap/pool/

Scrapping 101

2009-07-02T08:46:00.003-04:00

I will never forget my very first scrapping class. I walked in with a paper trimmer, scissors and adhesive and thought I was ready to go. Imagine my astonishment when women started walking into class with suitcases on wheels filled to the brim with all sorts of stuff. I looked down at my meager pile of tools and felt completely deflated. What was I getting myself into?

It's been over 4 years since that first class and I absolutely love being a part of this fascinating hobby. While the amount of tools and supplies that I keep on hand has definitely increased, I still appreciate and use the basics. So whether you're a seasoned scrapper who needs to brush up on the basic skills or you're new to the hobby, I invite you to join me in a Scrapbooking 101 class. In this class we'll cover terminology, basic tools, scrapping styles, journaling, and composition. The cost includes instruction and materials to complete four 12x12 layouts using your 4x6 photos!

Here are the details:

Date: Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Time: 1-4:00pm
Cost: $35
Location: Debra Rector's house

Space is limited to 12 participants; therefore, please email me at jpayne@macoc.com to reserve your seat.

Happy Scrapping!

Breaking Ground

2009-06-21T09:36:00.004-04:00

Groundbreaking is a traditional ceremony in many cultures that celebrates the first day of construction for a building or other project. Today marks the groundbreaking event for Creative Scrap Designs - a blog dedicated to scrapbooking and to those who embrace this wonderful hobby.

Jamie and I will co-host the blog to bring news of classes and project ideas. It is also a forum for class participants to share photos via the Creative Scrap Flickr Group. With a little help from our friends, we will provide instruction in digital scrapbooking, hybrid scrapbooking (a blending of traditional and digital), home decor projects, and photo editing (to name a few).

June 14th was the first scrapbook class offered by Creative Scrap Designs. Twelve students spent 3 hours creating a flip book. The book, an original design using a compilation of AccuCut dies, featured the Bo Bunny Alissa line and coordinating embellishments.

A fun time was had by all and a feedback form, given to participants at the end of the class, revealed an enthusiastic interest in future class offerings. Thanks to everyone for making our first class successful! The feedback form will help us prepare the types of classes that will be offered as well as improvements in environment, kit design, presentation, and efficiency.

Based on participant feedback/comments, the following is a tentative line-up of future classes:

August 2009: Scrapbooking 101/three 12x12 page layouts using 4x6 photos

October 2009: Recipe Book using AccuCut 8x8 album and Teresa Collins Haute Cuisine line

December 2009: Christmas Box/Accordion Album

February 2010: Flip book using AccuCut LOVE album and Basic Grey Bittersweet line

April 2010: A Year of Cards

June 2010: Maya Road Vintage Purse Album

We hope you'll visit the Creative Scrap Design blog often :) Exciting improvements are on the way, such as the ability to pre-pay classes via PayPal.

Happy scrapping!