Ways to Use Ribbon

Okay, let's face it -- As scrapbookers, we all have a spool of ribbon (or shall I say spools of ribbon) in our never-ending stash of supplies. My ribbon stash is out of control, and sometimes I wonder what I'm going to do with all of it.

There's always the typical ribbon use such as pretty bows for wrapping gifts. ...but how can we use our ribbon stash for scrapbooking projects?!

Here's some ideas: ((Some of these layouts were taken from some of the IFS gals' galleries.))

*Make a flower with it. (layout created by me)



*Make a tie or bow, and add it to your project. (layout created by Danielle)




*Use it as a tab to pull out journaling cards/tags. (layout created by Susan)




*Use it as part of an embellishment. (layout created by Delaina)




*Make your own embellishments with it. (layout created by Julie)


...and here are other ideas:
*Use rub-ons on your ribbons to embellish it.
*Turn it into a border for your photos.
*Stamp on it.
*Use it to hang projects or photos.
*Tie an album or project shut with it.

The possibilities are endless. If you can think of any other way to use ribbon in a creative way, feel free to let us know! We'd LOVE to hear your ideas.

Hugs

Danielle's Favorite Holiday Project

Hi everyone! It's day two of the contributor's favorite project and Danielle's turn! I think it's neat to see people's favorite pages and to find out more infomation ... so here is Danielle's adorable favorite holiday project and questions I asked her!



1. Why is this your favorite Christmas project? What is the story behind this?

I just love this project because of the memory! Isn't that what scrapbooking is about? It was my daughter's first time decorating holiday cookies and it was adorable! She was getting so messy! We eventually striped her to her diaper only! By the end she was covered in flour, icing and sprinkles! It was so special because both her grandmother and great-grandmother were there to help pass on the tradition!


2. What helped you create this page? What are some tips for creating this? What is your favorite part about the project?

I am happy I was able to fit so many photos on it. Don't be afraid to add small photos to your creations! The photos I used were full of many different colors, so I chose a few to bring out in my patterned paper - blue, pink, and green. My favorite part of the project is most definitely the photos!


3. What is your favorite holiday tradition?

You see it in my layout - baking and decorating sugar cookies!!!!!



Thanks for sharing your fabulous page with us, Danielle! Stay tuned because more favorite pages will be starting again on Saturday! Tomorrow is a post by Sarah and Friday is the featured artist for the week!

Holiday Crafting with Children

My daughter is as excited about crafts as I am! So I should have known she would be excited when she saw my newest supplies! I had planned to make a snowman decoration for our house. Once she spied the packages she asked if she could make one, too! And there is no way I can turn down that sweet little face! I knew my project would be too detailed oriented for her at age 4, so I made some changes and simplified it for her!

She had a sleepover and I decided it would be the perfect afternoon to do our craft! This is what we used for the girls’ snowmen:
· Styrofoam balls in different sizes
· Old cardboard
· Random holiday themed scrapbook papers and stickers
· Modge Podge
· Glitter
· Hot Glue Gun
· Pipe cleaners
· Glitter Glue like Stickles
· Googly eyes
· Glue dots
· Markers
· Sticks (we used lollipop sticks)

We started by covering the Styrofoam balls in Modge Podge and coating them in glitter! One dry, the girls decorated the face and “tummy” with markers, glitter glue, and googly eyes. While they decorated, I made hats out of scrapbook paper. Then I hot glued the Styrofoam balls together while the girls made scarves with pipe cleaners. While the hot glue and glitter glue dried we made the base. I cut out squares of cardboard and gave them lots of scrappy supplies to play with. They covered their bases in paper, die cuts and stickers. Lastly I hot glued the snowmen to the cardboard base and pushed in the arms. They were quite proud of their little creations!!!!





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For my project, I used the following supplies:
· Decorative tin
· Paint, glitter & glitter glue
· Scrapbook papers, buttons, markers, die cuts, etc
· Modge Podge, hot glue, glue dots
· Various glittery holiday picks & trim
· Ribbon
· Felt
· Pipe cleaner
· Paper mache star

I started by painting the decorative tin and paper mache star. I then covered part of the tin in paper, tied a ribbon around it and added silver trim. Next, I Modge Podged the Styrofoam balls and the star and covered them in glitter. The scarf was cut from red felt. I also I created a hat from paper and pipe cleaners. Once everything dried, I attached the hat, scarf, button and drew a face. Next I added glitter glue to the Styrofoam ball and star. I arranged the snowman, star and various picks in the tin and added smaller embellishments as I saw fit.




Hope you can think of a fun craft to do with your children too!!!!

Thankful Tree

Each Thanksgiving we have a tradition that many of you may share. We go around the table and each person shares something they are thankful for. It is a great tradition, but I wanted to change it up this year!

So….I made a “Thankful Tree!” For each guest at our Thanksgiving table, I created a tag. I decorated each tag with fall colored papers and some fun turkey day themed embellishments! The next step was to gather some sticks from our yard! In a basic vase I placed some Spanish moss, added the sticks, and hung the tags! The final touch was a fall themed ribbon around the vase! Now we have a fun centerpiece and a fun way to share our thankfulness! After the day is over, I plan on adding the tags to my scrapbook so we can read them again next year!






Give it a try- it is such a simple, but fun project!!!

Ask the Artists!

I thought it would be fun to ask the contributors questions ... so you could get to know them better! Once in a while, I will ask the contributors new questions and will post the answers here! So stay tuned!! If you have a "fun" question for the artists, please email me at scrappingpam73@yahoo . Enjoy!

1. What is the strangest thing you have ever used on a scrapbook page?

Susan: I don't know that I've ever added anything strange to my scrapbook pages....unless jute cord from the hubby's tool box counts.

Sarah: One time, I came up with a challenge for a blog that require people to use toilet paper on their projects! Mine actually turned out okay. :)

Melanie: Nothing that I can think of on a page, but I did once alter a Bic pen box. Turned out rather cute, I might add...lol.

Julie: I've used popsicle sticks (on a layout where my Grandpa was sharing a popsicle with his dog, Punky), fiberglass window screening (on a cat layout) and a drink umbrella (2-for-1 margaritas, baby!).

Heather: I've used a coffee filter on my coffee page, and actual pantyhose on a layout about how I hate to wear them.

Delaina: Hair Pins (I painted them white).

Danielle: The strangest thing I used was a pregnancy test! With my first child I was just a little too excited! I have since replaced it with a photo of the test!!!



2. What is the latest you have ever stayed up scrapbooking, be honest :) ? What did you end up making?

Susan: I've been up until about 3 am scrapping.. The only thing I made was a mess - of the table, the floor, and the layout!

Sarah: I'd say around 1am. What did I end up making?! NOTHING! LOL.

Melanie: Hmmmm, I have been known to stay up until 4 AM at times, not to mention waking up in the middle of the night with ideas and having to write them down. I can assure you, NOTHING, I've made at 4 AM is worth mentioning.

Julie: I actually have problems going to sleep if I have a half completed project still rattling about in my head. I'm just one of those folks who have a difficult time sleeping, in general. I can't "shut down" easily. I'll toss and turn for hours, scrapping in my mind, until I finally give up and return to my scrap room. It's not unusual at all to find me at my scrap table at 3AM finishing up a layout.

Heather: I've pulled an all nighter before. My husband and oldest daughter were out of town at a NASCAR race. I scrapped all of the NASCAR photos from the year before while they were gone. I think it ended up being six layouts. There was paper EVERYWHERE after I was finished.

Delaina: I worked until 7:00am on a Lo with lots of hand stitching.

Danielle: The latest I have stayed up scrapping is 2am...because we HAD to leave! I would have stayed longer! I think I got 3 layouts and a card done in that 7 hour period!



3. If for some reason you had to choose between patterned paper OR cardstock indefinitely, which would you choose? Why?

Susan: I would probably chose cardstock. When I first started scrapping, ALL I used was cardstock. Patterned paper can be challenging to me - I'm much better with solid colors.

Sarah: I would definitely choose cardstock! You can always make your own patterns and embellishments using just cardstock. I promise, cardstock will go a LOOOOONG way! :)

Melanie: Hard decision, I am addicted to both. I'd keep cardstock though, you can take a plain piece of cardstock and do so many things to it.

Julie: Patterned paper. Definitely! I rarely use cardstock - when I do it's only as a base, or to mat a photo. Otherwise, I scrap exclusively with patterned papers. They fuel my creativity, the often inspire the overal design, and well they're almost like fashion to me. I can't wait for a new season to roll around so I can pull out my cute summer things or that amazing "little red number" I got on sale.

Heather: This one is hard, both are good for their own reasons, but I'd say cardstock because I could always doodle my own patterns, or stamp on it.

Delaina: I would have to choose Pattern Paper because I need variety.

Danielle: Patterned paper for sure!!!!! I seem to hoard it to be begin with! I cannot get enough of the different styles that come out! They are a wonderful source of inspiration so if I had to give it up I would be in trouble!



4. What would your book title read if you were writing a biography on yourself?

Susan: The Words and Wisdom of Miss Sunshine

Sarah: Document It

Melanie: Mutterings Of A Crazed Scrap-aholic (My family often gets irate with me cause I can't seem to shut up about whatever project I'm working on at the moment.)

Julie: She Tends To Embellish

Heather: Domestic Goddess

Delaina: If I could turn back time..

Danielle: The Life of a Midwestern Mama

First Introduction to New Contributors!

I am introducing three people today and three tomorrow! Enjoy getting to know these ladies! They are so inspiring and I know you will see why I chose them to be contributing artists! ;)

Danielle Holsapple

Tell me about you and your family.
I have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 7 years. We have a 4 year old daughter, Kennedy, and a son, Sam, who is no longer with us. We live in a suburb of Kansas City. My husband is a bioanalytical chemist and after teaching jr/sr high Spanish for 8 years, I am now a stay at home mom!

2. What is your blog address so people can read more about you on your blog?
I actually have two blogs! My crafty blog is http://danielleholsapple.blogspot.com My family blog is http://danijeffholsapple.blogspot.com

3. How did you get started scrapbooking? What drew you in the craft?
I have always had a love of photography, crafts and keeping a journal. I kept my own scrapbooks before I ever really knew about the hobby! I was given a set of Creative Memories products from my mother soon after graduating from college. I thought scrapbooking was “boring” until I tried it! After the first page I was hooked! You would think that I would have realized it sooner! Scrapbooking has now become an integral part of who I am. It is my release and my therapy. And I treasure the memories I am leaving for my family!

4. What design teams are you currently on?
I currently design for My Little Shoebox, Simply Renee Inc. and The Sampler Design Team. And of course Idea for Scrapbookers!!!!

5. What inspired your pages and projects? Are there sites or magazines which really inspire you?
I honestly am inspired by anything and everything! Nature always inspires me; my family is a never ending source of inspiration; fabric from my daughter’s clothing often inspires me. I love to peruse Scrapbooks, Etc, Cards, Scrapbook Trends and Paper Crafts for inspiration. I also enjoy House Beautiful and Better Homes & Gardens. Visiting blogs and websites are also a wonderful place to find inspiration!

6. How long does it take you to complete a project? What is the most challenging part of the whole process?
I am a VERY SLOW scrapper! I rarely finish a layout in less than 1.5 hours! Sometimes I have to work for an hour, put it aside and come back to it another day! It is easy for me to get engrossed at choosing product and I lose track of time! The most challenging part for me is narrowing down my photos and choosing which ones will really tell the story I want to convey. I always take way too many photos!

7. What would you consider your scrapping style? What three words best describe you style?
Eek! I have never really been able to define my style! But I would say the three words would be: girly, layered, colorful

8. What are you favorite products from which manufacturers? What are “must have” items?
My husband says my scrapbook space is like walking into a store! So I think I have too many “must have” items! But seriously I can’t live without my sewing machine. That technically isn’t a scrappy product, but it is an essential for me! I also love the My Little Shoebox mini alphabets. I find myself using a lot of Doodlebug gems, Bazzill cardstock, Shimmerz paint and blings, Melissa Frances rub ons, Ranger distress ink and Zig pens & markers.

9. What is your dream scrapbook gig?
Honestly, I have my dream gig right now! I get to design for two amazing manufacturers and connect with other crafters through a kit club and blog! It is the best of all worlds! Scrapbooking doesn’t feel like a “job” and it is still a source of great joy for me!!

Here are two AMAZING layouts by her!! I have always loved the way Danielle scrapped and her beautiful style!


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Heather Landry

1. Tell me about you and your family.
I have been married to a wonderful man for almost 9 years. He and I have adopted 2 kids together, and then we got a surprise baby which brought the total to THREE! We live in a tiny 1,100 square foot house in Louisiana. The kids are Alexis 7, Jordan 5, and Brandon 2. I also have a spoiled rotten pug dog named Lady, and a blue beta fish named Yellow. We have a huge extended family, and my life is one big party of rushing around and trying to keep up. It's busy, but it's fun!

2. What is your blog address so people can read more about you on your blog?
http://miraclesmommadesigns.blogspot.com/

3. How did you get started scrapbooking? What drew you in the craft?
I've always been pretty crafty. My grandma taught me about ceramics, embroidery, crocheting, and cross stitch. I love everything about making things! I got into actual scrapbooking when we went in to adopt the girls. The state suggested that we keep a lifebook for them of everything we already knew about their lives, and any photos they had so they could have a history to look back on. I started out really basic, and then discovered all of the paper and embellishment opportunities. I was hooked!

4. What design teams are you currently on?
I am on the design team at Scrappersaurus.com, and I am also on a digital creative team for Sue Cummings at Oscraps.com.

5. What inspired your pages and projects? Are there sites or magazines which really inspire you?
I really love sketches. I love following them, and creating them myself. http://52sketches52weeks.ning.com/ is an amazing resource. Julie's sketches are always super cute. I'm also inspired by the Mosh Posh kit that I get every month. The owner does such a good job combining papers and embellies that I'm encouraged to try new things!

6. How long does it take you to complete a project? What is the most challenging part of the whole process?
One layout can take me all day just because I have to have it feel perfect. The most important part of a layout to me is journaling. I really try to think through what I want to say and how I want to say it, and that can take a good bit of time. The most challenging part of the whole process is finding which papers I want to use with my photos.

7. What would you consider your scrapping style? What three words best describe you style?
The three words that best describe my style are clean, linear, and simple.

8. What are you favorite products from which manufacturers? What are “must have” items?
I absolutely adore American Crafts products. I'm addicted to Thickers! I love almost anything by Basic Grey as well. Did I mention Thickers? LOL

9. What is your dream scrapbook gig? I would love to be on the American Crafts design team. I'd also LOVE to be published more.

Here are two pages by Heather! She does such FABULOUS work, enjoy these pages!!!

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Julie Howard

1. Tell me about you and your family.
I'm Julie Howard and I live in Gainesville, Florida. I love to laugh, am easily amused and tend to be a bit sarcastic. I have a fondness for retro fashions, decor and the atomic era in general. In addition to scrapbooking, I love to write, take weekend road trips (if it's a cheesy roadside attraction... I'm there!), garage sale and torment my three cats.

2. What is your blog address so people can read more about you on your blog? http://www.retrojulie.blogspot.com/

3. How did you get started scrapbooking? What drew you in the craft?
In the Fall of 2006, during a week long mountain vacation with friends, I decided that I wanted to do something different with all the trip photos besides just putting them into an album. So I asked my friend if she'd be willing, when we returned home, to take a Scrapbooking 101 class with me. Although she was less than thrilled, she agreed to go along. It was a 2 hour class. 45 minutes in, we were hooked!

4. What design teams are you currently on?
My Creative Scrapbook http://www.mycreativescrapbook.com/

5. What inspired your pages and projects? Are there sites or magazines which really inspire you?
I take a very light hearted approach. I love to inject humor into my pages. In my opinion, a picture is worth a thousand giggles. Sentimental journaling is so not me. And any person reading such journaling on my pages would know that it didn't truly come from my heart. They would, however, know that I poured a lot of myself into a page that is able to make them smile. I follow a ton of blogs! And I spend a lot of time looking through online galleries. I draw most of my inspiration from others. People are so darned creative! I also get a lot of great ideas when I'm shopping. Especially at places like IKEA or the home section at Target. Oh and West Elm!

6. How long does it take you to complete a project? What is the most challenging part of the whole process?
It really depends. I've had some pages that have gone together in less than an hour and others that have taken me days. The ones that take days are the ones that I just can't seem to make work. I have a tendency to overthink things too much. The most challenging part for me is getting started... having that initial idea and not being scared to make the first cut.

7. What would you consider your scrapping style? What three words best describe you style?
Using my own terminology, I call my style Funky Traditional. Three words? Playful, Eclectic, Colorful

8. What are you favorite products from which manufacturers? What are “must have” items?
American Crafts Thickers The Girl Friday line of papers from Cosmo Cricket - Hello Retro! Making Memories Tiny Alphabet Stickers Must Haves - X-acto knife, black Zig Writer, Cutter Bee Scissors

9. What is your dream scrapbook gig?
This one. Seriously. The team is 90% people I already know, some of whom I've met and actually hang out with on a regular basis. How you're giving us the option to commit to as little or as much as we want, how you're giving us free creative control, asking for our input, etc. It's a nice gig.

Here are a couple page by Julie! I ADORE the way she uses patterned paper and she has such a classic look to her pages!! Enjoy!

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Stay Tuned tomorrow for the rest of the introductions!! :)

New Contributing Artists!

I am SO happy to announce the contributing artists for the blog! You are going to be blown away by the talent of these ladies, and when each person accepting the invitation, I was jumping up and down. I will do formal introductions Sunday and Monday so stay tuned, but wanted to share with you the list.

Danielle Holsapple : http://danielleholsapple.blogspot.com/
Delaina Burns http://delainas.blogspot.com/ (she was introduced here)
Heather Landry: http://miraclesmommadesigns.blogspot.com/
Julie Howard: http://retrojulie.blogspot.com/
Melanie Holzwarth: http://www.arkmom-scrappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/
Sarah De Guzman: http://redoaklines.com/
Susan Goetter: http://susangoetter.blogspot.com/

The featured artists will be revealed the day they are posting. I like to keep a few surprises!
Stay tuned for AMAZING talent, ideas, and everything related to scrapbooking. You aren't going to want to miss one day! Get ready for tutorials, templates, challenges, digital free items, contest, plus so much more ...