Sunday, 29 September 2013

Recycled ways with Old Jeans

Don't throw away your worn-out jeans! Recycle them into bags, toys, and other items.  With these fun and easy projects, you'll be able to put those well-loved jeans to use in ways you couldn't imagine.
 
  1. To reduce your paper consumption AND protect your hands, make a coffee cup cozy from two layers of denim. Just measure, cut and sew. Use rick rack or contrasting fabric at the edge for a cute touch.   
  2. Turn old jeans into handy (har har har) pot holders. 
  3. Cover a bulletin board with the denim if you can't stand the sight of cork anymore. 
  4. Glue a magnet onto the back of jean pockets for a handy place to stash on your fridge. 
  5. Turn each pant leg into a handy lunch sack 
  6. Make a pocket organizer. Cut off the ends of pant legs and stitch the cut side closed to make a pocket. Arrange six of these pockets on a sturdy piece of poster board and hang from a door for a handy organizer. Or, attach loops of demin to the pockets and hang from a bar. 
  7. Turn your old jeans into a cute utility belt/apron 
  8. Make a bucket for your yarn skeins or other craft supplies with a pair of jeans. 
  9. Denim makes a great, sturdy material for pet toys
  10. Create a water-bottle holder with shoulder strap and cute pockets 
  11. Use the leg of a pair of jeans to sew up a draft stopper. 
  12. Strips of old jeans can be crocheted into a bag or even a rug.  
  13. Use the leg of a pair of old jeans to create a yoga bag.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

The best scrap tips

Here are the seven hot techniques you should be using on your layouts this year!

# 1 – Incorporate weaving.

One of the hottest techniques being used for scrapbook layouts is weaving.  Remember as a little kid in school the teacher would have you weave strips of construction paper into a large piece of construction paper that had slits?  Using the same concept, you can incorporate weaving into your layout.
Whether you choose to weave a border, photo frames, or different shades of green to add grass to a page, weaving adds a fun texture and look to your layout.
Although you can use construction paper to weave with, experiment with different materials, such as:  patterned scrapbook paper, wallpaper, ribbon or durable wrapping paper.  If you use a small weave, you can adhere your weaving to pre-cut stock paper to create most any design.  For example, flower petals look stunning made out of weaving.

# 2 – Embellish with buttons.

More and more, buttons are becoming a huge hit in the world of scrapbooking.  You can embellish your layout in so many different ways with the use of just a few buttons.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:
  • create a border for one or more sides of your layout
  • use buttons for the center of flowers
  • make button borders for photos and journaling blocks
  • add a monogram made out of buttons
  • fill an empty space with two or three different buttons
Chances are you already have buttons, especially if you buy clothing that includes extra buttons.  If you need to buy buttons, you can actually purchase buttons that are made for scrapbooking.  These buttons are usually thinner than regular buttons.  You’ll also find a wide selection of themed buttons, such as hearts, frogs or smiley faces.

# 3 – Jazz your layout with patterned tape.

Patterned tape, such as the designs created by Washi Tape strips, is super hot in scrapbooking!  You can quickly add borders, fill in an empty space, or create photo mats with patterned tape.  Floral, checkered and stripes are the most popular choices of tape.

# 4 – Add glitz and glam!

 Are you drawn to scrapbooking paper that has glitter?  It’s easy to create the same effect with your favorite scrapbooking paper.  Choose different shapes on the paper, add clear glue, and sprinkle with glitter!  Also, adding flat craft gems, sequins and pearl accents will give your layouts lots of glitz and glam!

# 5 – Recycle it. 

With more and more people choosing to “go green” and wanting to find new purposes for items that would’ve been typically thrown away, using recycled items in scrapbook layouts is becoming hugely popular!  Here are some fun examples of products that you probably have at your home:
  • Cut out the inner circle from plastic container tops and use as photo mats.
  • Make titles out of cardboard.  You’ll need to use an exacto knife to cut out each letter.
  • Turn unused envelopes that come with your bills and advertisements into confetti.
  • Cut out designs from the leftover holiday paper napkins.
  • For small weaving projects, weave strips of candy bar wrappers together.  This will add a fun touch of bright shinny colors.

# 6 – Mix and match patterns.

For many years, scrapbookers focused on coordinating patterns and colors for each layout.  One of the hottest trends now is to mix it up!!!
Try blending polka dots and plaids together, or how about mixing different shades of orange and reds together?  By sticking with two main patterns or two colors, you’ll be surprised at how well they can work together.

# 7 – Include texture.

Texture is a huge appeal to so many people.  How often when you go shopping, do you like to touch items and feel the texture?
Whether you’re scrapbooking a card, a mini scrapbook, or a scrapbook page, adding texture will make a big difference in your layout.  Burlap, textured wallpaper, sandpaper, lace, and corduroy have been super popular choices this year.
Embellishments can provide texture as well.  Tiny hearts, silk flowers, brass tacks and tiny pom poms are fun choices.  If you’re creating a layout that will be kept in a plastic sleeve, then you need to be sure to choose embellishments that aren’t too bulky.  However, if you’re making holiday cards, then you don’t have to be as concerned.

One of the key ingredients in creating an awesome scrapbook layout, is to experiment with new ideas!  Even if you have your favorite template, just by adding new textures, glitter or a little bit of a weaving, can make a huge difference.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns or putting together two colors that typically are kept separate.  Implement some of these scrapbooking techniques and you’ll be onboard with this year’s new trends!

Friday, 27 September 2013

Scrapbook Sketches


What are you generally like when it comes to scrapbooking?  Are you a motivated person to complete pages quickly or intend to take hours to finish one layout.  The best way to complete layout quickly to plan your layouts and photos together.  The best way to help is to use scrapbooking sketches which you can be found online at most scrapbook business or in books today.

I have been using this method for a while now and it's the best way to complete more pages at a meet.  But because I am in the processing of moving address, I haven't scrap for a while.  Once I settle at my new address I will get back into scrapbooking then. 

Monday, 2 September 2013

From simple to elegant

Just a quick blog to give more tips for scrapbookers who need abit more inspiration or lost their mojo after winter was here.

Ways to get your simple layouts to more elegant pages.  This would suit a more particular theme if you are scrapbooking for someone special.

1. Use patterned paper as your background paper to give your layout an extra dimension.  Beware on how busy your photo is. I found it's easier to mount your photos onto plain cardstock first before adding to the patterned background.

2.  Either hand or machine sew your page layout to give it more a homely feel.

3.  Add quotes to your layouts.  Either from recycled greeting cards, quote stickers or goggle search quotes.  Some website addresses are good resources to seek quotes, phrases or peoms to add a sentimental touch to your layouts.