All About Kathy

My name is Kathy Young and I am a new member of the 2010 ScrapbooksPlus Design Team. I am excited about all the new designs, layouts and new techiniques we have for you. Please be sure to visit our blog often for great inspiration. Here are a few facts to get to know me.

I’ve been a crafter for years. I’ve done many types of crafts from ceramics, quilting, building doll houses, crocheting, knitting, sewing and scrapbooking. Even when I was a teenager I scrapbooked; you know, anything my boyfriend gave me, movie tickets, concert tickets, etc. But in 1999 I started the “new” scrapbooking when my oldest son graduated from college. I haven’t stopped since and it is now a passion of mine. I have attended three Creating Keepsakes University workshops and Heidi Swapp’s Creative Escapes in Arizona. I’m blessed to have a husband, 3 boys (men), a daughter-in-law (and did I mention a new “Granddaughter”) so I will never run out of photos. It’s important to me to keep our memories alive.

What is your favorite scrapbook item?

I’ve always found my tweezers to be one of my “go to” tools. I also love using the Cricut Expression and QuicKutz. The cartridges and dies have many alphabets and die cuts for all your needs.

What type of designer are you (traditional, vintage, or funky)?

I am probably more traditional, but can be funky and add vintage at any given time. I use distressing techniques (ink, tearing, sanding, or chalks) on most of my pages. I guess whatever my mood is that day and what I believe will work on the layout.

What is you favorite thing to make?

When my friends or family have a new baby, I love to make them a small baby album. Whether I make an 8” x 8” album or a “B A B Y” chipboard album, it’s great for their first year or as a brag book. I’ve also been having fun making our Christmas cards the last 6 years.

Your biggest challenge in scrapbooking (one page LO, projects, 2 page LO)?

Since I love to scrapbook, I probably would have to say projects. I feel more creative and enjoy doing 2 page layouts more.

If you wrote a book about scrapbooking what would the title be?

“A Fun Way to Keep Your Memories Alive”

What is your favorite color?

In the scrapbooking world it would have to be pink and green. But for years my favorite color has been red. Even my kitchen walls are red.

What type of snack do you eat when you scrapbook?

You will probably find a diet coke on my table for sure. If I’m scrapping with my friends I will munch on pretzels for crunchy and M & M’s for sweet.

Where do you prefer scrapbooking at home or at a crop? Why?

Both actually, I love to scrap with my friends. We have a group of 12 that have been scrapping together for years. We even travel to crops, classes and events in other states. We have so much fun laughing, eating, drinking, shopping, and oh yeah, scrapping too. But since I am retired I scrap a lot at home. I then can see all my supplies and use them.

What is on your scrapbook wish list?

Since I am very spoiled (I have a generous husband) there really isn’t anything I want at the moment. I guess I would have to say whatever “New” item comes out.

What is something that you always wanted to try?

As far as scrapbooking, I would like to see what Glimmer Mist is all about. I have heard about it and read about it a lot lately. I need to take a class at ScrapbooksPlus to find out.

What do you listen to when you are scrapbooking?

If I am scrapping at home, definitely a chick flick will be on the TV. If I am cropping with my friends, most likely one of our IPods is playing.

What blogs/magazines do you like?

I do read scrapbook magazines and books. I love to see the different layouts or sketches for ideas. I usually have Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc., and Scrapbook Trends on my coffee table. Since I have been lucky enough to have taken classes from Heidi Swapp, Ali Edwards, Donna Downey, Becky Higgins, and many more; I will periodically visit Heidi Swapp, Ali Edwards, Donna Downey and of course ScrapbooksPlus Design Team’s blog. Lots of good ideas to scrap lift.

Welcome to DT 2010 by Esther

Welcome to the new members of DT 2010. I look forward to my second year on the team. I am Esther McCullough. I like to create the layout starting with the pictures; secondly, select a solid color cardstock; then embellish. My favorite tool is a good paper trimmer. The Chomper is a close second. Lately, I have begun to learn more about the diecutting implements. The noise of tv is usually enough, but at times, I listen to smooth jazz or oldies while cropping. My work area is not as organized as most, but I find what is needed. Collecting paper, tools and bling rate high on my list of supplies. I think, each person has to envision their own layout. Ask for assistance in accomplishing that goal. Each has to create what pleases them.

My challenges come in taking the kits assigned and making them work with my pictures and ideas for creating. Well, I also can learn better blogging skills. This month we are showing the SEI papers used for the DT tryouts.

For the pagemap I used "Flamingos" to go with the pinks for this layout. There were two pictures from Florida and one from California. The journaling block on right was done on the computer in Publisher using Afternoon Delight font. I placed a pink circle on an empty sheet and laid a text block over it. To get the rounded text shape, the lines of text were staggered to fit the pink circle. Half of the circle was not used. The cut half circle was adhered to the layout on the right to balance the pictures that are slightly left of center. The flowers were hancut and attached with eyelets in the center.

The word flamingo was set as a vertical text in the Harlow Solid font. The other embellishments are curved - circles from the SEI Julliet line in pinks. A better picture can be viewed on the ScrapbooksPlus Design Team Wall. I hope this sparked some ideas for creating. Come back to view again.

Hi from Deborah

I'm Deborah and, like Erin, I'm back for my third year on the ScrapbooksPlus design team. I've really enjoyed working with (and laughing with) the 2009 team, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all our new gals!

About me ... I've been scrapbooking since 2005, and like most years, you're likely to see one of my two kids in most of my layouts. When you're the primary photographer it's not as easy to get yourself in the photos and, well, they're much cuter anyhow. We've been in Springfield for almost six years now, but have spent most of our "grown up" lives in various parts of the DC area. My answers haven't changed much since last year - you can see them here - so I'm going to use Erin's idea and give you my top ten scrappy things I can't do without.

My Favorite Scrappy Things

1. Cutterbee scissors. I use these on everything. I've been coveting a pink pair ever since they came out with them.

2. Tim Holtz's Distress Ink -- who am I kidding, really anything Tim Holtz comes up with. His inks are so versatile - you can blend them, emboss with them, easily ink edges... And don't get me started on the distress stickles and the distress crackle paint. Thanks to Jen Starr's class I've really gotten into playing with his alcohol inks, too. I'll be sitting front and center next Saturday for both her classes.

The tag I made for the wall used lots and lots of Tim Holtz products -- four colors of distress ink, grungeboard, rock candy distres stickles (on the heart), and rock candy distress crackle paint (on the tag).


3. Glimmer Mist. So easy and fun to use. Glimmer Mist is a quick and easy way to make a background, color chipboard and flowers, or change the color of plain alpha stickers. Pair it up with masks and stencils and you can really change the look of your cardstock or patterned paper.

4. Patterned paper. Love it. Must have it. Lots of it. My husband thinks I could open a Springfield branch of ScrapbooksPlus with all the paper I have! I like a lot of variety - stripes, dots, muted, floral. Some of my favorite brands are Jenni Bowlin, Making Memories, and Cosmo Cricket. But, I'm salivating over the new lines just being released from My Mind's Eye, Jillibean Soup and Reminisce.

5. Coordinations cardstock. This cardstock is so versatile. It's double-sided with different colors and made to sand and distress. And even better they've just come out with patterns - look for it in the store this spring.

6. Journaling spots. My current favorite journaling spots are from Maya Road. I've bought several packages. I love the feel of these - and I've used them liberally the past several months in my projects.

7. Tim Holtz's tiny attacher stapler. I love these itsy bitsy staples! It's easy to use and one of the best ways to attach ribbon or fiber to your projects. And did I mention it's from Tim?

8. Snyder's mini pretzels. One of the best snack foods because they're bite-sized, they don't make crumbs, and you don't get your hands all greasy. Great for scrapbooking.

9. Thickers by American Crafts. These are my go-to item for titles. They come in so many colors and textures there's bound to be a set of Thickers just right for your project.

10. Pop dots. Three dimensional items on your page make things interesting. Using pop dots -- or any three-dimensional adhesive - is an easy way to make your embellishments stand out. In the layout below, I used pop dots with the paper-punched snowflakes.

So in honor of the impending storm ... here's my pagemap layout for the month. I cut out several of the shapes from SEI's Linda's Homage Foil paper and added buttons, a bit of pearly bling and some punched snowflakes.

Welcome Snow Day!

Welcome Snow Day!

Hi! my name is Karen Bearse & I am new to the ScrapbooksPlus design team. I am very excited to challenge myself to come up with new ideas & interesting layouts throughout the year. I hope you find something interesting in my layouts that help your creativity.

My style depends on my mood, my energy level & who happens to be inspiring me at the moment. I do love to distress, ink, mist & change up the look & textures of items. I find inspiration in movies, art, magazines & music. Some of the designers who I have been lucky enough to take classes with are, Tim Holtz, Donna Downey & Jen Starr. When I get around artists like these I find my creativity is stretched, & I am excited to try their new techniques, hopefully adding my own spin to their ideas.

This layout was perfect to post today! This is my page map design for the month. I started by digitally enhancing my photo, changing it to B&W to better match the paper. Next I used diffuse glow to make the image softer, added the title & an art stroke border in pale pink. I matted the picture on paper using a border punch on the bottom. The letters & trees were cut using the Cricut cartridge Winter Woodlands. The die cut pieces were Glimmer Misted & allowed to dry, I love me some Glimmer Mist!!! The letters were covered in Glossy Accents & once dry, bling was added. I used different stamps on the trees using techniques learned, courtesy of the Jen Starr class I took. Jen is returning to ScrapbookPlus Feb 13 & 14th -she teaches great classes that will stretch your creativity!

Enjoy your snow day!!!

Hi, Erin Here!

It's Erin... back for another year on the Scrapbooks Plus team. The last 2 years have been a lot of fun and this year will (hopefully) be the best yet!

Since I've done the formal introductions before, I thought I start off this year with my top ten.... my Top Ten scrapbooking necessities. Here goes!

Erin's Top Ten Scrapbooking Must Haves
1. Buttons - I love buttons and they are consistently on my layouts. Buttons are fabulous for adding dimension. They can look homey or sleek depending on their style and how they are attached.
2. Zip Dry - Absolutely the best thing ever for adding bulky embellishments. This stuff stays put... which is always a good thing in scrapbooking! :)
3. Die-cut Paper - Something about paper with a cool, die-cut edge is just irrisistable to me!
4. Edge Punches - When the paper I like doesn't have a die-cut edge, just add one with the cool edge punches that are on the market. I have a few from Fiskars, Martha Stewart, and EK Success and love each of them!
5. Corner Rounder - This tool has been around forever and it's worth its weight in gold. When doing a clean, simple layout sometimes all you need to finish it off is that curved corner. Plus I often use them to make a scalloped edge - just pull off the paper guide and punch away!
6. Ink - Inking the edges of your photos and papers gives everything a visual pop and adds depth. I use Colorbox chalk ink for papers as it dries extra fast. For inking the edges of photos, use Staz-On and set them to the side to dry.
7. Patterned Paper - Who can scrap without patterned paper? Cardstock is a great base, but the patterned paper probably is what hooked us on this hobby to begin with. Favorites are My Mind's Eye and Basic Grey.
8. White Space - Really it's nothing! But having enough nothing on the page makes all of the something's look even better... know what I mean? ;-)
9. Stitching - Whether it's by hand or machine it's a great accent to a page. Or try stitching without thread and use the bare holes as a bulk-free accent.
10. Glimmer Mist - Those of you who know me, know that I'm not one for a lot of glitter - although I do have a stash of Martha Stewart glitter! Glimmer Mist is my usual go-to for subtle sparkle and easy color-changing. I use it on flowers, thickers, ribbon, paper, anything I can spray. Always test it out to make sure it'll work. So far I've been lucky and it's worked on everything I've tried except felt.

thanks for stopping by!
erin

She's Simply Inspired

I am Megan Carey, one of the newest design team members for the ScrapbooksPlus Design Team. I find the design team projects so inspiring and I am very excited to be working with this group of talented women.
I live in Bristow, VA with my husband and 2 children.
I am an avid runner and have been for 17 years. I am currently training for the Shamrock Marathon in March. I am also interested in photography. I took Karen Russell's "Photographer's Workshop" last summer. I learned so much by taking her class and my photography has improved tremendously.
Ever since I was a little girl I have been interested in design in some way, shape or form. I pursued design in college earning my Bachelors Degree in Apparel Design from Virginia Tech. After my daughter was born in 2002 I traded in my dress designing days for scrapbooking. Since then scrapbooking has been my main creative outlet.
My favorite scrapbooking item would have to be paper, that is why I have a few thousand sheets of it and can't help but buy more. What type of designer am I, probably vintage. I like a layout to look like it has been looked at and touched for a hundred years just before I slip it into a page protector {ironic, huh?} My favorite thing to make would have to be a layout telling a story about one of my kids... you know, who they are not just where they have been or what they did. My biggest challenge in scrapbooking would be getting caught up. I love switching from a 12x12 layout to a project to a 2 page layout, whatever. I just want to make sure I'm not missing any great moment in there somewhere. My favorite color is pink, that is why I painted my design studio green... it makes all of the pink accents stand out that much more. As a matter of fact when I ask people what color is on the walls in my studio they always say pink. When I scrapbook, if I'm snacking, it has to be a Cherry Coke Zero and Peanut M&M's. I love to scrapbook at crops because I get so inspired by what everyone else is doing but mostly I scrapbook at home because all of my stuff is there and I get more done. My scrapbook wish list at the moment consists of all 100 plus colors of Glimmer Mist and a Silhouette. What is something I have always wanted to try, maybe buying all 100 plus colors of glimmer mist and a silhouette and seeing what my husband does!?! When I am scrapbooking I listen to the music on my blog {That is exactly why I made that playlist.} It is a mix of songs that really get my creative juices flowing. I follow several blogs; Heidi Swapp, Ali Edwards and Karen Russell to name a few. I find inspiration everywhere but honestly could not do without my Scrapbook Trends magazine. Oh, and if I were to write a book about scrapbooking the title would be "She's Simply Inspired." {of course}

February kit and new DT

This month's kit was used by the new design team members for their try outs. The papers they used were from SEI's Julliet line. The papers were a beautiful combination of pinks, creams and grey. Congratulations to our new 2010 Design Team Megan Carey, Robin Shakoor, Ether McCullough, Kim Ferrari, Erin Saravia, Deborah Mahnken, Kathy Young and Karen Bearse. The new DT did a beautiful job with the papers- make sure you stop by Scrapbooks-Plus and check out the Design Team wall after February 1st.
Enjoy!
Lisa