Tuesday, June 26, 2012
TP & Thinking
Finished the inside cover of the mini-album celebrated yesterday. Yeah!
I saw somewhere (surely on YouTube) someone planning on a vacation and creating an album in advance of the trip to journal and stuff memorabilia/other scrapbooking materials inside as the vacation progressed. Hmmm, I think. Very organized. Without even knowing I'd already "thought" about the concept, the mister came in the room all excited one evening after seeing someone mention a way of keeping all the maps, receipts, and other travel information organized and at easy reach throughout a trip. His method included sheet protectors with all relevant information contained inside each page protector that could be moved back and forth within a notebook as needed. That really got me to thinking. Hmmm (with emphasis this time) We're going on a week-long vacation next month, with as close to a planned agenda for each day as I care to get.
This force me to put down the boy's childhood album... again.
In anticipation of this trip, and with these new ideas floating about, today I began putting together a custom made mini with lots of pockets, sheet protectors, journaling spots, and assembling this in such a fashion as described, using a little bit of each method that best suit our needs. All will be temporarily bound so that each page can be arranged and rearranged, or in case something unexpected comes along during the adventure. Since we roughly know all the major spots we're hitting, it's easy enough to put a loosely themed page together for the event. This is pure genius at work. By the time we get back, all I'll have to do is select the postcards, receipts, tickets, etc, and the order the pictures we like, mount them, and finish binding the album. That simple! No need to fret about compiling an album after the event... and a good way as to not procrastinate the project into 2016, or thereabouts. What a lifesaver!
Pictures of this work of wonders to follow.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Lots of Smiling
Well.
(With a huge grin on my face...)
I did it!!! I designed my very first mini-album cover. And it ain't half bad.
Of course, there's the back and everything else left to be done, but for most of that it's all laid out either on paper or in this rattling marble up here.
I sound a little excited yet? Oh, I am. Everything I've created before this was fairly copied stitch by stitch, page by page. At least in my case, this is the way it works. So I've taken all the lessons learned thus far (many, many) and apply them to one of the most special items I'll ever own... beautifully presented photos of the wonders of life; childhood, raising children, love, babies, and everything special imaginable. But this - this - is the first mini coming straight out of my heart, into my head, and preserved in paper for decades to come.
Graphic 45 has several new lines of paper coming out to be revealed over the next few weeks. Too early to buy, but not to early to slobber over, either. I now possess the ABC Primer, Playtimes Past, Little Darlings, A Proper Gentleman, Communique, Botanicabelle, Fashionista, and most of the On the Boardwalk and Le Romantique lines. I plan to get the latest Halloween Happy Haunting, and the newest - Nutcracker Sweet - lines in the next month or so. G45 will release their other newest lines, so I'll probably want those as well. Though I'll happily cut it, it's still enough to just flip through the papers and admire the colours and images. So far as I'm concerned, it would take some really special type of paper pack to entice me into purchasing a different line.
Who could resist working with Christmas scrapbooking pages such as these?
I, for one, can not and shall not resist at all. Too bad I just finished the 2012 Christmas mini a couple of weeks ago! Maybe for a Christmas past? My fingers already itch.
(With a huge grin on my face...)
I did it!!! I designed my very first mini-album cover. And it ain't half bad.
 | ||||
| The Beginning |
Of course, there's the back and everything else left to be done, but for most of that it's all laid out either on paper or in this rattling marble up here.
I sound a little excited yet? Oh, I am. Everything I've created before this was fairly copied stitch by stitch, page by page. At least in my case, this is the way it works. So I've taken all the lessons learned thus far (many, many) and apply them to one of the most special items I'll ever own... beautifully presented photos of the wonders of life; childhood, raising children, love, babies, and everything special imaginable. But this - this - is the first mini coming straight out of my heart, into my head, and preserved in paper for decades to come.
Graphic 45 has several new lines of paper coming out to be revealed over the next few weeks. Too early to buy, but not to early to slobber over, either. I now possess the ABC Primer, Playtimes Past, Little Darlings, A Proper Gentleman, Communique, Botanicabelle, Fashionista, and most of the On the Boardwalk and Le Romantique lines. I plan to get the latest Halloween Happy Haunting, and the newest - Nutcracker Sweet - lines in the next month or so. G45 will release their other newest lines, so I'll probably want those as well. Though I'll happily cut it, it's still enough to just flip through the papers and admire the colours and images. So far as I'm concerned, it would take some really special type of paper pack to entice me into purchasing a different line.
Who could resist working with Christmas scrapbooking pages such as these?
I, for one, can not and shall not resist at all. Too bad I just finished the 2012 Christmas mini a couple of weeks ago! Maybe for a Christmas past? My fingers already itch.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Gone Too Far
Taking a break from working on the most recent mini-album, I got to thinking...
What about a scrapbook filled with photos of all my scrapbook pages?
Where does it end??? LOL
What about a scrapbook filled with photos of all my scrapbook pages?
Where does it end??? LOL
Friday, June 22, 2012
New Haul
In an incredible feat of restraint, I made the full scrapbooking run yesterday... and spent only my $80.00 weekly allowance. Yes, a show of pure restraint.
I would have done much better had TM had not had another two G45 retailer sets out for sell. There were four more pages from the "On the Boardwalk" collection, and the first four of the "Le Romantique" set. {My mind begins spinning thinking about how certain elements of the "Proper Gentleman" and the "Le Romantique" collections could/will work together for a wedding, early relationship, or Valentine's Day album.} Other than a tin of metal hinges, bookplates, and sliders picked up, now that I know how much I'll use these in other projects, that concluded the TM experience.
We had to run to the local TM to purchase three battery operated, personal misting fans. If we are to camp in Texas at the end of July, and we are, wet is absolutely essential.
Hobby Lobby has ribbon 1/2 priced this week. Four new rolls. A Sizzix keyhole with key die, regularly priced at $20.00, mine at $7.00. It took almost three albums to realize I was using Tim Holtz,'s Tea Dye instead of Vintage Photo ink. I kept wondering why my shading came out differently from the examples... well, beginning this next album, that's fixed, because now I own both. I added one gorgeous golden Prima flower package to the growing floral collection.
The TJ Maxx was a total bust this trip, but that's the nature of discount versus craft stores.
JoAnne's wasn't much better. Every item I went in for was already sold out. Not the black StazOn die I've finally committed to using. Not the 12x12 paper storage drawers. And not the paper pad I needed to refill.
There had been many, many numerous clearance items marked down as much as 80%, but it was as if someone had taken a buggy and cleared every rack of every single item. I'll certainly stock up on certain items, and pick up an extra or two of something I know can be traded or sold, or wipe a shelf out knowing it will be immediately replaced (TM) but whoever did this did so with the mind of absolute selfishness, without regard for others. It covered every item in the store, across every crafting row to just be a happenstance run of hundreds of buyers. If I figure out who's doing this, I'll cruelly mark their eBay site as the NWA greedy gut; because if this should show up on eBay it will be marked up by at least 60%.
We did, however, find a couple of reusable/dishwasher-safe, plastic screw topped Coke bottle to carry drinks in the car during the next few months.
Internet haul. I finally managed to find and purchase three magnet sets. The company I'd purchased from last week refunded my money two days later and informed me the items were temporarily out of stock. No way!! As of yesterday, they were still waiting. That's now remedied. And, Kiwi Lane Designs has another of their great 2-3 day sales, so I purchased another template set. These come in so handy it's difficult to imagine putting together a project without them. Call this one set 4 of the series.
Not strictly considered scrapbook materials, but closely related, were a pair of gold earrings at Sears - they were on sale; however, not included in the $80.00 earlier stated. Nickle-plated and inferior metals have been causing all sorts of problems lately. Reckon it will take a while... and many more sales... to rebuild a suitable earring collection again.
This and a major clothes shopping spree for the Miss mad for a very fun, and very long, day of hitting the stores.
I would have done much better had TM had not had another two G45 retailer sets out for sell. There were four more pages from the "On the Boardwalk" collection, and the first four of the "Le Romantique" set. {My mind begins spinning thinking about how certain elements of the "Proper Gentleman" and the "Le Romantique" collections could/will work together for a wedding, early relationship, or Valentine's Day album.} Other than a tin of metal hinges, bookplates, and sliders picked up, now that I know how much I'll use these in other projects, that concluded the TM experience.
We had to run to the local TM to purchase three battery operated, personal misting fans. If we are to camp in Texas at the end of July, and we are, wet is absolutely essential.
Hobby Lobby has ribbon 1/2 priced this week. Four new rolls. A Sizzix keyhole with key die, regularly priced at $20.00, mine at $7.00. It took almost three albums to realize I was using Tim Holtz,'s Tea Dye instead of Vintage Photo ink. I kept wondering why my shading came out differently from the examples... well, beginning this next album, that's fixed, because now I own both. I added one gorgeous golden Prima flower package to the growing floral collection.
The TJ Maxx was a total bust this trip, but that's the nature of discount versus craft stores.
JoAnne's wasn't much better. Every item I went in for was already sold out. Not the black StazOn die I've finally committed to using. Not the 12x12 paper storage drawers. And not the paper pad I needed to refill.
There had been many, many numerous clearance items marked down as much as 80%, but it was as if someone had taken a buggy and cleared every rack of every single item. I'll certainly stock up on certain items, and pick up an extra or two of something I know can be traded or sold, or wipe a shelf out knowing it will be immediately replaced (TM) but whoever did this did so with the mind of absolute selfishness, without regard for others. It covered every item in the store, across every crafting row to just be a happenstance run of hundreds of buyers. If I figure out who's doing this, I'll cruelly mark their eBay site as the NWA greedy gut; because if this should show up on eBay it will be marked up by at least 60%.
We did, however, find a couple of reusable/dishwasher-safe, plastic screw topped Coke bottle to carry drinks in the car during the next few months.
Internet haul. I finally managed to find and purchase three magnet sets. The company I'd purchased from last week refunded my money two days later and informed me the items were temporarily out of stock. No way!! As of yesterday, they were still waiting. That's now remedied. And, Kiwi Lane Designs has another of their great 2-3 day sales, so I purchased another template set. These come in so handy it's difficult to imagine putting together a project without them. Call this one set 4 of the series.
Not strictly considered scrapbook materials, but closely related, were a pair of gold earrings at Sears - they were on sale; however, not included in the $80.00 earlier stated. Nickle-plated and inferior metals have been causing all sorts of problems lately. Reckon it will take a while... and many more sales... to rebuild a suitable earring collection again.
This and a major clothes shopping spree for the Miss mad for a very fun, and very long, day of hitting the stores.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Playing with Denim
My helper and I tore up a pair of smaller sized bluejeans, among many other materials, to make all sorts of clothing for Bear, a muchly loved "baby." At the end, there was still a small basket filled with bluejeans scraps. Since I'm in the midst of creating a little boy's mini, denim might come in right handy for the project. Before today I'd cut strips of the material as "ribbons" for Martin's ABC Primer mini; but that was the limit of my experimentation with denim and scrapping.
Pulling out a couple of items/tools close by I first attached a scrap onto a piece of chipboard, and brayed it tightly down to dry. Once relatively dried, I ran the chipboard/material through the Cuttlebug with very impressive results. Finally, I used the Big Bite to punch a small hole in one corner and then set an eyelet. Wa-la! Instant tag. This has huge potential! If denim worked this nicely, there's no end to adaptation possibilities.
The question remains as to what process will best keep the material from fraying.
I haven't taken photos of a denim related experiment yet. One would think by looking at others work, flowers are as key to scrapbooking as paper. Flowers have their place, but not so much on more masculine pages. I've cut circles out of the material at 1/2 to 1/4 inch decreasing increments and stacked the pile to make lollipop flowers. The stacks can be as simple as 2 layers glued upon one another or as many as the creator wants to apply. Apply a proportional button or other embellishment to the center, and wow-za! Not-so-feminine flower embellishments. The next chance to sit down and play again, my great helper and I will cut circles out of a contrasting fabric and build the floral embellishment with layers of a daintier material sandwiched between the denim.
Pictures forthcoming. Also included with be Bear's new fashion wardrobe!
Pulling out a couple of items/tools close by I first attached a scrap onto a piece of chipboard, and brayed it tightly down to dry. Once relatively dried, I ran the chipboard/material through the Cuttlebug with very impressive results. Finally, I used the Big Bite to punch a small hole in one corner and then set an eyelet. Wa-la! Instant tag. This has huge potential! If denim worked this nicely, there's no end to adaptation possibilities.
 |
| Denim applied to rough-cut chipboard |
The question remains as to what process will best keep the material from fraying.
I haven't taken photos of a denim related experiment yet. One would think by looking at others work, flowers are as key to scrapbooking as paper. Flowers have their place, but not so much on more masculine pages. I've cut circles out of the material at 1/2 to 1/4 inch decreasing increments and stacked the pile to make lollipop flowers. The stacks can be as simple as 2 layers glued upon one another or as many as the creator wants to apply. Apply a proportional button or other embellishment to the center, and wow-za! Not-so-feminine flower embellishments. The next chance to sit down and play again, my great helper and I will cut circles out of a contrasting fabric and build the floral embellishment with layers of a daintier material sandwiched between the denim.
Pictures forthcoming. Also included with be Bear's new fashion wardrobe!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Fiskars
Fiskars, usually a very reliable brand, puts out a series of decorative photo corner punches.
These are the singularly absolute worst punches a person can own.
I own so many of their craft products, but I have to rate this one: 1 on a scale of 1 to 100
________________________________________
On a slightly different note, 2 of 4 layouts completed!
These are the singularly absolute worst punches a person can own.
- The buyer is left to guess how much mat allowance to properly fit the photo
- Getting the exact corner alignment is a matter of hope, the guides are impossible to see
- The punch can not be turned over in order to remedy the second point
- It takes standing over the punch to depress the lever, which explains the third point
I own so many of their craft products, but I have to rate this one: 1 on a scale of 1 to 100
________________________________________
On a slightly different note, 2 of 4 layouts completed!
 |
| Yeah, the whole photography issue. |
Boing, Boing, Busy
That whole stamping category process continues. The first day I knocked out about 100 stamps, since then only a few packs at a time. Slowly, but surely. This will curb my appetite for large random stamp purchases. (Boy, oh boy, what a meager set with such limited range, or so I know now going through the process!)
Today's focus was working with the Miss on a Father's Day card. Her ability grows.
I've virtually copied and completed two different types of mini albums, step-by-step. It's a long-standing threat, but it's time to break away from the masters at YouTube and develop my own style. And, in my fashion, design not one, but three, all at the same time.
Graphic 45's Playtimes Past is a charming collection. I don't mind cutting the paper any longer, but I only had a 12x12 inch pad. Not so much room for error. I found another 12x12 during one of the more recent excursions for only $7.00. Mine! Now there's back up, not so much nail biting. There's no getting around the fact that G45 fashions its lines with women in mind. They do publish more masculine lines - and do a marvelous job - but even then many of the details scream feminine. The Playtimes Past is a very fair mixture for both sexes. I want the more masculine pages used for a carefully selected collection of my boys childhood pictures. That leaves about 1/2 of the paper unused. However!! When I begin making pages for them, I can begin designing the feminine pages for my sister's girls; using the same page styles, but frilly it up a bit, more ribbon and sparkles, etc. So two MA's for the work of one. Not a bad idea.
The third will be a no-frills summer camp mini. I've selected a Tim Holtz Retro Grunge paper pad for the project. A little dark, perhaps, for a girl's summer album, but I'm sure this will fit her to a Tee. I think to pattern this after the wallet-style just completed for this coming Christmas photos, with major modifications since we're only looking at less than 25 shots.
First though, I must pull together a couple (four or five) regular 12x12 layouts. There's a very gratifying feeling when completing projects. LO's only take a day or so and therefore seems as if I'm accomplishing much more than when compiling a single mini. Perspective.
In less than 10 minutes I pulled together the first LO. Add paper and embellishments, and it's a done deal.
Today's focus was working with the Miss on a Father's Day card. Her ability grows.
I've virtually copied and completed two different types of mini albums, step-by-step. It's a long-standing threat, but it's time to break away from the masters at YouTube and develop my own style. And, in my fashion, design not one, but three, all at the same time.
Graphic 45's Playtimes Past is a charming collection. I don't mind cutting the paper any longer, but I only had a 12x12 inch pad. Not so much room for error. I found another 12x12 during one of the more recent excursions for only $7.00. Mine! Now there's back up, not so much nail biting. There's no getting around the fact that G45 fashions its lines with women in mind. They do publish more masculine lines - and do a marvelous job - but even then many of the details scream feminine. The Playtimes Past is a very fair mixture for both sexes. I want the more masculine pages used for a carefully selected collection of my boys childhood pictures. That leaves about 1/2 of the paper unused. However!! When I begin making pages for them, I can begin designing the feminine pages for my sister's girls; using the same page styles, but frilly it up a bit, more ribbon and sparkles, etc. So two MA's for the work of one. Not a bad idea.
The third will be a no-frills summer camp mini. I've selected a Tim Holtz Retro Grunge paper pad for the project. A little dark, perhaps, for a girl's summer album, but I'm sure this will fit her to a Tee. I think to pattern this after the wallet-style just completed for this coming Christmas photos, with major modifications since we're only looking at less than 25 shots.
First though, I must pull together a couple (four or five) regular 12x12 layouts. There's a very gratifying feeling when completing projects. LO's only take a day or so and therefore seems as if I'm accomplishing much more than when compiling a single mini. Perspective.
In less than 10 minutes I pulled together the first LO. Add paper and embellishments, and it's a done deal.
 |
| Our only snow 2012 |
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Stamp Organization System
Way, way back in March I described a system that helps keep track of the all the punches I own. The system is working out wonderfully; no more guessing about ownership of a particular punch, and knowing exactly what's a hand in an instant.
Keeping an active scrapbooking room organized is the singularly most difficult part of the hobby. Too many times," out of sight, out of mind" applies and various items become under-used. This proves especially true when it comes to stamps.
I don't have a mega-collection of wood, acrylic, and rubber mounted stamps; there's probably about 200 individual stamps in all. How to best keep the inventory in mind? And because of the nature of stamps, they tend to end up in various places around the room: baskets, shelves, boxes, etc.
While trying to remember whether I had an appropriate stamp for a project being worked on today, and spending over 15 minutes looking about the room for one, I came to a breaking point. Something had to be done, and done now!
Solution: I pulled out a box of extra large index cards and begin stamping images by category. Some fell into more than one, so those were stamped in whatever other category they could be assigned.
In little over three hours I grew a index card collection about 1/2 inch thick. Unfortunately, this also meant cleaning, drying, and repackaging each stamp. I'm stopping today at the halfway point... or so I hope, though I'm still working on repackaging/drying the first batch.
Just as in the case of the punch system, stamps will on longer come into the house without assigning a category with the stamped image. I've yet to determine the binding system since the collection will continue to grow over the months and years to follow, but notebook closure rings or ribbons come quickly to mind.
___________________________________________________
It's really a "nothing" deal, but I've been asked to come in and work with a group to teach the basics of card making. I'm flattered to no end. It will be enough to know I've helped people of all ages discover a new creative outlet.
Keeping an active scrapbooking room organized is the singularly most difficult part of the hobby. Too many times," out of sight, out of mind" applies and various items become under-used. This proves especially true when it comes to stamps.
I don't have a mega-collection of wood, acrylic, and rubber mounted stamps; there's probably about 200 individual stamps in all. How to best keep the inventory in mind? And because of the nature of stamps, they tend to end up in various places around the room: baskets, shelves, boxes, etc.
While trying to remember whether I had an appropriate stamp for a project being worked on today, and spending over 15 minutes looking about the room for one, I came to a breaking point. Something had to be done, and done now!
Solution: I pulled out a box of extra large index cards and begin stamping images by category. Some fell into more than one, so those were stamped in whatever other category they could be assigned.
 |
| Indexed Images |
In little over three hours I grew a index card collection about 1/2 inch thick. Unfortunately, this also meant cleaning, drying, and repackaging each stamp. I'm stopping today at the halfway point... or so I hope, though I'm still working on repackaging/drying the first batch.
 |
| What a mess I created! |
Just as in the case of the punch system, stamps will on longer come into the house without assigning a category with the stamped image. I've yet to determine the binding system since the collection will continue to grow over the months and years to follow, but notebook closure rings or ribbons come quickly to mind.
___________________________________________________
It's really a "nothing" deal, but I've been asked to come in and work with a group to teach the basics of card making. I'm flattered to no end. It will be enough to know I've helped people of all ages discover a new creative outlet.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Leaping Tall Buildings in a Single Bound
I knocked out a mini this weekend! The construction was heavily guided by professional construction techniques, but that I was able to quickly follow the instructions and pull it together is nothing short of miracle material! There's hope yet.
The album still lacks tags/photo mats. Tags are proving to be a creative millstone. Since the event for which the album was designed hasn't taken place yet, how is one to know how many to make and at what sizes? Intuitively, one would think to design for the standard 4x6 photo; yet, not many of the photos I work with end up without a bit of cropping. Further, does the album serve to showcase the photos, or do the photos work to fill out the album? Two of the minis in the planning stages at present are being constructed with all the photos I want to exhibit, so say I need to create six 3.5x3.5 mats and four 3x5's. This knowledge makes it more, or less, of a challenge depending on perspective. I'm planning on making one mini as a Christmas present for someone this year and until I can figure out how to solve this puzzle, it's going to create all sorts of anxiety.
I spent over an hour looking for a product made by a company based in the U.K. Magnetic clasps, of all things. I love the way these closures look on the videos; so classy and professional. The first problem was not knowing the product's description. Then on to find a company selling this style of magnets in the U.S. And finally, to find it reasonably priced. Described, found, and bought... all only a few mouse clicks away.
Something solid clicked in this marginally functioning brain. I'm suddenly able to see not only how the paper will look on the page, but able to visualize the background work needed before mounting the page to maximize function; setting eyelets, brads, stitching, ribbons, pockets, etc. Best yet, this is happening before it's too late... that's kind of key to the point. Before this, I would realize "something" needed to happen, but not the when and where, and quite frequently slap myself upside the head realizing the task one step too late, forcing less than impressive corrections. I get so excited upon discovery of another hurdle successfully jumped.
I've come to believe the more page construction techniques available to assembling mini-albums, the better and quicker the project goes. I'm currently creating a library of different page design templates. I had an "ah ha!" moment a few days ago, when thinking about a page style not seen before. It was based on the memo boards constructed with latticed ribbon. Of all the scores upon scores of YouTube videos watched, I'd never seen one. Then last night I happened upon the exact design I had pictured. At least I now know it's perfectly feasible. I digress, back to page design resources. The more the better, but I wonder at this point if there might be a magic formula to how certain designs work with others. Beyond that, I suspect a repetition of a few patterns within a project would present far better than a random selection; perhaps too chaotic and showing off. It's easy getting the impression I'm re-inventing the wheel when it comes to many of the technique and design issues as they arise. No doubt.
Another hard-earned tip to share. The Fiskars personal trimmer began putting out very unreliable cuts. Were the guidelines somehow knocked askew? But then, not having any idea why, it would randomly put out perfect cuts. I finally concluded the inconsistency had to do with the angle the blade was being pushed down the wire. Sitting down, working from the right or left created a slight pull to the guide wire when cutting. Standing up straight (or at least paying attention to hand placement) over the top of the cutter made a precision cut. And to think I was ready to toss the tool in the trash due to sheer frustration.
So much detail never explained to the novice... as if the novice could take all the vast body of knowledge in over a couple of settings. Maybe there's a book in here somewhere.
The album still lacks tags/photo mats. Tags are proving to be a creative millstone. Since the event for which the album was designed hasn't taken place yet, how is one to know how many to make and at what sizes? Intuitively, one would think to design for the standard 4x6 photo; yet, not many of the photos I work with end up without a bit of cropping. Further, does the album serve to showcase the photos, or do the photos work to fill out the album? Two of the minis in the planning stages at present are being constructed with all the photos I want to exhibit, so say I need to create six 3.5x3.5 mats and four 3x5's. This knowledge makes it more, or less, of a challenge depending on perspective. I'm planning on making one mini as a Christmas present for someone this year and until I can figure out how to solve this puzzle, it's going to create all sorts of anxiety.
I spent over an hour looking for a product made by a company based in the U.K. Magnetic clasps, of all things. I love the way these closures look on the videos; so classy and professional. The first problem was not knowing the product's description. Then on to find a company selling this style of magnets in the U.S. And finally, to find it reasonably priced. Described, found, and bought... all only a few mouse clicks away.
Something solid clicked in this marginally functioning brain. I'm suddenly able to see not only how the paper will look on the page, but able to visualize the background work needed before mounting the page to maximize function; setting eyelets, brads, stitching, ribbons, pockets, etc. Best yet, this is happening before it's too late... that's kind of key to the point. Before this, I would realize "something" needed to happen, but not the when and where, and quite frequently slap myself upside the head realizing the task one step too late, forcing less than impressive corrections. I get so excited upon discovery of another hurdle successfully jumped.
I've come to believe the more page construction techniques available to assembling mini-albums, the better and quicker the project goes. I'm currently creating a library of different page design templates. I had an "ah ha!" moment a few days ago, when thinking about a page style not seen before. It was based on the memo boards constructed with latticed ribbon. Of all the scores upon scores of YouTube videos watched, I'd never seen one. Then last night I happened upon the exact design I had pictured. At least I now know it's perfectly feasible. I digress, back to page design resources. The more the better, but I wonder at this point if there might be a magic formula to how certain designs work with others. Beyond that, I suspect a repetition of a few patterns within a project would present far better than a random selection; perhaps too chaotic and showing off. It's easy getting the impression I'm re-inventing the wheel when it comes to many of the technique and design issues as they arise. No doubt.
Another hard-earned tip to share. The Fiskars personal trimmer began putting out very unreliable cuts. Were the guidelines somehow knocked askew? But then, not having any idea why, it would randomly put out perfect cuts. I finally concluded the inconsistency had to do with the angle the blade was being pushed down the wire. Sitting down, working from the right or left created a slight pull to the guide wire when cutting. Standing up straight (or at least paying attention to hand placement) over the top of the cutter made a precision cut. And to think I was ready to toss the tool in the trash due to sheer frustration.
So much detail never explained to the novice... as if the novice could take all the vast body of knowledge in over a couple of settings. Maybe there's a book in here somewhere.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
New Type of Haul
Oh, my! I've gone way over the top this time. I took the drive down to the Annex this afternoon. While the sales today weren't the same as the first trip, the trip was worth the while. I've got more paper than any person could possibly use, but keep an eye out for unique finds. There was a box, labeled 2 for 5c, where I unearthed a black, tan and white round, scalloped safari animal page. Also inside was a transparency page with a built-in frame and light script writing on the edge. Yes, hard to describe. Another few steps to the left and I found small bins of interesting stencils in various shapes: palm and ancient oak trees, star and shellfish, a dove, many, many framed shapes, including watches, and more! No prices indicated, but I picked out a few of those liked best. Flowing out from the stencils was a vast array of Tattered Angels Glitter Glams and Glazes: 5 for $10.00. (A real steal!) I've made a personal commitment to incorporate flowers into layouts and minis. AH! There they were! A sign said fill the bag with as many as can fit (it need not shut) for $2.00. Find out that applied to the stencils, as well. Scoot back to the right and grab several handfuls. And since I am solidly into making mini albums, I broke down and bought several 12x12 canvas printed designs (one clocks in black and white, the other brightly coloured butterflies) to use as covering for a yet unidentified album, or two. Not so much damage to the budget for all that.
I met a lady who bowled me over; I mean, God ran me smack into this gift. She's well known in certain circles, completely understandable given her charisma that mists anyone within 20 feet of her presence. I was totally in awe. She invited me to lunch this coming Monday. Hopefully I can keep my mouth from dropping down and some of the things she says. Wow, wow, wow! God surely is good to answer prayers not only at the degree in which we ask, but full measure, pressed down, and running over. The deals found at the store were great, but nothing in comparison to the treasure of this woman. Should I never meet up with her again (NO way I pass up on that chance) I'd feel forever blessed by this one single conversation. And get this... she doesn't even scrap. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.
Ah, heck, I try to keep this journal on the singular subject of scrapbooking, but this sitting requires some personal commentary. This tiny sliver of America called NWA is just about the most inhospitable and unfriendly area I've ever lived. The people are friendly, but carry this impenetrable shield. No one wants to commit to friendship; too much coming and going for anyone to ever feel settled enough to grow roots, as temporary as those roots might be. I hear from virtually everyone how lonely they are. Well, hello. To fear making friends which may, and probably will, move away, and suffer loneliness in silence is about as stupid as stupid gets. After a great deal of prayer, the solution to my isolation became obvious: go out and make friends, align myself with people starving for contact. Once I made the decision - and acted in faith and with action - people are virtually coming out of the walls to be heard. I would never try to limit what God can do with me, that's for Him to decide, but to the best of my knowledge my primary gift is listening. Once people figure out someone is actually hearing them speak, doors blow open. Life is much too short to keep everyone shut out until "a better time and place" comes their way.
Finally, I hit the usual round of stores looking for deals, found a few. The best buy of the day has to be our new house. A bat house. Really! A box designed to house and shelter bats. If we still had a dog, I would have never picked it up due to bats often suffer from rabies infection. But I outweighed the slimmest risk of the most unlikely nighttime exposure to infected bats against the dramatic drop in insects we'd see if a few bats do settle in. What did I read one time? Each bat eats several pounds of insects each night? Don't exactly remember, but whatever it is, it's a whole bunch of lots.. The box goes up this weekend.... we'll see.
I met a lady who bowled me over; I mean, God ran me smack into this gift. She's well known in certain circles, completely understandable given her charisma that mists anyone within 20 feet of her presence. I was totally in awe. She invited me to lunch this coming Monday. Hopefully I can keep my mouth from dropping down and some of the things she says. Wow, wow, wow! God surely is good to answer prayers not only at the degree in which we ask, but full measure, pressed down, and running over. The deals found at the store were great, but nothing in comparison to the treasure of this woman. Should I never meet up with her again (NO way I pass up on that chance) I'd feel forever blessed by this one single conversation. And get this... she doesn't even scrap. Thank you, Lord, for this gift.
Ah, heck, I try to keep this journal on the singular subject of scrapbooking, but this sitting requires some personal commentary. This tiny sliver of America called NWA is just about the most inhospitable and unfriendly area I've ever lived. The people are friendly, but carry this impenetrable shield. No one wants to commit to friendship; too much coming and going for anyone to ever feel settled enough to grow roots, as temporary as those roots might be. I hear from virtually everyone how lonely they are. Well, hello. To fear making friends which may, and probably will, move away, and suffer loneliness in silence is about as stupid as stupid gets. After a great deal of prayer, the solution to my isolation became obvious: go out and make friends, align myself with people starving for contact. Once I made the decision - and acted in faith and with action - people are virtually coming out of the walls to be heard. I would never try to limit what God can do with me, that's for Him to decide, but to the best of my knowledge my primary gift is listening. Once people figure out someone is actually hearing them speak, doors blow open. Life is much too short to keep everyone shut out until "a better time and place" comes their way.
Finally, I hit the usual round of stores looking for deals, found a few. The best buy of the day has to be our new house. A bat house. Really! A box designed to house and shelter bats. If we still had a dog, I would have never picked it up due to bats often suffer from rabies infection. But I outweighed the slimmest risk of the most unlikely nighttime exposure to infected bats against the dramatic drop in insects we'd see if a few bats do settle in. What did I read one time? Each bat eats several pounds of insects each night? Don't exactly remember, but whatever it is, it's a whole bunch of lots.. The box goes up this weekend.... we'll see.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Persistence
Persistence pays, but oh boy at what a cost!!
I've decided mini-albums fit our lifestyle better than the 12x12 inch layouts. Everything has a place and purpose, so I'll never totally abandon the larger version; perhaps the "best of the very best" annual album, or something along those lines. From now on, most of my creative energy will go into the mini's.
With that thought in mind, I've come to the solid conviction made-from-scratch mini's are probably best left to professionals. I hate, (scorn, despise, revolt, etc) putting out inferior products. There are allowances for skills not yet mastered, but not by much. There has to be an exponential learning curve to scrapbooking skills, but more rational people would try to master one before going on to the next. Not I, heavens no! I want to master it all in one horse pill sized, gagging swallow.
If there's a mistake to be made, almost corrected, and the same mistake made again, I'll do it every time; hands down. Subsequently, a weekend project for most will take the weekend and the following week - and that's if I'm lucky. It can be so very discouraging. Fortunately, persistence runs in my DNA or this hobby would have been abandoned months ago.
At present I'm learning everything possible about book binding. There are as many techniques as skilled crafters out there, but a couple of methods keep popping up as the most reasonable and flexible. Maybe, if I can calm my butt down, I'll get reasonable skilled at this. But not today. Oh, no, not when this skill was critical to the project. In common fashion, I'll have to put the project aside for a few days and practice this new skill until proficient. That's why the weekend project takes ten or more days to complete. Every project taken on has a whole new area of discovery, and learning.
On a more positive note, I've mastered a few skills; which makes a significant advancement for timely project completion. (Down from three weeks to ten days.)
I've discussed adhesives before. It comes as a surprise to learn there's more to learn. When using the highest quality adhesives, there are tricks to make a tighter bond. Burnishing goes a very long with with tape adhesives, and the brayer does a great job with wet glues. The demands on adhesives are taken to new heights with all the moving and swing parts of the mini. This was yet another hard learned lesson.
It's no secret I'm totally smitten with Graphic 45 papers. I kept running into BoBunny projects and couldn't resist picking up a pack at one of my last hauls. The colours are very soothing and even the brighter packs have a subtle tinting. I simply can't wait to tear into this first package! Someone special on my list will receive a very, very nice Christmas present this year.
It's possible I forget to post the adapted shoe organizer photo.
Just for kicks I decided to begin hanging some of my favourite embellishments on the 6x2 cork board running along the desks back panel. I've only just started, but it's way too cute not to share.
I've decided mini-albums fit our lifestyle better than the 12x12 inch layouts. Everything has a place and purpose, so I'll never totally abandon the larger version; perhaps the "best of the very best" annual album, or something along those lines. From now on, most of my creative energy will go into the mini's.
With that thought in mind, I've come to the solid conviction made-from-scratch mini's are probably best left to professionals. I hate, (scorn, despise, revolt, etc) putting out inferior products. There are allowances for skills not yet mastered, but not by much. There has to be an exponential learning curve to scrapbooking skills, but more rational people would try to master one before going on to the next. Not I, heavens no! I want to master it all in one horse pill sized, gagging swallow.
If there's a mistake to be made, almost corrected, and the same mistake made again, I'll do it every time; hands down. Subsequently, a weekend project for most will take the weekend and the following week - and that's if I'm lucky. It can be so very discouraging. Fortunately, persistence runs in my DNA or this hobby would have been abandoned months ago.
At present I'm learning everything possible about book binding. There are as many techniques as skilled crafters out there, but a couple of methods keep popping up as the most reasonable and flexible. Maybe, if I can calm my butt down, I'll get reasonable skilled at this. But not today. Oh, no, not when this skill was critical to the project. In common fashion, I'll have to put the project aside for a few days and practice this new skill until proficient. That's why the weekend project takes ten or more days to complete. Every project taken on has a whole new area of discovery, and learning.
On a more positive note, I've mastered a few skills; which makes a significant advancement for timely project completion. (Down from three weeks to ten days.)
I've discussed adhesives before. It comes as a surprise to learn there's more to learn. When using the highest quality adhesives, there are tricks to make a tighter bond. Burnishing goes a very long with with tape adhesives, and the brayer does a great job with wet glues. The demands on adhesives are taken to new heights with all the moving and swing parts of the mini. This was yet another hard learned lesson.
It's no secret I'm totally smitten with Graphic 45 papers. I kept running into BoBunny projects and couldn't resist picking up a pack at one of my last hauls. The colours are very soothing and even the brighter packs have a subtle tinting. I simply can't wait to tear into this first package! Someone special on my list will receive a very, very nice Christmas present this year.
It's possible I forget to post the adapted shoe organizer photo.
 |
| Most stamps & some punches |
Just for kicks I decided to begin hanging some of my favourite embellishments on the 6x2 cork board running along the desks back panel. I've only just started, but it's way too cute not to share.
 |
| Embellishments! |
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