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Scrap Notes from Lisa |
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Spring has sprung in northwest Iowa! We are hearing
our local weatherman talk of 60 degree weather! All I
can say is FINALLY!!! We had snow flurries as late as
Friday, and I'm ready for some warm weather, some spring sun,
and beautiful spring colors!
On April 1, 2008 our new Design Team officially began
their 6 month term. I can't tell you how excited I am
that these talented ladies have joined the team here!
These ladies have already wowed us with some beautiful layouts
in the gallery, and you will get to see more of their work in
the kit newsletter (that is exclusive and ONLY available with
the kits), the mid-month email newsletter and on the Design
Team blog. This mid-month newsletter will change a bit,
as it is FILLED with information from the Design Team on
journalling, sketches, doodling, photo tips, Photoshop tips
and so much more!
We also have some fun things planned for the next couple
of weeks! Wednesday, April 16 we are planning a "Thank
Goodness Taxes are OVER!" party on the board. We will be
having some games, contests, challenges, classes and even a
chat with a member of Hambly's Design Team!
We are also busy planning for the National Scrapbook Day
crop on Saturday, May 3. Tinkering Ink is sponsoring our
NSD celebration this year, and they have sent our Design Team
some amazing goodies to show off how to use their
products! We also have 2 of the Design Team from
Tinkering Ink scheduled to chat with us during the day.
We currently carry 3 of the newest Tinkering Ink lines in the
store. Check them out, and be sure to be stocked up with
the latest Tinkering Ink goodies, so you can play along with
the Design Team and Tinkering
Ink! |
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What's Happening at
the sites |
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Come see what's happening on our Message
Boards:
If you haven't stopped by our message
boards yet, you're missing out. We're a friendly and
welcoming bunch who love to chat it up about scrapbooking and
life.
We are starting our new monthly challenges, which
were posted today! You can find them in the challenge
section of the message
board. Each month our Design Team will post a
challenge on the 15th. You will have until midnight on
the 14th of the following month to upload your layouts under
the challenge thread. We will draw a winner from the
participants, for a prize from the store!
LOADS of new CHA goodies
arriving daily in the store!!
The store at A Walk Down
Memory Lane is getting in all kinds of new products almost
daily! We have received a bunch of new CHA releases from
the following companies:
Basic Grey, Fancy Pants, Fontwerks, Bo Bunny, Daisy
Bucket, KI Memories, Love, Elsie, Cosmo Cricket,
Luxe Designs, Maya Road, Tinkering Ink, Piggy Tales, Pink
Paislee, Hampton Arts, Heidi Grace, Hambly, and My Mind's
Eye
We have orders placed and are waiting for shipping
confirmations from the following companies:
Adorn It (Carolee's Creations), Heidi Swapp, Making
Memories, Bo Bunny, My Mind's Eye, Chatterbox, October
Afternoon. Rouge d'Garance Inspiration and idea books from
Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks and Paper Crafts
magazines.
Anytime you want to find out what is new in the store,
just click on the NEW
PRODUCTS link on the left colum, under the product
categories.
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Upcoming Events |
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Online
Crops!!
Join us this
Wednesday, April 16, for the "Thank
Goodness Taxes are OVER!" crop. You dont
want to miss out on the prizes, games, challenges and more
here at the sites!!!
We will also be
having a 2 online classes with some gorgeous
including a Hambly Overlay class.
We have Marci
Lambert joining us for a crop  at 7PM Central
time. She has
been scrapping since the birth of her second daughter in 2003,
but she didn't get seriously hooked until 2005. The next year
she won an honorable mention in Creating Keepsakes' Hall of
Fame (and picked up a second in 2007) which pretty much sealed
the deal as far as addictions go. Since then, Marci has had
layouts picked up by Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks,
BHG Scrapbooks, etc., and Scrapbook Trends. She has also had
layouts and projects selected for inclusion in books from
Memory Makers, Blue Media and Lark Books. And she is still
thrilled at being selected for the inaugural design team for
Hambly Screen Prints.
When she isn't in her art
studio, Marci is...oh who are we kidding? She's always in her
studio working on something. But she is occasionally coaxed
out to cook, do laundry and otherwise care for her husband and
two little girls. She also runs a small business doing
photography and scrap projects for others (Make Art
Everyday). Before she had kids, she read books and went to
movies. Now she happily settles for watching movies on TiVo
and writing her own blogs (Make Art Everyday
Blog and Housesmart).
Saturday, May 3 we will
be celebrating NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY!
Join us on the message board for classes, chats with
Tinkering Ink Design Team members, challenges and a fabulous
sale at the store! We'll be posting more details about
the crop when they become finalized, but you'll definitely
want to mark your calendar for our National Scrapbook Day
celebration! |
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April Kits |
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Which one is your favorite? Two
great April kits are available, but quanities are
starting to become limited, so you better get yours quick if
you don't want to miss out!!
Super Star features
some bright and colorful papers and embellishments from Prima
and My Mind's Eye.
Tea Party
features some beautiful and soft papers and
embellishments from My Mind's Eye and Bo Bunny.
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Photoshop Tips and Tricks by
Kelly |
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One Sketch...3 Ways! by
Lucy |
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People have asked me how I create my
sketches and how to use a sketch to make a layout.
I
have been creating sketches for two years and I can tell you
that it's a feeling when I create them. A lot of times I
create my sketches after the layouts/cards are made.
I
will briefly discuss how you can use one sketch and create
many layouts with it.
What is a Scrapbook
Sketch?
A scrapbook sketch is a rough drawing of
an idea that can be used in a layout, card and project.
Sketches are intended as a guide or a starting point for you
to create your own individual page.Its a style that each
person has when they create a layout or card. A sketch is not
to limit your creative spirit but open your individual
style.
Using a Scrapbooking
Sketch
To use a sketch is using your common sense.
When you are looking at sketch; see if it will work with your
photos, the theme, the title and even the placement of the
journaling. Now it does not mean you can't use that specific
sketch, it means you need improvising. Change things around to
see if it will fit. You never know, it can be that sketch that
will help you get inspired to create the
page.
One Idea Many Looks
Looking
at a sketch gives you many looks. When you look at the sketch,
create it on paper with just the shapes that you see.
Turn the paper and see how you can create a
layout every time you turn that paper. Those boxes
are just the building block of your creation. I am telling
you, try this technique and it will lead you to others and
along the way you will be creating your own sketches of your
layouts.
You can take this same sketch and
give to 20 people and those people will have different
approach to it. I love that. These little variations make your
layout unique and that's great. That's the beauty of a
sketch!
 I took Becky Fleck sketch and created 3 layouts/1
card. The first layout with my kids
called 'Friends"- I took the sketch and created
it exactly then after that I turned the sketch and created the
one with my son but I did not stop there. I again turned the
sketch and made my daughter's layout called "Adorable". That
did not stop me, I took the scraps from the layouts I did and
created a card with a section of the sketch. I could"ve made
layouts even cards if I wanted too. Dont be frighten, have fun
and give it a try.
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Product Reviews |
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If Elsie
scares you... If you think that you would never buy this book
just because of the fact that you don't share the "Elsie
Style"... Just wait! Don't go yet! If you've never
actually looked through this book, you gotta check it
out. The challenges aren't all based on doodles and
handwritten journaling. I think you'd be suprised at the
inspiration that this challenge book could really bring
you. If you still don't believe, I'll ela borate...
Think about all of
those challenges that you take on from your messages boards,
challenges blogs, or contests... It's just like that, but with
some extra hints and explanation. The LO's featured in
this book aren't all created by Elsie. So if you tend to
back away from that style, don't worry! There are LO's
that are simple and gorgeous! You'll even find some digi
LO's that will really get those creative juices flowing.
If I haven't
intrigued you yet, maybe I should give you a little sneaky
peeky of a few of the challenges?? "Scrapbook a Lifelong
Love", "Add Someone Else's Handwriting", "Group Four Photos",
"Design With White Cardstock", and soooo much more.
Aside from the 52 challenges, you'll also find some
step-by-steps, mini albums, fun scrapbooking quizzes, and a
buncha extra "hints" for your next LO!
Scrapbooking
is an art! In ANY form... and this book really showcases
that regardless of what your "style" is, you can still
challenge yourself in ways that you never thought
before! So go over to A Walk Down Memory Lane
and check this book out, I
don't think that you'll be disappointed!! (You can thank
me later hehe)
If like me, you love the distressed look, this tool set
is a must have! I'm a tool junkie, and so I tend to buy
the latest gadgets, and this is one that does not
disappoint.
From the manufacturer: Explore the "sharper"
side of scrapbooking with the Basic Grey Precision File
set. All of those tiny ruts and spaces are finally
within reach. Perfect for smoothing or distressing
chipboard, plastic, paper, metal...all with "sharpening"
results. Each file in the Basic Grey Preciison File Set
features a rubber-coated grip for comfort and ease of
use.
I found the set easy to use, and it lives up to its
promises. With two large flat files, and four smaller
precision files, I found that I was able to get into even the
tiniest spaces between my chipboard letters and shapes.
The flat files are perfect for sanding the larger areas, like
the edge of cardstock, chipboard and patterned papers.
After covering this chipboard album with patterned paper,
I was able to get a nice even finish on the edge with the flat
file.
I painted these chipboard flowers with Ranger Crackle
paint, and wanted to add to the distressed look even
more. The smaller precision files made quick work of
this. Because each one is shaped differently, it's easy
to get into different sized and shaped nooks. 
Other uses for the files include:
Distressing the edges of photos
Filing off the little "nubbies" that stay when you press
a shape out of a diecut sheet
Filing away painting "oops" on the edges of items
The files are easy to hold and use, and more comfortable
than using a piece of sandpaper. They are very
effective; it just takes a couple of swipes to get a smooth
finished edge. And the sound it makes is less grating
than sandpaper, and it doesn't seem to bother my
husband! This is one tool that should be part of every
scrapper's tool
box. |
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Jump Start your Journaling by
Lissa |
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We all have moments and times where
we just can't get our creativity moving. Try as we
might, it is next to impossible to get the juices
flowing. Some people use sketches to get going. Some
folks visit on line sites to peruse galleries filled with
inspiration and some people pour over magazines searching for
something to get that spark ignited.
I find reading to be particularly
inspiring. I love poetry books, children's books, quote
books, and novels all helpful in finding things that show me
colors and pictures and wonderful things to prompt me to want
to get down and scrapbook. I love quotes. I
have several quote journals where I write down quotes I hear
or read for use on my future pages. I have a big spiral
bound notebook that's filled with page after page of quotes,
titles and poems. Here's an idea that is not original to
me but has great opportunity to kick your creativity into
high gear.
Journal
Jar
Find a jar, large coffee can, acrylic
box, shoe box, photo box or other vessel of similar size
and decorate as desired. Using your computer, type
out quotes, titles, phrases and poems that you find
particularly inspiring, fun or just plain interesting.
Print them out and cut them all out individually.
Fold them and put them all into your
journaling jar/box. When you are experiencing a
scrapper's block or just when you'd like to challenge
yourself, reach into your journaling jar and select a piece of
paper. Which ever quote, title, poem or phrase you
choose, use it on a layout or project.
Once used put it aside (if you'd like
to save it I would suggest keeping them in a smaller
container).
Here are a few items to get your
started on your Journaling Jar.
Since Spring has sprung in most parts
of the US, here are some Spring quotes:
Spring is nature's way of saying,
"Let's party!" ~Robin Williams
Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off
thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your
ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter
Hymn"
Spring is when you feel like whistling
even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson
Spring shows what God can do with a
drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft
Spring has returned. The Earth is like
a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke
How about our
children? They're an unending source of inspiration
and joy.
Children are our most valuable natural
resource. ~ Hubert Hoover
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
~ Kahlil Gibran
April13th is Thomas Jefferson's
birthday. Here's a quote that could be used with so
many different photos
Determine never to be
idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always
doing. ~ Thomas
Jefferson
Earth Day is April
22nd.
We do not inherit the earth from our
ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American
Proverb
April is Holocaust
Month
As freedom-loving people across the
globe hope for an end to tyranny, we will never forget the
enormous suffering of the Holocaust. ~ Bob
Beauprez
So there are a few entries for your
journal jar to get you started. Print these out, cut
them up and get started!
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April Quick Cards by
Francine |
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April is upon us and that means Spring!
Brighter, warmer days, but also the showers we need for our
flowers to grow. There are several ways you can celebrate
April and send some cheer to loved ones. April 22nd is Earth
Day, the day we celebrate the earth and try to be more
responsible. Another holiday is Arbor Day, which is the
last Friday in April. On this day we are encouraged to plant a
tree! Here are some quick cards you can create to send to your
friends and family.
   These
cards were all made using patterned paper and die cuts from Pink Paislee and are really simple to put
together. Tip: I used a regular
hole punch to create the postage stamp edge on the Arbor Day
card.
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Scrap THIS!
by
Angie |
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Decorative Door
Hanger
What a fabulous way to add
character to a room!
You can decorate them to any theme, holiday or
event!
I created one here using Basic
Grey's Oh Baby Boy Line that you can find in the AWDML's
store. The colors and patterns worked well for the theme
BABY Sleeping door hanger.
Supplies
Needed:
Chipboard 11x4 - I used the
back of a notebook.
Coordinating Pattern
Papers
Ribbon
Miscellaneous Embellishments;
stickers, rubon's, buttons, flowers, ect.
Adhesive
Circle Template for your door
knob opening.
Directions:
Step 1: Cut your chipboard to
11x4
Step 2: Use a circle template
that is slightly larger than your door knob so that the
hanger
can slide over the knob with
ease.
Step 3: Cover your chipboard
with pattern paper.
Use a generous amount of adhesive.
Step 4: Add letters, and
embellishments.
Step 5: Add
ribbon
Step 6: Hang completed door
hanger. |
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Through The Lens -
Photography Tips by
Angie |
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Click, click, snap,
snap; the sounds of camera are well known to many of us.  As we evolve as
scrappers I think we strive to become better photographers as
well. This month
I'm going to explain how to follow the "rule of thirds". I used to always take
my photos with my subject smack in the middle of the viewing
area. But my
results were always the same. Once I tried the "rule of thirds" I
immediately saw the difference.
When you look through
your viewfinder, imagine lines dividing the  viewing area into thirds;
horizontally and vertically. Place your subject at
a point where two lines intersect. By using this approach
you create a ratio of 2:1 in your photos, the result an
interesting and stable composition rather than something that
is mundane and static.
I think it really adds a creative perspective to the
photo.
Another added benefit
is with the photos you take using this approach you can use
the unused space to journal right onto your
photo! |
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Doodling 101 by
Mollie |
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So you like the look of doodling? But you just
don't think you have what it takes to doodle on your
LO's? Well, have no fear! I'm here! To try and help you
bring out your innder doodler! :)
 The first thing you
have to remember when doodling... Is that is doesn't have to
be perfect. If it doesn't turn out the way you were
picturing it, oh well! Doodling is
about personalization and your
doodling imperfections lead to your personal doodling
style! So don't be discouraged if you "mess up".
Embrace those imperfections! :)
To get you started... Here's a simple tutorial of a
basic doodle. Try it!
Not too hard
right? The best part is that you could have stopped at
any step and been done with the doodle... All four steps could
be put onto a LO by themeselves and looked great! Tune
into the next newsletter for more tips and
tutorials!
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May Sneek Peeks |
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The first of
the new May kits is a mixture of red, white and
blue.
This kit isn't
your typical red, white, and blue kit though as there are no
fireworks or flags involved! This one is just beautiful
patterns and even some monochromatic prints as well.
We topped this kit off with some glitter alphabet
stickers, Blackboard shapes from Cosmo Cricket, brads, buttons
and bling frames as well as everyone's favorite Bazzill  cardstock.
The second kit
is filled with some very nice textured papers in greens,
oranges, blues, and red. We have added some very unique
embellishments like some metallic mist spray, softies, rubons
and plastic flowers.
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