Shape Up Your Scraproom Challenge - February!

Hello Divas...

Luisa here!  How was your January?  Hope it was great and that you were able to accomplish some of the tasks from January Shape Up Your Space Challenge !

I did finish some of them, here is my report:

1) Store your scraps! 

--> Am pretty good at this.  it was not a real challenge for me, just needed to keep up.

2) Take 10!

--> I did it.  I tool 11 boxes of partially used chipboard alphabets and with the letter available I created 2-4 Titles for future layouts (of course these are layouts I already have in mind).  In the photo from step 4, you can see to ziplock bags of chipboard alphas leftovers that am donating.

3) Declutter Your Desk Area!

--> I did it 4 times actually!  One per week, since am a very messy scrapper.  If you ask me how it is now, the answer is MESSY!  Last night I prepared page kits for my Saturday crop and also choose stamps and some embellishments and everything is on my Desk...

4) Create a Donation Station!

--> I did it!!!  Here is the proof:

These are some of the things am donating this Saturday (at the crop am attending).  There are tons of stickers, alpha chipboards (from #2 task), foam stamps, some paper, inkpads, etc.

Let us know how you do it.  Am extending the due date to post your "report for January tasks" until Feberuary 15.

Now, let's move onto February tasks:

1) Toss the Trash!

Get rid of tools in not good shape, tiny scraps, dried markers or inkpads, etc.

If you have papers that you don't like anymore or maybe from those stacks and have multiples or are tired of them.  Remember you have created your DONATION BOX, fill it up...  You will make someone else appy and yourself too, because you will have more room for new stuff and you brought happiness to someone else...

2) Organize In-Process projects (page or project kits)

We have pictures from different events.  Take the first step to create layouts with them by:

a) Sort pictures by event, date or theme

b) Choose matching pattern papers that go with them or simply organize some of theme by theme:  Xmas, BD, Girl, Boy! This will make your life easier when you want to choose which papers to use with the pictures.

c) Put your selected papers and add the pictures into a ziplock bag, 12x12 envelope (Cropper Hopper) or a 12x12 Box.  Add some stickers, matching ribbon and maybe some embellishments and you have created your first page kit.

When you are ready to create (at home or at a crop), you just need your page or project kits and tool box.  Productivity any one!!!

3) Ditch the packaging!

If you have embellishments in bulky packages, invest an hour or two, taking them from their package and organize them in a basket, drawer, ziplock bag, box, etc.  You will save tons of space!

4) Organize your tool tote/box!

Make sure to have your tool tote or box ready to create.  You should store your "go to tools" at arms reach. 

If you go to crops, I suggest you set 2 tool boxes, one for your home and one to go.  It pays off!  That way you are always ready to grab your "on the go" tool tote/box for crops or if you want to create something in your living room or kitchen and enjoy family at the same time.

You have until March 15 to complete these tasks.  Please upload your pictures to our CSDivas FB Page and tag them NAME SU - JAN2012, example: LUISA SU - JAN2012 (SU = Shape Up).

Have a wonderful week and don't forget about our giveaways.

Hugs and blessings,

Adding Texture w/ Distressing

Hello Divas!

Hope you are all having a great week and are working hard on those Diva projects! Don't forget there will be a new winner picked on Saturday for the Commercial Inspiration Challenge!

But...it's Wednesday and that means I'm bringing you a new technique! This week I thought I would share one of my favorites - distressing! Although most of the time I think of distress stains/inks when that term is used, this time I'm talking about distressing papers by sanding, scraping or tearing paper. Here's the look:

This is an easy way to add texture, dimension and separation of elements to your paper projects, cards, and layouts. Although there are many ways to achieve this look (scissors, sandpaper, even foot scrapers!) I have found it's easiest for me to use a distressing tool. Never seen one before? Tim Holtz makes one you can probably find at your local craft store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or your LSS):

Here's how to use it -
Hold your paper at an angle and slide your tool along the edge so that it tears the paper. You can achieve different looks with different tools, so I recommend playing around with scraps of paper (both cardstock & thinner paper!) and getting comfortable with the tool and what you can do with it before using it on your project. Sometimes I just want a simple rolled edge to add a subtle texture, and others I really want to "rough" my page up, so having chunks torn out or deep rips in the paper are appropriate.

Here are some examples of how I've used distressing in projects:

One more way to use distressing - see how Pammejo over at Scrapbook Flair distressed her spiral roses & papers on the cover of her album -

Here are some other texturizing tools to check out -

Basic Grey Precision File Set

Bazzill Sanding Flower

Heidi Swapp edge distresser

Imaginsce d-stress tool

Stampin' Up

Tim Holtz/Tonic distressing tools & sanding blocks
We R Memory Keepers Heart Attack 2 way distress tool

So...check out these products, do some research and see if you might like to invest in a new tool, and a new technique!

Happy Crafting ~

Organization Ideas with Luisa!!!

Welcome to my first organization post at the CSDivas new Mansion!!!

Am always trying to find great organization and storage ideas for my embellishments and tools.

Today I want to share this awesome Daubers storage box that my friend Corina gave me.
Corina bought it at scrapbook.com.  They are on sale now!  Here is the link:
Gary M. Burlin and Co. - Sponge Dauber Storage Box

I used sponges and dauber applicators to distress photos/papers and to add color to chipboard shapes etc.  Of course I have a sponge edge for each CTMH Ink Pad color and am starting to build my dauber applicators collection.
to label them I printed the ink pad color names in a label sheet and will add them to the daubers. 
Then I will organize them in my case by color.

Hope you like my organization tip!

Help me help you...  Let me know what you struggle with and will try to find solutions for you!!!

Have a blessed day!

Banners & Pennants & Bunting, oh my!

More than a passing trend, banners in their various shapes and forms have taken the paper crafting industry by storm. From use in layouts, cards, tags, ATCs, altered art, and homemade celebrations, banners have become a standard embellishment in many a scapper's repertoire! One of the best reasons to love pennants is your ability to make banners different each time. You could really string any shape or object together to form a banner, but standard shapes include triangles, (most popular!) the lemon wedge (half circle!), and swallow tail banners. When it comes to stringing them together, there are so many options - twine, buttons, rhinestones, stitching, or simply placing the pieces side by

(Layout from "A Cherry on Top" Blog. Daily Junque Collection by Pink Paislee.)

Think outside the box when it comes to creating your banners! Use it as a title & place letters inside each shape, string your photos together and turn them into a banner, use memorabilia, tickets, or other ephemera for a vacation layout, and one more great use for your banner - journaling!

"Decorating for You' by Ali Edwards


Danielle Flanders for Pink Paislee:

Lastly, if you're unsure of making your own banners, there are a wide variety of products available from stamps, stickers, templates, and traditional paper pennants.

So if you haven't used a banner yet, I highly encourage you to incorporate one in your next project to add a quick punch of color, playful patterns, & a bit of whimsy. :)

~ Happy Crafting!

P-12 Sketch and layouts with Luisa

Hi Divas,

It´s me Luisa! 

A new month means a new Project 12 sketch and here is August reveal (from scrapbookandcards.com):

 The idea behind Project 12 is to create a layout per month with pictures that represent what happened during an specific month. Not only events, but also daily life happenings.  This way, if you are busy, like we all are know with summer vacations, at least you will have a layout with great memories for the month. 

Let me tell you that my family love to see project 12 layouts!  It´s a great way to catch up on things that happened among the family! 

Here are 2 P-12 layouts that I made recently...

MAY 2011

For May layout I used CTMH Sophia papers.  For this layout since I wanted to include 7 photos and they all were 4x6 (did nothad chance to 3edit them to smaller size!) and since this flowers are totally cute, I decided to handcut them and use to embellish my layout.  I used pop-dots to add depth.  The flowers at the bottom were handcut individually and then I create the border!  Totally love the finish product!!!

Photos:  Aunt, Mom and husband, Grammy, Val at Mother´s day luncheon, Jaz with Alexander, me at NSD crop and Alexander after his first haircut!!

APRIL, 2011

For April layout I used CTMH Mayberry papers and used my oval punch to create the flower on the right side. And used chipboard words and shapes that match pretty well.  I managed to include 9 photos in this layout.

Photos: William riding in the car with my Mom,William sad after his haircut, Val meeting Alexander, baby Alexander, me with 2 co-workers, self portrait, Mom with her BD cake, Jaz after church service, Karla, Alexander and me!

Are you doing Project 12?  What do you think about it?

Sew Simple Techniques!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

One of my favorite embellishments to add to a layout is sewing, but although my mom & my sisters sew, I do not. What's a girl to do when so many of my favorite projects feature sewing? Today I'm sharing with you a few ways to get the look without having to pull out the sewing machine!

First & foremost, I'll admit that I do own a sewing machine, and from time to time I'll use it for my layouts.
See? Love the look.

However, changing the threads and bobbins,

figuring out the tension and stitch length, etc.

are still challenging for me,

so I'm happy to have some alternatives!

Option 1 involves using a new tool, (for me anyway!) the Sew Easy Stitch Piercer & mat by We R Memory Keepers. This tool pierces your paper in a straight line or pattern so that you can easily hand stitch your colored thread of choice.

How it works:

Decide where you want your threaded line to go. Lay your paper across the pink mat. Take your stitch tool & insert the head with the desired pattern. Roll the piercer across the paper, perforating the paper. Once that's done, thread your needle with embroidery thread. ( TIP: embroidery thread is thick, so separate 2-3 strands of thread from the main strand so it'll go through the holes easier. We R also sells twine & thread specifically for this tool, but I just used emb. thread from my local craft store.) Now just hand stitch your design! If you'd like to learn more about this tool, just click here. You'll also find tutorial videos and a downloadable Adobe document of tips & pics.

Even easier is option 2: Border punches!

Border punches are tools that most crafters already have in their stash, so let's put them to work! All you have to do is punch your border, & depending on the size of your holes, thread them with embroidery thread or ribbon. Building on their Sew Easy success, We R Memory Keepers has now come out with the Sew Ribbon crafting tools, which will basically do what I've just described. Find it here.

Hope you've found an inspiring new technique to add some flair to your paper projects today! Let us know how you use it!

Happy Crafting~

Stephanie

Organization Ideas - Cricut Cartridges

 Hello Divas,

It´s me, Luisa!!!  And today am sharing some ideas to store our precious Cricut Cartridges!!!

1) CRICUT BINDER - It´s a great idea!  You add velcro strips to the binder and to the back of the cartridges. Easy peasy! 

The keyboards goes in the left side of the binder in individual bags.

Then you print the cartridge images content, insert  them in a page protector and you are ready to go!

2) CRICUT CASE TO GO!  I like this one a lot...  You insert the cartridges on one side and keyboards and booklets in the other.  There is even room for accesories!!!

3) SMALL BASKET - If you, like me, have a small collection, can use a small basket to have the cartridges on hand!

4) CRICUT LAZY SUSAN - I like this idea a lot also.  the only problem is that I don´t have enough room (or cartridges)!

5) CRICUT SCRAP AND TOTE - Everything corresponding to one cartridge is in one individual pouch!  Another great option for your scrapbook and ready to go!

6) CRICUT SCRAP-O-NIZER CASE - This is a great ¨to-go¨ storage idea also!  Specially if you donñt have many cartridge or if you know which cartridges you want to use and want to ¨crop light¨!

7) CRICUT SNAPWARE - Another portable solution.  I like it, but itñs bulky!

Which one is your fave one? 

Do you have a blog post with your storage solutions?  Share the link with us to check them out... 

If you don´t have a blog post about it, don´t worry, share your solutions with us... 

We love to hear/read them!!!

Hugs and blessings your way!!!