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.
This video is available to members only. Learn about a membership here.
Design Principles For Great Embellishments
Once you’ve finished today’s episode, you might want to go back and watch other episodes on embellishments to refresh your memory on the principles:
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.
This video is available to members only. Learn about a membership here.
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 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.
This video is available to members only. Learn about a membership here.
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.
We’ve released today’s Member’s Only episode. As someone who loved creating art on my jeans as a teen, it was extra fun for me to create art with my jeans on my scrapbook pages last week. Fortunately, this is a material that will never be discontinued!
Membership pricing went up on January 1st, so if you’ve been playing with the idea of joining Paperclipping so you can see episodes like today’s, make sure you do it quick while we’re still issuing a coupon for the lower price. You can learn more about it on the Membership Information Page.
Below are the layouts from today’s episode…
Forever In Blue Jeans
Printed text is from Neil Diamond’s song: “Money talks. But it don’t sing and dance and it don’t walk. ‘Long as I can have you here with me I’d much rather be forever in blue jeans.”
Journaling, written to my husband, Izzy, reads: In October you walked away from The Man. The suit and tie disappeared and the jeans came out. Our lives stopped revolving around a corporate and materialistic America. Instead we depend on our creativity and drive. We gave up a lot of monetary luxuries. And we are happier. Life is more fun than ever before. The past three months have been a honeymoon for us. Life is so very, very good. Love you.
(note: In my journaling, I did not mean to call America, as a whole, “materialistic.” I was only referring to one aspect of modern American culture. There is a greater good in America that has given us the ability to do what we’re doing, for which I’m so grateful).
Just as many of us begin each year with a word we want to characterize the next 12 months, you can use that word in a year-in-review layout. I actually started my year with the word, “Build.” But as I looked back to last January, I realized that that focus resulted in a year of lots of change. Change became the key-word for my layout below…
Journaling reads as a list and corresponds with the photos at the top (except the first one) from right to left, top to bottom:
1) We gave up meat and most animal by-products. I became vegan and learned a whole new way of cooking/baking. It was quite a lifestyle change as most everything we eat is what I make from scratch.
2) We rescued a puppy from the pound.
3) We got all 3 kids in school full-time.
4) We got rid of T.V. The few shows we watch we get free online. The kids forgot t.v. within a couple weeks and became more active.
5) Israel resigned from his job and we became full-time hosts and producers.
6) We simplified our materialism.
(note: I ran out of room here and #6 may be confusing. I intend on making another layout about this subject, so I didn’t worry that it’s unclear, but you might be confused by it. I meant to say that we got rid of a lot of material excess that we’d been used to having).
After you watch the episode, I’d love to hear which of your own stories came to mind and why denim would make a great visual symbol for them.
* * *
I’ve announced the winner of the November Paperclipping Challenge and highlighted her on my blog at The Crop Circle. It was a hard choice as the entries were top notch. Take a look by following this link so you can see why we chose Kim Strother as the winner of the November Paperclipping challenge. Congratulations, Kim!
If you ever feel unhappy with your Christmas-themed scrapbook pages, you might be making the common mistake many make when combining red and green. Today we released a Quick Tip for the Members that explains why those complimentary colors are not as easy to pair as you might think–and what you can do to make them truly complimentary–both to each other and to your photos.
If you don’t already have a Paperclipping Membership and would like to see all of the tutorials, click here to find out how you can. Right now Members get $10 off the newly released extended tutorial, The Holiday Altered Book.
Below is a view of the layout from today’s episode…
Kansas City Christmas
Journaling reads: This year we had the unusual opportunity to have all the grandkids together (although Chad & Ashley couldn’t make it out). Grandma & Grandpa tried so hard to get a photo with all the grandkids throughout the stay and this picture was another failed attempt–the Martineau twins didn’t make it outside. Christmas with the Buckland’s was so fun! We played at a gymnastics place, had lunch at a dinosaur restaurant with lightening storms and giant dino’s, and did some shopping. At home we were cozy in the beautiful Buckland home.
The following people won Lain Ehmann’s drawing from Paperclipping Live a few weeks ago. Some of you have not yet contacted me. If that’s you, please email me with your full name and address at noell@paperclipping.com. Congratulations!
Snippets–
Kristyn (kkg9) & Connie
Special Issue of Simple Scrapbooks–
Jana & Tina (from www.babyscrapbookingideas.com)
We’re entering the busiest time of the year, so I thought a free episode on an idea for some faster scrapbooking was in order for today’s episode of Paperclipping.
For a closer look at the layouts from the tutorial, I’ve posted them below…
Love Us Together
8.5×11 Layout
Album: People We Love album (in the “Keim Time” section)
Journaling reads: I love the stories * the tangents * the tangents * the high’s and the low’s * the many changes * the raw honest * the hysterical moments * the exploration * the differences * the sameness * the loyalty * the admiration * the joking * the memories * the freedom * the time together.
Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics Paper) * Patterned paper (Basic Grey, Daisy D’s, 7 Gypsies, other unknown) * Wordstrips (7 Gypsies) * Word + Letter stickers (7 Gypsies, Foof*A*La) * Ribbon (Basic Grey) * Transparency (My Mind’s Eye).
Favorite Things From Thanksgiving 2006
8.5×11 Layout
Album: Things We Do
(in the holiday section with the Thanksgiving layouts, which will hopefully become its own album).
Journaling written to my kids reads: Handmade turkeys on the fridge/lists of gratitudes * Running + walking around the school over and over with you-Trin + Blake * Racing and being loud, young, and active.
Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics Paper) * Patterned paper (Basic Grey, My Mind’s Eye, s.e.i.) * Stickers (Paper Salon, 7 Gypsies) * Letter stickers (Creative Memories) * Chipboard letters (American Crafts) * Journal strip (Creative Cafe with Creative Imaginations).
Remember
8.5×11 Layout
Album: This Is Us, Together
Journaling to my kids reads: I don’t know when it changed, but your interactions with each other have somehow matured. They’re different now and I’m always noticing it. Like this day–your last day of school. As soon as you got home you sat down with the new yearbook and looked through it page by page, laughing and pointing things out, and reminiscing together. There is a maturity about the way you two do this now that surprises me. I just love that you’re growing up to be good friends.
I hope this template idea helps you to continue scrapbooking during the busy holidays. If you use the template, please post it to our flickr page and let me know!
If you like this tutorial, you’ll probably like the others too. For access to all the archives, and the other members-only videos, see the Members Information Page.
