Write. Click. Scrapbook.

Scrapbooking Cards

So glad you could join us for the final day of Card Week.  Today I want to show you some ideas about what to do with cards (handmade or not) from loved ones that we want to preserve.  I guess this has been on my mind lately with all the Christmas cards we got during the holiday season.  In the past I've just thrown them all away, but I've realized in the last couple of years that there are some aspects of these cards I'd like to document (names, signatures, photos, etc).  First I'll share a few of my own projects, and then I'll share some cool inspiration from other crafters.  Though all the examples I'm showing in this post are Christmas themed, you can use these ideas with cards from any occasion.

 

Christmas Cards 2010 Layout

This layout was included in the WCS December gallery, Holiday Homes.  It was a great way for me to preserve the memory of our loved ones' holiday greetings without taking up all the room that saving each card would.  I tried to punch mostly names, signatures, and fun design elements from each card.  This was easy and quick, but it's one of my favorite pages to look at.

 

Double Panel Card Collage Layout

I scored two 12 x12 sheets of cardstock at 6 inches and then taped them together on the back.

Then I adhered a sheet of 12x12 patterned paper over the seam to cover it and add stability.  Then I just trimmed parts of cards (names, signatures, fun design elements, photos, etc) and created a collage over the 24 x 12 inch area. 

I added some paper, embellishments, the date, and title to the front of the panels so when the page is closed and in my scrapbook I know what it is, but if I want to look at the collage I just remove the page and open the panels.

 

Card Mini Book Layout

For this page I saved entire cards from family members and created a mini book that I included on the layout.

I punched holes in the stack of cards with my Cinch machine and then wound ribbon through the holes to bind them since the wire binding would have been too bulky in my scrapbook. 

 

Pocket Page by Lynn Ghahary

I love this pocket page by designer Lynn Gharary that was featured on the Scrapbook and Card Today magazine blog.  It's beautiful and a wonderful way to preserve entire cards in your scrapbook.  Lynn shares full instructions on how to create a pocket page of your own HERE.

Below are some fun decor ideas for displaying cards.

 

Recycled Christmas Card Wreath

Source: bhg.com via Aly on Pinterest

 

Scrapbooks, Etc shares how to punch or cut circles from your cards and create a wreath that you can hang as decor next year.  This would be super fun for a birthday.  How cool to see the cards you got the year before again!

 

Christmas Card Tree

Source: marthastewart.com via Aly on Pinterest

 

Martha Stewart posted this project, which would also be adorable covered with Valentine's Day cards.  Hmm...I think I feel a project coming on!

Thanks for joining me this week.  I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts and projects with you.  I hope these ideas have been helpful and inspiring.  Don't forget to share your creations from this week in our flickr gallery.  Happy cardmaking!

Using Sketches for Cardmaking

Hello!  We made it to Wednesday--halfway to the weekend!  Glad you're back for more.  Many scrapbookers find sketches helpful in creating layouts.  Sketches take out the guesswork in the design process, and can save time.  They can also be easily adapted to work in various situations, i.e. single vs. double page layouts, varying numbers of photos, etc. 

Sketches can also be very useful for cardmaking for the same reasons.  They give you a good starting point, and they can also be adapted to different shapes and sizes of cards.  When making cards you don’t have to use a sketch specifically made for cards.  You can use scrapbook page sketches as well.  Take a look at some examples below.

Here is a layout I created and the sketch to match:

 Here is a valentine’s day card I made based pretty literally on the sketch:

You can see the sketch very easily in the above card even though the card is a rectangle and the sketch is a square.  Now take a look at a set of fall place cards I made based on the same sketch, but rotated 90 degrees to the right.

The basic elements of the sketch are still present.  The journaling card with the name takes the place of the photo, the twine-laced eyelets take the place of the grid of embellishments, and the tree accent takes the place of the journaling strips.

The card below is based on just the right side of the original sketch--the grid of text and embellishments.  To accommodate the size of this card (and the size of my square punch) I left out the bottom row of the grid on the sketch so there are only three rows instead of four.

Other options for this sketch might include flipping it horizontally so that the grid is on the left side, or cutting out the grid and just using the left half of the sketch.  Going back to the original sketch, rather than a grid you could create a collage of embellishments and text along the right side of the card.

Using sketches when making cards provides a great spring board for your own creativity.  Sketches are also wonderfully versatile.  You can apply any sketch to any size or shape of card.  Just identify the basic elements and carry them over from the sketch to your new canvas.  You can also choose any element of a sketch and just use that in your card or project.  The possibilities are numerous.

If you're interested in using sketches to create cards, below are some online card sketch resources:

Becky Fleck's CardMaps

Card Positioning System

Split Coast Stampers Sketch Challenges + Forum

Card Patterns

Remember, if you create a card inspired by the above sketch (or anything else you see this week), please share it in the WCS flickr gallery.  I can't wait to see your work!

Don't forget tomorrow is give.away.day.  Come back and see what we've got in store for one of you wonderful readers.

Card Design Tips

Welcome back to card week. I'm glad you're here! Today I want to share with you some of my go-to design tips for cards. I don't consider myself an expert, but I have picked up a few pointers over the years that help me to create cards I'm pleased with quickly and easily.

To be honest, translating my scrapbooking design habits onto a small card was awkward at first, but after some practice it became much more natural for me and now I really enjoy making cards.  Here are a few tips that helped me get comfortable working with a small canvas:

1) less is more--when working with a small canvas, don't try to add too many elements or your card's design won't be as effective

2) pack one punch--on most of my cards I try to use one high impact element as my focus.  That might be a cool embellishment, a large sentiment, a "wow" color combo, or an awesome technique.

3) three's company--a scrapbook page requires three basic things: photos, text, and embellishments.  A card needs three basic things as well--just swap your high impact element for your photo(s), use your sentiment as your text, and choose your embellishments to compliment the previous two items.

Remember, sometimes your elements will overlap, i.e. your high impact element will be your sentiment, etc.  Also, these tips are meant to be guidelines and all three won't apply to every single card.  But they are a good place to start.

Here are a few cards that illustrate the above tips:

Less is more

Kimber McGray is the genius behind this simple and fabulous card. Some cardstock and a butterfly punch are all you need to create something with tons of "wow" factor.

Source: twopeasinabucket.com via Aly on Pinterest

 

I found this card on the Pebbles Inc blog by guest designer Kimberly Neddo. I love how all it takes is a couple patterned paper banners, a simple sentiment, and a few well-placed embellishments to make this stunning card.

Source: pebblesinc.blogspot.com via Aly on Pinterest

 

Pack one punch

The punch packed into this Doodlebug card I created is the cluster of buttons demonstrating the sentiment.  Adding much more to this card would have given the buttons too much competition and detracted from the main focus.

The high impact element on this card I made with Creative Memories products is the paper loop tree.  The remaining elements on the card all serve to compliment the focal point rather than compete with it.

Three's company

The card below by Kasia Curry is a great example of this tip.  The trio of punched hearts is the high impact element, there's a simple sentiment, and a few button embellishments that compliment the hearts.  Love it!

Source: natureofcraftythings.blogspot.com via Aly on Pinterest

 

 

This card I created using Jillibean Soup products demonstrates the three's company idea as well. The twine-wrapped button is the high impact element here, the mini tag includes a sentiment, and the paper, border stickers, and brad all compliment the focal point.

I hope these tips have inspired you in some way.  Again, they're really just guidelines to use as a spring board for creating.  What matter's most is creating what makes you happy in a way that works best for you.  Tomorrow I'll share some thoughts on using sketches for cards--even sketches meant for scrapbook layouts.  Until then!

Welcome to Card Week!

Hello WCS readers, Aly Dosdall here.  I'd like to officially welcome you to (and invite you to hang around for) Card Week!  Indulge me while I share a bit of my creative history.  I started scrapbooking over 14 years ago and for about 10 of those years I didn't make a single handmade card.  I actually refused to take the cardmaking plunge for a while.  Now I actually enjoy making handmade cards.  In fact I have 2 small baskets full of cards I've created and whenever an ocassion comes up all I have to do is pick one, write something on the inside, put it in an envelope, and voila!  It's like having my own custom Hallmark store at home!

My Personal Card Philosophy

Here are a few thoughts that changed my mind about cards:

--handmade cards carry special meaning
--you can customize handmade cards for any occasion
--handmade cards are a great way to use up paper scraps
--handmade cards are usually less expensive than store-bought cards
--handmade cards are a quick creative fix if you don't have time to create an entire scrapbook page

Finding the time to make cards can be a challenge, and sometimes it's hard to balance how much time to spend on something that may end up in the trash or recycle bin.  While each crafter has to find a groove that works for her, here's how I approach card-making:

1) When making cards for friends and family I try not to spend more than 15 minutes on each one.  I love being creative--it's my lifeline some days.  But my time is also precious, and for me family comes first, so I have to set myself limits.

10 minute birthday card using a black felt tip pen and ruler, Sassafrass felties, and a mini brad.

2) I also find that making a quick card after I've finished a layout and while my scraps and supplies are still out on my desk works really well for me.  I get more mileage out of my supplies and time that way.

Travel mini album pages made using an 8 x 8 October Afternoon 5 & Dime paper pad, and a 15 minute card made while the supplies were still sitting on my desk.

 

3) I'm a big believer in scraplifting myself!  If I find a design that I love, I have no problem using it over and over.  Don't feel like you have to re-invent the card wheel every time you make one.

Now it's your turn!  If you create a card (or more than one) inspired by something in this week's posts, please share it in our flickr gallery.  I'd love to see your creations! 

Well, that's all for today.  I'll let you chew on those thoughts and tempt you to come back tomorrow when I'll be sharing some tips for simple but effective card design.  Until then!

give.away.day. featuring PENNY SPRINGMANN DESIGNS

Today we have a real holiday treat for you our dear readers! We are please to present

with Penny Springmann. Penny Springmann is a self-taught digital scrapbooking designer living in the mid-south with her husband of 15 years, 2 wild and crazy sons (8 and 7), and a brindled mutt, Gary the girl. When she’s not designing, Penny enjoys reading, running, hiking, playing, shopping, and cooking.

Penny began digital scrapbooking in 2003. From the beginning she created her own brushes, backgrounds and elements since there really wasn’t much out there in terms of product and she enjoyed tinkering in Photoshop. However, Penny didn’t begin selling her designs until spring of 2006. Currently, her designs are sold at My Digital Stash and Sweet Shoppe Designs. You can find Penny's blog on her site pennyspringmann.com

Penny's favorite product is actually a line of products, her 12 Month Collection. This collection has grown each month in 2011. The collection consists of a massive neutral base kit that is supplemented by individual month kits throughout the year. In addition, each month also includes  4 12×12″ coordinating templates to scrap the month’s photographs. This collection is perfect for scrapping  P52 or P12 or everyday scrapping, you don't want to miss this kit!

Look what the write.click.scrapbook team members did with the 12 Months: January kit!

Marvelous Marnie Flores created this sweet layout of Poppy waiting for the bus during the first snowfall. The fun snowflakes and curvy alphas really make this page pop!

And the pink in this kit really spoke to Marnie. She couldn't resist scrapping this great photo!

Sensational Celeste Smith set out to show that this kit is indeed a "boy" kit too! She created this lovely page using a template. A quick way to get your mojo flowing!

Sweet Penny is so unbelievably generous! Today she is giving away a treat for every single one of you! She put together a lovely word art kit for free for you!!! Just double click the image to begin the download.

This word art kit is perfect for sending a New Year's card or adding a title or element to a digital or hybrid layout. Our own, magnificent Monika Wright made this adorable New Years' card. Such a clever use of the countdown numbers in the free kit from Penny!

Amazing Amy Sorenson created this fabulous page that uses the word art as part of her fun title!

Last but not least, Penny is giving TWO lucky readers a ten dollar gift card each to her store! So head on over to her store and take a peek around, come back here and tell us what you would choose. Comments will remain open through tonight. Two lucky numbers will be posted tomorrow. Please remember to claim your lucky number before Saturday at midnight. Good luck and happy crafting!

give.away.day. featuring BELLA BLVD

It's Thursday, which means it'shere at Write. Click. Scrapbook. Today's give.away.day. features the Christmas Wishes line from Bella Blvd. This whimsical holiday line combines bright colors, classic patterns, and a whole lot of fun!

Vivian used this line to create both a layout and card:

For a chance to win the Christmas Wishes line, please leave a comment below sharing with us your holiday wish. Comments will remain open through this evening and one lucky number will be drawn at random and posted tomorrow. Be sure to check back to see if yours is the lucky number as it is your responsibility to claim your number by midnight Saturday!

As a thank you to our friends over at Bella Blvd, please check them out on Facebook and tell them that Write. Click. Scrapbook. sent you!

Welcome, December! & give.away.day. featuring OCTOBER AFTERNOON

This month we wanted to celebrate the love and effort that we take decorating our homes for the holidays. No matter what the celebration, it seems there is always room for a little festivity!! (Or a lot, hee hee!!) Sit back, relax, and enjoy peering into our Holiday Homes.

 

 

December is here and we are thrilled to announce the return of our daily posting schedule! Much like our summer months, each day will feature a new author and a new topic. Our team is thrilled to inspire your December to be filled with paper crafting, scrapbooking, and photography. So, while the weather outside may be frightful, our site will be delightful...

 

 

But, wait, today is Thursday. And you know what that means...

To celebrate the start of December and the holiday season, we're kicking things off with an exciting give.away.day. We know that many of you are working on winter or holiday projects and would love to add to your stash of winter- and holiday-themed products, so...without further ado...we bring you October Afternoon's Holiday Style collection!

If you haven't already clicked on the link or the images above to get a closer look, the Holiday Style line features twelve double-sided patterned papers and a large variety of embellishments certain to add holiday style (get it? :)) to all of your projects. With the mix of patterns and products in this collection you'll have lots of opportunities to document your favorite memories of winters and holidays past and present and will have lots of bits leftover for cards, gift tags, etc.

Here's a layout Vivian created using die cut embellishments from the Flower Sack (clever Vivian cut them in half to stretch them!) as well as Word Stickers and Little Flyers.

An added bonus today: check out today's post on the October Afternoon blog to see the sketch upon which this layout was based.

October Afternoon is really close to having 10,000 followers on Facebook. If you haven't already headed over there to like them, please do so and let them know that you were sent there by Write. Click. Scrapbook. A little birdie told me that there might be a prize or two or more when the magic number appears.

Interested in a chance to win Holiday Style? I thought so. Go ahead and leave a comment on this post telling us what is your holiday style. Comments will remain open through tonight. One lucky number will be posted tomorrow. Please remember to claim your lucky number before Saturday at midnight.

 

 

 

Before you go, we have some sad news. Beth, Melissa, and Marcy are leaving us. I have worked with Beth since 2006 and I can't imagine my scrapbook life not including her. Not one bit. Beth is not only a fantastic designer but also an amazing woman, friend, and mother. Melissa has been with us since we launched. I first noticed her name attached to a layout with tiny footprints. It was love at first sight!! And I carry her camera strap on my camera so I will have an excuse to think of her everyday! And Marcy, my fellow Canadian, is leaving far too soon. Her pages are top notch. We are sad we won't have a chance to get to know her more. But also know that we will see her often. Happily so! We will miss you all and look forward to stalking your blogs to keep up!

 

 

That's it! Don't forget to pour over the new gallery, to visit October Afternoon, to return to leave your comment, and to include a heartfelt goodbye to Beth, Melissa, and Marcy. What a day! What a month! December is going to be awesome!

The Three Project Challenge

Hey there. Erin and Marie here again and today we're challenging ourselves to use one set of products three ways. Because we all like to get the most out of our supplies, right?

We each have a set of Stampin' Up! papers, cardstock, stamps and ink and some punches that we'll be using today.

For my three projects I used the Just Add Cake paper line, Pennant Parade stamp set, Petite Pennants punch, Scallop border punch, ink and cardstock.

First up, my card.  

 

Next is my layout about Ryan's first haircut. Sniff. My last baby is no longer a baby! Also, I'm really loving orange right now.

 

And my third project - mini-notecards to stick in Emma's lunchbox. I'm writing little notes to her on the back. I love how these turned out and I plan on making more so I can stick one in her lunch every week for the rest of the school year.

 

For Marie's three projects, she used the Big Top Birthday paper line, Make a Monster stamp set, plus cardstock and ink.

First is her card.

Marie said, "For this card I used the Make a Monster stamp kit. With three monsters, eyes, teeth, hair, and horns, the kids and I are all going to have a blast creating little creations and fun cards for them to send."

 

Next is her layout.

"I finally got around to scrapping my very first Halloween photo. Yes. My daughter is SIX. My problem is, we don't really do scary things yet and I kept getting caught up on the need to use all of my cute orange, black and purple Halloween paper. Well, as soon as I saw this Stampin' Up! paper, I knew I was once again going to break the rules. Red, white, and blue make so much more sense with the kids' costumes. And finally, I have scrapped a Halloween page!"

 

For her third project, Marie made a mobile to hang over her youngest son's changing table.

"A few years ago I was surfing the interwebs and stumbled upon an adorable tutorial (photo mobile inspiration) for a mobile over at Design Dazzle. I knew I would end up making it one day. Hooray that day has arrived! While it was originally created with fabric, I knew I could easily adapt it with some cute paper and twine. It was a fun project, plus an act of desperation as we are in the sweating-my-head-off-wrestling-a-very-strong-baby-during-diaper-changes stage. So far it is working well!"

Seriously, is this not the cutest mobile ever?

Now it's your turn! Grab some product and challenge yourself to make three different projects using the same items. We'll be checking out the Flickr gallery to see what you come up with.

 

All product used today was courtesy of Stampin' Up! Thank you Stampin' Up!

Bonus Feature - Stampin' Up! Digi

When Stampin' Up! called to see if we wanted to help them celebrate, we said, Absolutely! Here is a little about their celebration:

Want FREE brand-new, exclusive digital content from Stampin’ Up!? Join us as we celebrate Digital Scrapbooking day with a four-day online event, November 4-7. Access your FREE downloads from MyDigitalStudio.net, after completing a quick survey. Our downloads are compatible with most design software, so tell all your friends!

Be sure to join in! Play along! We did. Here are a few projects we made using Stampin' Up! digi products.

 

Use the  word tree to make a quick easy holiday card.

or some fun home decor!

The graphic elements are a fun touch for a layout, and the neutral tape strips are a perfect addition.
And the brushes that are included are perfect for a quick card.

There is also a sweet holiday minikit that easily prints to make cards. Look at Cheryl's cute one.

Such fun. Please stop by MyDigitalStudio.net to download your freebies and then have fun creating your own layouts, cards, and decor!

Hipstamatic Photos - cards and a Mini-Book

Hello Dear Friends! This is alexandra and today we're looking at cards and a mini book all showcasing Hipstamatic shots.

 

 

 

 

Here is a first card I made using two Hipstamatic pictures:

and this one with an off-centered glittered frame...

and to finish off this week of posts on the magic of Hipstamatic shots, here is a crazy mini. The idea behind it is a portrait of each member of the family (minus DD#1 who is away at University) coupled with a manuscript journaling of their favorite things in life! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Avital for providing the journaling cards used in this mini-album.

Thank you for your visits and comments! I've enjoyed being your host this week. Happy Scrapping everyone!