New to Paperclipping? A few things you should know: This is a great place to learn all scrapbooking techniques (I've posted more than 100 video tutorials). Several are free downloads, and I consistently release new tutorials every month. Others are members-only, available when you become a member. Finally, I recommend you subscribe to my RSS feed, or the newsletter (the form is in the sidebar) to make sure you get new videos as they're released. Thanks for visiting!
We have another free episode today. If you have an over-abundance of tags in your scrap stash, this week’s episode will give you a fun idea for using them.
Here are pictures of the layouts I featured in the video, along with journaling and supply information…
Hyman Tribe
12×12 layout
The colors got funky on this one…my apologies!
Journaling reads:Blake’s been singing this humorous jingle from the comedy, “Nacho Libre.” [the song: "I eat some bugs. I eat some grass. I use my hand to wipe my...tears."] The kids giggle so much at this song and Israel and I couldn’t tell if they knew what word the song actually implied. Israel finally asked Blake, “Do you know why that song is so funny? Blake, with a suspicious look on his face said, “Because he ate bugs and grass and that makes him cry.” We agreed verbally with Blake and left the kids to their innocence.
Supplies:patterned paper (Creative Imaginations) * tags + wire (Stampin’ Up) * journal spot peeking out above left journal block + acrylic heart (Heidi Swapp) * chipboard (Thickers for American Crafts) * rub-on’s (My Mind’s Eye) * plastic flower (Prima) * button and ribbon from unknown source.
Beautiful You @ 8 Yrs
12×12 layout Journaling to Trinity reads:You are one of those rare people who are naturally beautiful both inside and out. You have so much empathy and it drives you to take care of others. But you do do it at your own expense or when it compromises your integrity. You’re also unbelievably responsible, always remembering everything and giving the rest of us desperately needed reminders since, unlike you, we forget everything (we don’t know about Aiden yet).
You are a loyal friend. People love you and it’s easy to see why…You’re a fun and very lovable girl.
I love doing layouts with lots of scraps like this one because while I’m scrapbooking I get to enjoy happy memories of past scrapbooking times.
I love these old keys (left) with interesting shapes to them. The shape is sort of flowery. On the right is a 3-dimensional plastic flower sitting on top of a button (thank-you glue dots), sitting on top of an acrylic heart outlined in brown ink.
That green butterfly is a rub-on, but because I wanted it’s wings to hang off a raised tag, I didn’t actually rub it on. I glued it with its plastic to the tag with Diamond Glaze instead.
Did you enjoy today’s episode of Paperclipping? If so you’ll probably enjoy the others! You can find out what it means to be a Paperclipping Member by clicking here.
A while back Ali Edwards asked me to be one of her guest bloggers for her new weekly feature, Tuesday Tutorials. Izzy and I put together a video tutorial specifically for her readers and she posted it today. That’s a bonus for the Paperclipping audience because it means an additional episode for you this week!
You can watch this special episode on Ali’s blog. Below is the layout I used to demonstrate the steps. You can see the rest when you head over…
Charm
12×12 layout Journaling to my son reads: This is why it’s so hard to say no to you. And it’s not that I consciously struggle against a desire to say yes, but that it rarely even occurs to me to say no to you. That face and those eyes put the “yes” into me. It took Daddy to recognize that your charm leads to my constant “yes.”
In this free episode of Paperclipping, you’ll learn how to position, resize, and recolor digital word art in Photoshop Elements. You’ll also see why Ali Edwards’s digital products are just as perfect for heritage photos and projects as they is for modern ones. You’ll find The Story Word Art + Hand Drawn Brushes by Ali Edwards, featured in the tutorial, at Designer Digitals, and they’re 30% off right now!
To learn more about this layout and the hidden tag that contains historical information watch episode 99. If you liked today’s tutorial, follow the link to see why you’ll probably enjoy a Paperclipping Membership.
Layouts From A Previous Paperclipping Live
I haven’t had a chance to share the scrapbook pages from Dedra Long’s visit to Paperclipping Live a while ago. Here they are below…
Hello Kitty
two 12×12 pages
The photo on the left is myself around 4th grade–just a little older than my daughter, Trinity, in the photo on the right. I chose pictures of us in similarly shaped outfits and poses to emphasize the theme of commonality. Journaling reads: I adored Hello Kitty as a little girl and still do at age 36. I love her oval round face and the simplicity of her design. As a kid I didn’t get enough of her to feel satisfied so I love getting to enjoy her again through Trinity, who loves her too.
Layout By Dedra Long
Journaling to her daughter reads: You and me spending time together…these are some of the times I cherish most…I always love to walk in the studio to see the newest setup you have put together…It usually look something like this…the princess laptop, crayons, paper and scissors…you usually have the princesses singing the alphabet and you join then…then it’s math…in the end you show me your latest work of art…I will never forget.
The Details
Almost all of the scrapbooking items on both layouts are from Theresa Collins. I salvaged all the Hello Kitty items from actual H.K. stuff–a backpack, a watch, party invitations, plus there are a few pictures. The spinner arrow underneath the tiny H.K. on the clock is a Tim Holtz spinner that I painted pink.
Want help layering embellishments the way you see them layered in the center circle? If you have a Paperclipping Membership, I recommend watching Paperclipping 94 where I showed the techniques and principles of layers that lead in a “crescendo” toward a climactic point.
Wow, we’ve now released our 100th tutorial! You can help us celebrate 100 helpful Paperclipping Tutorials by becoming an Affiliate so you can start making money from your blog or website. Our new affiliate program will pay you a 25% commission for anyone who comes over through your badge and becomes a Paperclipping Member within 30 days. You can sign up here.
Today’s episode is for our Members. If you’ve ever struggled to make a rectangular collage using different-sized photos, you’ll appreciate this one. I’ve come up with a very simple formula to make that often frustrating task very easy! If you’d like to watch today’s episode, as well as the other 99 waiting for you in the archives, but don’t have a Membership, please visit the Membership Information Page.
Below are the layouts I shared in the episode…
Easter 08
You see that pink egg over on the far right? That was a tag from one of the goodies I bought the kids last year. I got a kick out of the fact that last year’s Easter came so early, the product manufacturers posted the date on all the tags…I guess to make sure we were ready!
Journaling on layout reads: We’ve been adjusting our Easter tradition a bit over the last few years. We moved the early morning hunt and breakfast outdoors last year. This year we hid plastic eggs instead of our colored eggs (we still color eggs, though). Blake has played Easter Bunny with Dad and I before waking up the kids for the last few years. And this year they got more stuff and less candy. One thing remains the same, though…total fun and the enjoyment of Spring.
The circular tag and title arch are the Memory Makers Noteworthy Glitter Die Cuts. The swirly flourish is from Bazzill.
Wonderful Beautiful Amazing
The overall up-and-down placement of the 2 large photo blocks, as well as the shape and placement of the two paper journaling blocks were inspired by a layout by Ali Edwards that appeared in Creating Keepsakes Magazine a year or two ago.
Journaling reads: We’ve been taking day-trips through the canyons near Superstition Mountain and Canyon Lake a lot lately. It’s only minutes from our home–one of the reasons I am so happy with where we live. We all love the scenic drive, looking at the cacti, cliffs, and joking about how Blake convinced Aiden that the winter moss on the rock walls is called, “souvenir” because Aiden wanted to collect some to bring home during this particular trip.
Today–Jan. 4, 2009–we took advantage of the rare overcast weather for great lighting and color saturation. Israel and I each brought our cameras and tripods and caught some fun memories while you kids climbed and played. I love this.
Typed journaling on photo: Trinity was having a hard time getting through the thorny path to join you on the butte. You went down and carefully led her, just like a gentleman. Later I thanked you and you said, “That’s okay. I enjoyed it.” What a cool dude…you make your mama so proud.
The digital text that I layered onto my photos (except for the journaling) are all from Ali Edwards’s Loving Life Word Art and her 12×12 Life text frames. I will demonstrate how to do this in Photoshop Elements in a future episode.
The butterflies and folliage rub-on’s are new from My Mind’s Eye. The more subtle rub-ons that add texture to the page are older ones from Chatterbox.
Paperclipping Members can now watch this week’s episode where I talk about design as a visual language. In it I share some ways to communicate a story that is fun, crazy, hectic, or silly plus a tip on how to avoid design-overkill.
Are you new to Paperclipping? We have free episodes you can watch. Find them in the column to the left or by scrolling down the blog.
You can view the layouts used as examples in today’s episode below:
Because Life Is Too Short
Journaling written to Aiden reads: Blake and Trin are trying to relax on the sofa with Gatsby, and here you are making that totally impossible.
Supplies used: Patterned paper (Creative Imaginations) * Acrylic paint * Cardstock (Stampin’ Up) * Eyelets (Making Memories) * Transparent title (Creative Imaginations) * Epoxy sticker (Creative Cafe) * Ribbon (Stampin’ Up–audience member, Mandi Kehoe) * “Hello Life” digital text frame (Ali Edwards).
Learning the description of a design or artistic principle is not the same thing as being able to really use and understand it. You often need to try it, then see other examples, then try it some more, and over time it makes more and more sense. We’ve done lots of episodes on the principles that lead to great-looking embellishments that don’t detract from the photos. For today’s tutorial, you’ll watch me build, step-by-step, layers of embellishments for 4 different scrapbook pages.
Except for the one full-page sheet, all of the patterned paper you see below came from my scrap tray. No new papers were cut in the making of these layouts. In fact, I used most of the pieces as I found them–already cut or punched!
Aiden Rides
2-page 12×12 layout
Journaling to Aiden reads: Trinity got a new bike for her birthday so you’ve inherited her old one for a while. You were so excited to learn so Dad took you out and you were riding right away! The day after you learned you were out again and crashed, but you just kept at it.
Side note: At first you wanted to remove the fringe but once you watched Pee Wee Herman you decided it as cool.
Starbucks Adventures
12×12 layout
Journaling to my kids: Before Dad started working from home, these visits to Starbucks were a regular event. Dad and I could get some work done while you guys hooked your DS’s together to play a joint game. Nice out-of-the-house adventure. ‘08.
December Daily Page – Gift Wrapping
6×7 minibook
Journaling reads: One of my favorite parts of Christmas…dressing up the gifts and placing them under the tree.
Love And Ice Cream Cones
2-page 12×12 layout
Journaling to Aiden and Trinity reads: While Blake was gone to Science Camp for three days with the 5th grade, we took you two to Crazy Subs for some Rootbeer Float Swirl ice cream cones. We love those huge 79 cent cones. We also love snuggling with you and joking and playing while we eat. 2-5-09
Alright, scrapbookers..are you ready to gather some patterned scraps, some brads or buttons, and maybe a chipboard swirl or rub-on border to add some pizazz to a layout? The key to getting good at this is to practice. I can’t wait to see what you have to show me.
We’ve now released a new episode for the Paperclipping Members on one of our most commonly requested subjects–embellishments. This episode shares the principles of how to make your embellishment gatherings look spectacular.
To give you a chance to get a good detailed look at the layouts and the embellishments, I’ve posted them below…
Sensitive Heart
2-Page Layout 9.5×12 + 12×12 Journaling to my daughter reads: You’re so sensitive. You hurt easily. You feel deeply. And I think it gives you empathy, which explains why you take such good care of others.
What looks like a black strip (above) is actually just clear transparency. It’s hard to tell in the photo, but it looks really cool in person to be able to see through that vertical strip there.
Rock Stars
12×12 Layout Journaling to Aiden and Trinity reads: In the back of our yard there is a retaining wall about 1-1/2 feet high. It is directly across from our sliding glass door and when you stand on the wall you can see your reflection. As a result, that retaining wall has become a spot for rock-star fantasies and performing practice.
Today I was able to catch you two (Aiden and Trinity) with your “guitars.” That’s really all it takes–a couple rackets, a raised area, and a reflection–for you to pull the performers out of yourselves and put on a good show.
Life Explorer
12×12 Layout Journaling to my son reads: I love your zeal for life. Your curiosity. Your desire to know about everything. I love that you stay up late at night to read. And then you’re up at 5am, ready for another day of your life.
Three different looks, topics, and embellishment gatherings–all using the same principles to make them look great without taking away from the photos. Today’s episode will show you how it works.
Wish you had access to this and to all of the Paperclipping tutorials? Please visit the Membership Information Page to see how you can.
If you like this episode, you’ll probably like all of the episodes! Members get access to our archives of almost 100 tutorials. Please visit the Membership Information Page to find out more.
I’ve posted the layouts from today’s episode below…
Red Boots
12×12 Layout Journaling written to Aiden: Man, do I love you in those boots! We bought them for our upcoming trip-camping during the Monsoon Season. I never expected you’d want to wear them everyday: rain or shine * shorts or pants * and even to school. You get a lot of attention when you wear them, which probably makes them even more irresistibly cool to you.
**The polka dot and gold patterned papers are quite old scraps from a time when most everything came in a grungy-brown. Until I did this page, whenever I saw that paper, I felt bogged down b/c it’s so dark and heavy. Look how great it looks, though, with vibrant red, yellow-gold, and bright white!
Do you still have a lot of heavy browns from a few years back? Try using it in small amounts with other papers that make you happy.
After The Feast
2-page 12×12 Layout
I love how flexible these templates are. I think next time I’ll try making three panels instead of two. I’m excited to see what some of you do with the template.
We’ve released today’s episode for Paperclipping Members, so if you’re one of them, you can watch it now. I’ve taken a unique approach to a common problem and I hope you find it helpful and inspiring!
Yes, it has been too long since our last release and we appreciate everyone being so patient as we try to fix the websites! We still have some kinks to fix but at least we can release the tutorials once again.
I’m glad to report that the demand for tutorials on design principles is high! That means today’s free episode will please many people. It’s all about the scale of embellishments and will help you get a better handle on why some embellishments work better in a space than others.
If you’ve been enjoying the free videos and would like access to the Members Only tutorials as well, click here to learn more.
Cooking With Aiden
Journaling reads: I’m not sure if it’s time with me that you love, or if you’re naturally interested in cooking itself, but it seems to be both. You want to cook with me every time I am doing it. You even started playing host of a pretend cooking show and we always pretend we’re doing the show together. We call it, “Cooking With Aiden,” starring “Mama & Aiden.” It’s fun, but what is so cool is you’re really good at hosting! Love you, dude.
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