Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog

Have patterned paper from 2003? Sheri does...and one more!

Every year or so, I sort through all of my patterned papers, and pull out the ones that I know I'll probably never use, and find them a new home.  While doing so, I always come across those sheets that I've had for years, still love, but have never used.  In some cases, I've loved the paper so much, that I just couldn't bear the thought of cutting it, while in other cases, they were favorites that I had purchased it in bulk, but am now down to that very last sheet.

I recently challenged myself to finally pull out some of those old time favorites, and put them to use.

 

 

 

Supplies:  Patterned Papers - Autumn Leaves, Pebbles (teal dots); Corrugated Letters - Jillibean Soup; Die Cut Accent - My Mind's Eye; Doily Transparency Die Cut - Maya Road; Decorative Tape - American Crafts; Butterfly Wood Veneers - Studio Calico; Buttons - Doodlebug Designs, Basic Grey, Autumn Leaves; Photo Turn, Tag - 7 Gypsies; Border Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts; Brads - Doodlebug Designs

 
The main patterned paper that I used on my layout is a favorite from Autumn Leaves, that, believe it or not, I've been hoarding since 2003!  Also, notice the tiny strip of patterned paper across the very bottom edge. This was cut from another sheet by Autumn Leaves, that I purchased in bulk, nearly just as long ago.  I am now down to my very last sheet, but have been trying to make it last by only using it in very small amounts, here and there. Another classic that I finally broke down and used, is my very last light pink dotted button by Doodlebug Designs. I clearly recall rushing out to buy these in each and every color as soon as they hit the stores. :)
 
I would like to invite you to take on the very same challenge. Pull out those supplies that you've been hoarding for years, and create a layout with them. Combine them with some of your new favorites for an updated look, and create a page that you love.
 
Be sure to link me to your pages in the comments, I'd love to see them!  If you don't have time to create an actual layout, I'd still love to hear all about those favorite supplies that you've been saving for something special. :)

~ Sheri Reguly

The Colour Suite - August challenge!

The Colour Suite August challenge is up!  Click right here to see what a beautiful palette and layout Summer Fullerton has put together!  And Deborah Johnson has won a subscription but shhhhh, we haven't told her yet  ;)  

Take part in our monthly challenge and you too could have a chance to win a subscription!  Be sure to check out our July gallery to see the entries we've received!

 

 

Giveaway Friday!

Good morning friends!  So glad you could join us today for another fun giveaway Friday!  We loved Emily's projects featuring 6 x 6 paper pads so we thought it would be fun to give some away!  It just so happens the absolultely beautiful Lost & Found Two 6 x 6 paper pads arrived in the office and who better to offer them to, then YOU!  Of course, we might just throw in a couple of embellishments too!

Be sure to check out the complete Lost & Found Two line right here.  If you loved Lost & Found, then you will love this stunning second collection!  Be sure to leave a comment below before Thursday, August 18th at 6:00 p.m. for a chance to win this prize package.  Good luck!

Last week's winner of our CHA mystery box is....

I love surprises! Just signed up for workshops at the Creative Festival in Toronto in October. Looking forward to seeing you there again. Last year was great! Posted by: Sheree Delaney | August 05, 2011 at 01:47 PM

But we saw this comment and just had to share too! 

I do so love prizes from C-H-A
I love them how much, you say?

I love some paper in a box,
I love ribbons that look like locks.

I love brads that you paper punch,
I love scrapbooking over lunch.

I love embellishments that adorn,
I love it when paper edges get torn.

I love stamps and markers and inks,
Especially in the shade of pink!

I love Scrapbook And Cards Today,
Why? Because of this giveaway!

Posted by: Aspen Peggs | August 05, 2011 at 10:21 AM

Thanks Aspen!  For your fun rhyme we've got a subscription for you too! So ladies, please send us your mailing address to ideas@scrapbookandcards.com and put "blog winner" in your reference line.

Coming up on Monday, not only do we have Sheri Reguly with a great challenge but we've got our Colour Suite August reveal.  Here's a little sneak peek...

 

Neutral, orange, plum, oh my!  To see Colour Suite for July and some of the projects we've received be sure to check it out here.  We love seeing your projects and hope you will take our August challenge too!

Have a wonderful weekend! 

~ Catherine

Reader's submission Thursday!

Always a favourite day here on the SCT blog when we can share something with you that has been shared with us!  Today we have a fabulous layout from Kim Moreno.  With a great splash of colour, movement and action photos, this layout screams "summer fun"! 

 

Join us tomorrow for a few announcements, a giveaway (think small, square and colourful!  Any guesses?) and a sneak peek for our August Colour Suite!  If you have not left a comment for last week's CHA surprise box giveaway, you have a few more hours! 

 

Designer inspiration with Emily Pitts!

For today's Designer Project, and as an extension of Monday's Designer's challenge, I wanted to show you just how easy it is to use the 6x6 paper pads in your scrapbooking. When I first started using them, I thought I had to use the whole sheet as a photo mat, but when I feel like I HAVE to do something, I freeze up and can't create anything! After panicking, I realized there were no rules and I could simply cut up the paper just like I did with the larger prints. Coming to this conclusion was the beginning of my love for paper pads. This layout, Commercial, uses a bunch of strips of the Sweetly Smitten Wee Bundle by Sassafras. Stacking strips is one of my favorite ways to build a layout.

 

For this next layout, I punched four circles and then cut them up and pieced them back together. If you look closely, you'll notice that some of the circles are from a paper pad and some are from regular 12x12 sized papers. Using the pad allows more of the design to show in the paper piecing, it just depends on the look you are going for. I love combining the two sizes because of the variety it gives to the project.

 

Now that nearly every manufacturer has 6x6 pads, I hope that even if you're not a cardmaker, you'll see the flexibility of these smaller pads of paper. And if you are a cardmaker, well, celebrate that someone listened. I hope this trend stays around for a long time!  Be sure to link your designs showing how you've used a 6x6 pad...just sayin'!

~ Emily

Recipe organizer tutorial!

 

Hello!  Do you have a drawer in your kitchen or home office that becomes a dumping ground for all things miscellaneous?  In my kitchen, I have a drawer filled to the brim with ‘stuff’ like takeout menus, recipe clippings, flyers, etc. 

Today I’d like to share with you how I made this Take-Out menu album organizer.  All you need are some office folders with pockets, pattern paper and embellishments.  

 

 

I used three double pocket folders from Staples, they are inexpensive and come in many colours. 
Take each folder, measure from the right edge and trim it to 6 ¼ inches wide.  Tip: if your trimmer cannot cut through the double thickness of the folder, open up the folder and trim each pocket page individually. 

You will end up with  two pieces from each folder and the open end each pocket page is on the spine side of the album.   Save the scraps from the file folder cuts to punch out tabs.  Adhere tabs along the side of each pocket page before adhering your pattern paper.

 

 

In my example, I chose to use pattern paper on both the outside and inside of the panel pages.
On the inside panel pages,  I used 2 papers- the top portion measures 6 x 7 ½ inches and is tucked just under the pocket.  The lower portion measures 6 x 4 ½ inches.  If you are using a different brand of pocket folders, these measurement may vary.

Raid your stash and use up all that beautiful paper and trims you have.

 

 

 

 
Supplies: Staples pocket folders, K& Co pattern paper, Sizzix and Lifestyles diecuts, Zutter binding machine.

Lastly, I bound the album organizer with the Zutter Bind-it-all.  I love that all my ‘stuff’ is neatly filed in this organizer.  Take-Out has never been so easy!  You can make all sorts of different themed organizers- think recipes, school schedules, inspirational clippings from your favourite magazines etc. 

Have fun!

~ Virginia Nebel

Are you taking part in our "Colour Suite" challenge?  See all the details HERE!

 

I Spy with Emily Pitts!

As the trends columnist for SCT (I Spy with Emily), I get to hunt down all the latest trends in scrapbooking. Three years ago, I was working in a booth at CHA and a cardmaker approached me asking if the company I was working for had paper pads. I looked at her blankly. She kindly helped me out, "they are the same papers, just miniaturized for cardmakers."  "AH!" I said, "No, we don't have them." 

"You should seriously consider them, I know they'd do well with our demographic," she suggested.

Well, three years later, someone listened because almost every company out there now has a paper pad for each line. The same exact patterns as their 12x12 papers, only in a 6x6 or 8x8 version.   They go by the name of Wee Bundles, Petite Paper Pads, Mini Papers, and 6x6 Paper Pads to name just a few.  Here are some examples that are available right now...

 
Sassafras Lass

 
BasicGrey

 

Jillibean Soup

 

Bo Bunny

Being more of a scrapbooker than a cardmaker, I didn't know if I'd use the pads very much. I'm here to tell you I was very wrong. I LOVE working with the small little sheets of paper. For some reason, they are easier to cut into for me, and the patterns are so very sweet all miniaturized. I know there are some who feel like I did and I encourage you to try a pad out, play with them and see how versatile they are.

 

To help you out, I'm challenging you to make some mini cards this week. Mine are 3x3 and perfect for slipping in a gift bag. They are quick, personal, and easy, so nice to have around when you need to give a gift at the last minute. Wednesday, I'll have a project to share that uses the mini paper on a layout to show you just how simple it is to use these pads!

~ Emily Pitts