Ideas

Idea!

Hey! Remember this long-lost portion of our website?! I promise I will try to be better about updating you guys with some great ideas and techniques... I've just been going through a slump for a few months, ever been through one of those? Yeah, no fun. Anyway my scrappin' mojo has been slowly coming back and I thought I would share a fun little technique with you:

Now you've all seen these in the store, right?

   

They're from Dream Street and we love them to pieces. Not only can you buy coordinating pre-cut chipboard sheets to make some adorable mini albums, but they are fun fun fun to use on layouts as well. Here's where I got creative with them, I used them on a layout to create an interactive piece that hid my journaling and an extra photo (who doesn't need more room for photos?!)

 

Now I've been reading way too much Pioneer Woman lately so I'm going to take a page out of her book and walk you through this with photos (her's are much better than mine... then again she doesn't do crazy one-handed things like this at 4am either... *sigh*)

Start by picking out a square of Dream Street die cuts (or any roughly 6x6 square of double-sided paper will do, you'll just need to punch a few extra holes) Ink the edges if desired and score a line using a scoring blade, bone folder, or the side of a ball point pen like me (I won't tell) about 1.25" from side with holes in it.

Next, put the photo that you want facing the layout on the paper and mark where the holes will be need to be punched (note: Dream Street die cuts are not exactly 6x6 inches, I trimmed my photos down to about 3.75 x 5.5") Use a Slick Writer to prevent your pen from slipping around and putting unwanted marks on your photo.

Using your Crop-a-Dile, hole punch, paper piercer, or whatever sharp object you have lying around, punch holes in your picture where your markings were. Line up with holes in paper and attach with brads (tip: put a little adhesive on paper flap first to help keep photo from sliding around) Make sure the brad prongs are vertical and don't extend beyond the edge of the photo.

Next, put adhesive on the back of your photo (I used mini Glu Dots on top of the brads to help keep that edge secure) and attach second photo directly onto it (covering up the back side of brads)

Journal on the inside flap (or attach yet another photo) and attach to page! To make things a little more streamlined, if you are using the Dream Street squares I would recommend rounding the corners on your photos (the EK Success Medium is perfect)

Other fun ideas for this technique:

• Use the 6x12 Dream Street die cuts to make a similar flap with enlarged photos or even multiple 4x6s.
• Turn it sideways and make a horizontal flap.
• Instead of brads, secure pictures with buttons, ribbon, eyelets, or other fasters!
• Even try using this idea to make cards! Wouldn't these make fun birthday invitations with a picture of the birthday boy or girl on the cover and details inside?

Now go play, and please send me pictures of your finished projects so we can show them off! If the scrapping mojo continues, I promise to have more ideas for you soon. If not, please send some my way... And if you have a great idea that you would like us to share, PLEASE send it in!

Idea of the week - Jenni Bowlin mini book!

This project is cute, cheap, and so fast! Just follow the directions. Love it!!! Took less than 30 minutes!

 

 

Cool Idea!

We're all head over heels crazy about the die cut papers out there. Scalloped edges were a huge hit when Karen Russell came out with her Narratives collection. Making Memories made headlines again when Noteworthy came out with postage stamp and fancy framed edges. Sassafras Lass debuted some new 12x13" papers at CHA with a 1" border edge that people can't stop talking about. Fancy edges are huge!

But what about papers already in our stash? We all love companies like Basic Grey and Scenic Route, but so far they haven't come out with anything "fancy". Still want that fun edge? Take a peek below:

That's Scenic Route paper. And how fun is that border?? Want to know what I did? I took some of these...

... and traced around the big one. Then I grabbed my handy little scissors and cut away. Voila, instant fancy paper, no extra money spent for someone else to do the cutting. I get the fun edges I want with the papers I want to use.

Technique Tuesday makes all kinds of fun designs with chipboard. These are their FUNdamental Swanky Frames. In each package you get two sheets (shown here) for only $8.99! That gives you a TON of possibilities for using these handy little things as templates for cutting your own custom paper. And when you've had enough of that, use the frame for what it was meant for :)

They have chipboard circles, postage frames, scalloped borders, and so much more!

For other ideas and how-to's, be sure to check out Technique Tuesday's New Blog

Have you noticed the newest feature to our store? Check out the recipe board next time you stop by and get some great ideas for fun projects!

Each week we change the project; from a layout to mini book, cards to altered items. On the board you'll find a list of 'ingredients' which will give you all you'll need to complete the project. Nearby are the supplies used, from papers to adhesive and more.

Whether you create the same thing we did or just get some fun ideas, we're sure you will fall in love with the recipe board!

This week's project: Mini Album using Bo Bunny Word Album by Sheri!

Technique Tuesday!!

It's no secret that we favor Technique Tuesday's clear stamps here at SBA. So how cool is this? Two of Technique Tuesday's Design Team members are employees right here at SBA! That's right, our very own Sam and Crys help make the fabulous layouts you see gracing the pages of TT's idea books. So here's your opportunity to learn a little more about them and how they make it all possible with a little ink and a few sheets of stamps:

Click Here to be taken to the Technique Tuesday idea gallery and learn about what stamps were used on what LOs in the idea book.

Sam -

1. How long have you worked with TT and how did you get started? I have know Bev for years and met her through some scrapbook friends - maybe seven years ago? SBA was the very first store she sold her stamps at. Eileen brought me onto the design team.

2. What is your favorite set and why? Right now, the Broadway set is my fav. It's so versitile, great artwork, and an amazing value for my customers who want a great starter set!

3. What is your favorite technique? I love using my glazes over my stamped images. I don't enjoy heat embossing so this is a great way to fake it. Like I always say, "cheat instead of heat!"

4. Favorite layouts and why? My fav layout is when it all comes together easily, and w/little time spent. I really like Built by Love on page 118 of the TT catalog. The majority of the stamping is in the title. It is very descriptive to our activity and creates the mood of the page that I was trying to convey.

Tip: When creating alternative letters from images stamps use your Ranger dry foam. Cut a piece into a pie piece shape so you have a point at one end. Ink up your image. Remove ink by wiping away the strategic part of the stamp you are creating with. You can create one of a kind letters by just wiping some ink off the stamp.

5. What is your advice to beginner stampers? My advice is to start by experimenting and take a class! Classes offer all of the learning curve info that will save you time and money. There is an endless amount of creativity offered by stamping. Use the versatility to the advantage of you pocket book too. RECYCLE and REUSE, it makes so much sense. Invest in Versamagic and Brilliance inks to maximize you impression success!

Crys -

1. How long have you worked with TT and how did you get started? I'm a newbie - I just started in October! Before then - honestly - I had hardly stamped a thing. Not that that stopped me from buying plenty of stamps, I was just scared and unsure how to use them. I got a call from Eileen mid-October to do a 4x4 Challenge for their monthly newletter. Apparently she had seen my work at SBA and thought I could do well with stamps. So I did it, and a few days later I was contracted to do 15+ layouts for the Winter catalog! It just shows, it never hurts to put your work out there. Don't be scared to bring in some of your favorite layouts to SBA and let us put them on display, you never know who's eye you might catch :)

2. What is your favorite set and why? Tough to choose. I LOVE Two Steppin' in the Garden just because it's gorgeous, the artwork is absolute perfection. I love Big Timber Dots just because I have a weakness for polka dots. I'd have to say the one I use the most is Borderline: Straight and Narrow just because it's a great way to add that little "something" to a page without it being overstated. Sometimes you just need a strategic line of dots somewhere.

3. What is your favorite technique? Being so new to this I haven't learned many. I'm always studying the catalog and other people's work (hi Sam!) to learn new ways to use these great products. I loved discovering the "masking" technique.

On my Perfect Together LO on page 39 I was stamping away with Two Steppin' but found that I wanted to carry the flowers a little lower on the page, but the title was in the way. So I stamped a "C" on a scrap piece of paper, roughly cut it out and adhered it over the "C" in my title. Then I could stamp over it with the flowers and just remove the scrap when I was done!

4. Favorite layout and why? More, page 107. Probably my favorite just because of how long it took me to come up with the dang thing :) I sat on the two Paisley sets that I was assigned for weeks before the idea finally came to me. I was having trouble stamping on the paper and getting the colors that I wanted. Then trying to go over the picture - forget about it. That's when the idea came to me. (tip alert!) Stamp on a transparency! The colors will stay true and if (heaven forbid) you do mess up, you don't ruin your entire layout. And the other reason's I love it should be obvious - my adorable boy and from the heart journaling :)

5. What is your advice to beginner stampers? Don't be afraid to just try it! Get one set (it doesn't have to be a huge set, start small or even with a Starter set) and see how many ways you can use it. You'll find the possibilities are endless. Change up the colors with different inks or types of inks (hello Brilliance!) (side thought: ever wonder why we only carry the small ink pads? So you can have a huge selection and still have money leftover in your wallet!) Use Glaze Pens or Stickles. Change the shape of your stamps (did you know they're flexible?). Like I said, endless possibilities. Just try one and I guarantee you won't go back :)

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So there you have it! A pro and a trainee, at your service. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to leave them below, email us, or just come in and ask. We'll be more than happy to help!

Coloring for Grown Ups...

When was the last time you pulled out a box of Crayolas, sat down, and kicked some serious coloring book booty? How about painting? Markers? Colored pencils?

Ok if you're an artist or art teacher, this may be an everyday occurance for you. But for the majority of us, it's been way too long.

Recently I introduced by 4 year old to water colors, and she took to them like a fish to water. I was expecting a multi-colored puddle on paper but instead I found a mini-masterpiece with colors (correct ones at that!) that stayed inside the lines. I sat there stunned as I watched her explore this new found creative freedom and thought "I wanna do that.... sniff" As 'grown ups' we don't get to as much anymore. We're expected to prep art for our kids and clean up the mess, and if we do sit down to create we always expect a masterpiece. I don't know about you, but my artistic talent is stretched when I'm asked to draw a stick person. My 4 year old can out draw me any day.

So when Prima came out with these awesome papers, I was sold. Beautiful art, already designed and drawn out, and all I have to do is color it?! DEAL!

You can use paint (even watercolors, they're printed on heavy duty cardstock), markers, pencils, chalk, or even crayons to customize these beautiful papers. I used watercolor pencils (found at Fred Meyer for about $7) to color in the design. Then I stamped a simple title, framed in Stickles to add a little "oomph" and voila!

Sam used markers and stickles to make this soft, beautiful page about her free spirited girl!

You don't have to create a layout worthy of the next Prima design team call, you don't even have to make a layout at all. Because seriously, how fun is it just to color?! It had been way to long for me.

So go ahead, give it a shot, and if you want to, share it with us!

Mini Albums Galore!

Mini albums are awesome. Simple as that :)

They are quick, easy, inexpensive, and a great way to keep special memories seperated from the chaos that some scrapbooks (mine!) can be. These are great gifts for the holidays! Here are a few examples that we've done over the last few months. Click on the photo album links to see every page of the albums and get some ideas for your own!

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Dreamstreet Designs Mini Albums by Sheri Fisher

Dreamstreet made these albums so easy to put together! First of all, the chipboard is pre-cut, pre-punched, and inexpensive! Second, they die cut the papers to fit over the chipboard and made them self adhesive! Seriously, couldn't be easier! These handy little albums come in 6x6 and 6x12 (the hottest new size out there!), and the chipboard is sold in packs of 4. You can make the albums as small and simple or as huge and complex as you want, and only spend a few dollars! Can you tell how much I love these? :)

Sheri took a classic, easy approach to these. She picked a few of her favorite snapshots of her two kiddos this summer, matted them and adhered to her pages. She added just a few embellishements (ribbons, buttons, etc) and called it good. Timeless, easy, and so much fun to look back on!

Photo Album: Both Dreamstreet Albums

Instructions: Download dreamstreet_book.doc

Flip Calendar

This little thing makes such a cool holiday gift (in my, ahem, biased opinion). It's a great way to show off favorite pictures, use up scrap paper, keep track of time, and save money! All in one oh-so-cute little book.

I used the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding line of papers and stickers (coming back in stock soon!) to assemble this, but you can use whatever paper you choose. Double sided papers work best so that the flip side is as appealing as the front, but you can always back each piece with cardstock to get the same effect. You hardly use any paper at all so if you have a few coordinating scraps, perfect! Use alphabet and number stamps for the dates, even better.

You will need the Zutter bind-it-all to assemble this project so if you don't have one, ask a friend. If you're on the fence about it, let me just put in my two cents: THIS IS THE COOLEST TOOL EVER!!!!!

Ahem...

If you're mini-album crazy like I am, this little guy will pay for itself within days. Instead of paying $10+ for a pre-made mini album that you'll need to buy more page protectors for and decorate anyways, just cut a $1 piece of chipboard (or acrylic, or transparency, or whatever!) to whatever size you want and have at it. I use it for making little books for my kids, mini albums for my family (huge money saver as I'm making 7 at the moment for Christmas), calendars, etc.

Seriously, buy the Zutter.

(stepping off soapbox now)

Anyway... here's the rest of the instructions and some additional pictures and even word art for the flip calendar pictured. (sorry for taking so long Jen!)

Photo Gallery: Flip Calendar

Instructions: Download flip_calendar_instructions.doc

Word Art: Download wa_for_flip_calendar.doc

Mini Albums Galore!!

Mini albums are awesome. Simple as that :)

They are quick, easy, inexpensive, and a great way to keep special memories seperated from the chaos that some scrapbooks (mine!) can be. These are great gifts for the holidays! Here are a few examples that we've done over the last few months. Click on the photo album links to see every page of the albums and get some ideas for your own!

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Clear Acrylic Album by Sandy Brown

Sandy made this amazing album using an 8x8 clear acrylic album page Page Frame Designs. These albums come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are a great way to stretch your creativity. We have several on order (they sold out fast!) and if you would like to be called when they come in, let us know and we'll put you on the list.

Sandy used a variety of products on this album. Since the pages are solid acrylic, you are somewhat limited to what embellishments you can use, but that in no way should stop your creativity! Sandy used rub ons, stamps, stickers, and ribbons to compliment her daughter's beautiful senior pictures.

Since these albums are clear, make sure that when you put something on one side of the page, it is either appealing on both sides (stamped images are a great example) or you can cover it up with another accent/picture on the other side.

Photo Album: Clear Acrylic Album

Mini Albums Galore!!

Maya Road Scalloped Album By Sheri Fisher

For this album, Sheri used a pre-cut chipboard album by Maya Road. Scrapbook Attack sells several different shapes and sizes of these handy little albums, but the scalloped design is classic and universal and can be used for any subject matter you choose! Sheri chose this album to document this year's trip to the pumpkin patch.

Pages of Album: Scalloped Album

Instructions: Download maya_road_chipboard_book.doc