The Scrapbook Supply Store

Freaky Friday Challenge 3/19/2010

2010-03-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

From Zenita!!

Okay all week I've been using my product of the week ColorBox Chalk well you guessed it we are going to use them in our Freaky Friday Challenge. I want you to use a plain piece of cardstock and make the background with the ColorBox Chalk. In my sample I used Chestnut Roan and made flowers and then made more flowers in Tangerine and Yellow Ochre (sorry you can't see them real well on my sample). If you don't have ColorBox Chalks use any inks and make the background. You can go here to see the sample that I made http://www.acbaileyltd.com/gallery/member.php

I also have a full tutorial on my blog and the promise of blog candy if you follow the directions that are on my blog. So have fun and enjoy!! Oh yeah I know it is a Fall page and we are now having Spring like weather but I ran across these pics and they were perfect for the Chestnut Roan...lol..Sometimes we just have to find the pics to match our products.

Freaky Friday Challenge 3/5/2010

2010-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

From Jessica:
I've been going through a phase lately where I've been cutting out designs from patterned paper - like flourishes or flowers - to use as accents on my pages. I particularly like popping some of them up to add extra dimension.

My challenge for you this week is to use your patterned paper in a new way - either cutting out the designs to use as your page accents and embellies, weaving it or something else! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Freaky Friday Challenge 2/26 from Christina

2010-02-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

To begin I have to first give you the back story of this idea....
I took my mom to see Riverdance, and I ended up having to wear my old comfy shoes because my hip was hurting. So during intermission I was staring at my shoe and thought, hmmm that strip and button would make a cute embellishment on a page! Then a couple of days later i was getting a pair of jeans out of my closet and looked at the back pocket, and thought that would make a cute embellishment too!

So here we go after all of that.

Today's challenge is to use an everyday item as inspiration for your page. It can be anything, you just have to take a picture of the inspiration or explain what it was.

Have fun!

BIG Sale!!

2010-02-20T12:34:00.003-08:00

Hello everyone!
As you all know we are closing the AC Bailey part of our business... :(
Since that is happening we need to clear out our old inventory!!!

What does that mean for you??
A BIG discount on the inventory we have left!!!

Starting today, 2/20 through Friday 2/26, you can receive 30% off your entire order.
The more you spend, the more you save!

Use coupon code BIGSALE to get your discount!

*discount applies to cash only orders - no other coupons or gc credits can be used, if there is a credit on your account you will be billed via Paypal for the difference and the credit will be returned to your account
*no free shipping discounts are allowed, even for current consultants
*discount valid for in stock items only, out of stock items will be canceled and payment will be refunded

Happy shopping!
Erica

Technique Tuesday by Gin

2010-02-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

Bazzill Institchz..I love them. They are just the perfect touch to finish off a layout. The first way to use them is the obvious, but in this layout, I made a border using the Granny Stitches, I also used the Flowers template to stitch a large flower then cut it out to be used as an embelishment.

Another way to use them that isn't as time consuming as actually stitching them, is to use the paper piercer to punch out the shape, then use a pen to "connect the dots". In this example I used the Angelic Uniball White Gel Pen to connect my dots and it looks like the stitching has been done, when really it hasn't! Try using different pen types and sizes to get different looks!

My last example is my most favorite technique. Take some cardstock or patterned paper that has either a white core or colored core like Core'dinations has, punch your design on the backside, then flip it over and sand over the design! For a little more added color lightly rub with ink or chalk to help accent those designs. I used the circle template here:

I hope I have inspired you to pull out those templates you may have been afraid to use! If you have any Institchz examples or tips to share with us please do! We'd love to hear about them!
Ginnifer Maloney

Freaky Friday Challenge by Laura Lee

2010-02-14T15:24:00.001-08:00

I could not decide between two ideas today, so I will talk about both of them....

they are similar so I think this will work. This week's challenge is to create a layout with doodling on your page or a hand written title.

Freaky Friday Challenge 2/5/2010

2010-02-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

From Stephanie....

In keeping with our family's love of word-play (see today's QOTD), this week's challenge is to use an advertising slogan as your main title/journaling element. It's OK to tweak the slogan to make it fit your picture. Also, use only one large photo and some buttons.

The journaling strips/title on my layout quotes our ds' actual Facebook status the day after his son was born. When I read his status that day, I knew it had to be scrapbooked. :) I took this picture the first time our ds held his ds.

Supplies: Paper: Studio 8 Paper Company - Dinosaur Land Collection (Fossil, Brontosaurus, Jurassic, & T. Rex); CS - Georgia Pacific; Buttons - MM (In Bloom); Lettering: American Crafts Thickers - Subway, Computer Font - Eurostile; Adhesives: Glue Glider Pro, Gossy Accents, Xyron, Zots Glue Dots; Misc: DMC floss, chipboard, Nestabilities Label 3; Design inspired by Pagemaps Jan. 2010

Our Freaky Friday Challenge 1/29 from Michelle

2010-01-29T07:24:00.000-08:00

"Keeping in line with the winter theme (cuz I’ve been having a blast with the BoBunny Snowy Serenade), let’s pull out our winter photos and make a winter layout. But wait…there’s a twist (cuz twists are fun, right?): use a non-traditional winter background color."

I used Cashmere as the background with BoBunny’s Snowy Serenade.

Technique Tuesday 1/26/2010

2010-01-28T17:43:00.000-08:00

A great Technique Turtorial from this week's Forum Fairy Michelle!

Since we’re in the middle of winter and I live in Alaska, I’ve been doing a few winter layouts (you should see one in a few days...hint, hint). I’ve had a blast with the BoBunny Snowy Serenade papers and embellies. A fun technique I learned a few years ago called Faux Suede can also double as textured snow. It really only takes cardstock and your fingers (although it’s easier with a tool like the score and fold!!!). Oh, and nice thick cardstock like Bazzill is AWESOME for this technique.
Curl a piece of cardstock between your thumb and your bone folder as if you were culing ribbon. Curl it in all directions until you see the corners start to separate. Stick your thumb nails between the two layers and slowly pull them apart. If you meet some resistance, curl your cardstock again. The more you work your cardstock, the easier it will separate

SEI Moravia

2010-01-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

I had a grand time and completed TONS of projects using of the November KOTM, which contained the Moravia paper line from SEI. I loved how all the rub-ons and accent pieces made it so easy to be so productive. I've even still got a bit of the papers and the Maya Road chipboard pieces left to play with another day!

First, I started with a layout for Cathy Zielske's "Design Your Life" class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking. I love the way it turned out...

Next, I scrapped some Thanksgiving pictures from a couple years ago:

Then I made some cards (remembering to put something on the insides as well...
This one measures 4" x 4," my new favorite card size.

And another...

And I even made a 10-page mini album! All I had to add was cardstock, ribbon, and a few baubles!

(To see the inside pages, click here: Inside Pages)

I love it when a kit gives me so much bang for my buck, don't you?

October Afternoon Report Card

2010-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!! After some computer issues I am finally able to post some fun cards based on October Afternoon's Report Card line. October Afternoon's papers always have such fun designs and they are so much fun to work with!!! This line is perfect any school related projects you may have, but the patterns are so fun, I thought I would make some cards that weren't school related just to show you the versatility of these papers. So without further ado, I present a fun little card set that will brighten up anyone's day!!!

Supplies:

October Afternoon Papers

October Afternoon Stickers

Bazzill Kraft

Bazzill Cream

Ribbon

Buttons

Twine

Texture Boutique

Maya Road Chipboard KeyChain

The Star card is made with a regular star template that I traced onto a 6x12 piece of cardstock folded in half. I then embellished it with lots of fun October afternoon stickers buttons and ribbon. I typed my sentiment out on the computer and cut it out for the card.

The Happy Face card is a regular 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" card that was made with scraps and pieced together on the card. Such a fun happy card for these grey days.

This simple and easy card is once again made using a regular 4 1/2 x 5 1/2 card base. I textured the white cardstock with the wonderful Texture Boutique and covered the Maya Road Chipboard with Patterned paper and outlined with a black marker.

Thanks for taking a look!!!
Kristii

Freaky Friday!!

2010-01-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Every year I set new goals for myself...the year I was 28 I actually made 28 goals for myself....but now that I'm older I don't use my age as wow..that's a lot of goals!! I try to make them something I KNOW I can achieve...lose 10lbs, read a book a week, spend more time with my boys...etc. So my challenge to you is to make a layout listing out those goals...things you want to accomplish this year. It's always fun to look back and see how your goals change from year to year!! Can't wait to see what you create!!

A little AC Junior for ya!!

2010-01-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

If you have boys this is the perfect paper set for you!! Talk about fun, bright and versatile!! This line is by American Crafts and is called simply...Junior!! Here are a couple layouts I whipped up using it!!

For this layout I also used the Kaiser Kraft Fozz Felt (which is the product of the week!). I love that the fozz felt comes in a wide strip which makes it so easy to use. As you can see...I used the star felt and cut just a small strip out of the design...makes the perfect little accent!! I also use the Bazzill In Stitchez Granny Stitches template to create my stitched zig zags.

And notice how different of topics these two layouts are...but isn't the paper perfect for both?? This one I used the number background as the base of my page...I thought it was perfect since I was doing a birthday layout!! I then used the flip side of another pattern (the great thing about these papers is the flip side is a solid matching color!) to make the scallop strip down the page! Again I used the Granny Stitchez (so going to have to get more of these!!).

Super fun paper....and just perfect for those boy pages...it's so hard to find papers that are so boy...but these are totally it!! :)

Technique Tuesday

2010-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Today I'm going to show you how to make fun dimensional flowers using your scallop punches.

I use 2 different sizes...the 2" and the 1.5". I punch out my paper using each punch..so I have 2 scallops. I then take the larger one and cut the 'petals'...I cut a heart shape...just slice every two notches...and then I bend the 'hearts' together...almost in half...and just bend all the petals upward. (you'll see what I mean once you try it)

Then with the smaller one I cut a slit on every scallop...and fold these all inward a bit.

Then I just attach the smaller one to the larger one...fan out all the petals a bit so they can curl up...add a fun button to the center and voila!!

I love doing this with different colors and textures of paper!!

Have Fun! Jenn :)

LOTW 01/02/2010

2010-01-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Laura Lee!!! We loved yout layout and getting to peek inside your "scrappy" room!!!!
I loved the lime green with black, just Beautiful!!!!
by:C Mercer

a Challenge to Take You into Ten!

2009-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Holiday Cards.....as scrappers, we try to make them every year - and it seems that if we send "store bought" ones, people are disappointed. I love getting cards and I use them as part of my holiday decorations hanging them around my wall openings. Each year they are different - I get religious ones, wintery ones, very country themed, very chic-chic ones and lots with photos. It kills me to throw them away, so I have started a tradition, and every year I create a layout with bits and pieces of the holiday greeting cards I receive.

This year I got very lucky with the long Santa card that said "Believe", which I used as my focal point. Lucky again, with the big cut out star .....most of the other pieces measure 2 inches by 2 inches, so that's a good starting point - don't forget the messages inside the cards or the signatures of the senders...I used Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses for this layout, with matching Epoxy Stickers, Die Cuts and Layered Pops. I also added some Prima Crystals Swirls ans Stickles to jazz it up a bit.
Have fun with this! I always do!
Wishing you a Wonderful 2010 filled with Beautiful, Scrappable Memories!
Dee

Member Spotlight December / Deidre Donat

2009-12-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. I am divorced but have been in a wonderful relationship for 10 years. I have three daughters and seven grandchildren who definitely keep me hoppin’ and keep me in pictures and stories to tell. I used to have a Nail Salon, but decided that I could not breathe the acrylic so I went to college as an adult, got a few degrees and became a counselor. Listening to people tell me their stories was a major part for choosing that career. My “day job” is counseling college students at Adelphi university and teaching classes in counseling and human behavior. I live on Long Island which is a beautiful place – known for it’s coastal beaches (which I love) – and high taxes and lots of traffic (which I hate)!

2. How and when did you start scrap booking? I have always had a love of paper – new books, stationery, cards…and I was mesmerized in the scrapbook aisles of Michael’s but I never did anything about it until my middle daughter put together a Susan Branch scrapbook kit when she got engaged…so that started me off….and you know where that led! It was about 9 years ago.

3. How would you describe your scrap booking style? I am still learning big time – I don’t really think I have hit upon a style yet…I tend toward more linear stuff and like little groupings of elements that I call “funsies” – a piece of trim, buttons, flowers.

4. How often do you journal ? Is it important to you? I journal on every LO, and I am a big fan of journaling around the photo . I have a hard time deciding where to include the journaling in the design.
5. Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )? I do now, but it is a tiny room and not “formally” a scrap room – I would love cabinets and a counter top so I could organize and have lot of room to spread out – I am a messy scrapper. Oh, and LIGHT.., I would love some good light!
6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap? That’s any easy one – my ATG. I don’t think I could scrap without it – and I love chipboard and flowers, buttons and Thickers – I definitely am a lumpy scrapper for the most part.
7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...? I would say it’s always the paper – as an addict, I need every new line that comes out…which often causes a struggle because I really don’t have the photos.
8. Are you a scrapper or an artist? I have always been “artsy” – I think I inherited that from my mother…and I am a Pisces and they are very artistic…so I would say artist.

by: C. Mercer

Simple Pleasures by 3 Bugs in a Rug

2009-12-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

Simple Pleasures describes this layout perfect!! What a great day this was-even if it was hard to get everyone to smile!!I used Bazzill cardstock along with the 3 Bugs in a Rug/Simple Pleasures paper set. Maya Road supplied the chipboard word. I added the Simple Pleasures stickers along the side of the photo. Love how it came out.

On this layout I used the same paper set and added some Primas and used the EK Success border punch on the edges. I don't know how I scrapbooked without this punch before-I find I'm reaching for it more and more!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful NEW YEAR!!!

by:C. Mercer

Takin' it toTen Challenge # 4

2009-12-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

My challenge for this week is really "simple" with one "twist". Scrap a layout using a 5" x 7" photo and the "twist"- use cardstock or pattern paper the color of your eyes!!! Have fun with this one!!!! by: C. Mercer

Use up those Scraps!!!!

2009-12-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

I just can't believe it's already 2 days past Christmas!!! You make all those preparations to get ready for the Big Day and it all goes by soooo quickly!! Like me, I imagine that you have lots of Christmasy patterned paper laying around your scraproom that you just can't bear to throw away...well I have great news for you!! I have an easy card pattern that will use up those scraps and it will make a great Thank You card as well!! I used some Merrymint papers from American Crafts that I had laying on my scrap table and they were perfect for this project!!!

This card starts with a standard 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" base. Add a 2 x 5 1/2" strip over the fold and you have the start of a cute little card. Stamp some cute images on your base and add some embellies and you have the perfect Thank You Card for after the holidays!!!

I stamped some basic snowflakes and a sentiment on the Kraft Card Base...by the way Kraft paper is one of my all-time papers to use as card bases and you can find it at AC Bailey!!!

I stamped the sentiment on some scrap paper and I cut it out to use as a mask. I adhered the mask to the card base with removable adhesive.

I stamped the tree images over the masked sentiment with clear embossing ink and some clear glittered embossing powder and used the heat gun to set it.

Then I peeled off the mask and added all the embellishments and it looks like it took you hours to make a special thank you note for your friends and loved ones!! Only you will be all the wiser!!

I hope you have a ton of fun using up your scraps!!!!

Kristii

Layout of the Week 12/26/2009

2009-12-26T04:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Elisabeth!!

So many wonderful things in the gallery, it was a hard decision, but I just loved these tags that Elisabeth made - she made 2 sets, so check out the gallery for the other three!

The Day After...

2009-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Whew!! The hustle and bustle of the holiday is officially over....we can all breathe now!! No more last minute projects to create or gifts to wrap....sooooooo....now is the time to settle down and just scrap!! Here is a sketch to get your creative juices flowing!!

And here is my layout using this sketch....feel free to change it up and make it your own. I can't wait to see what you do with it so make sure to post in the gallery or link us in the comments!! Play along!! --Jenn :)

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

All of us at ACBailey would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy Christmas! Enjoy this time with family and friends - with many happy moments....to turn into layouts in the New Year!

Erica and the Design Team

Altered Date Books

2009-12-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

A fast and inexpensive gift you can create in minutes!! I bought these Date Books for under $1 apiece!
Supplies:
Inexpensive Date Books
Patterned Paper and/or Bazzill
Embellishments
Cheetah

If applicable, remove vinyl cover from Date Book. Open Date Book and flatten down at center and measure length and width, leaving a bit extra width to accomodate for the fold. Cut to size using a paper trimmer. Take a 2 inch Cheetah and apply adhesive on cover of book, making sure that all the edges are covered completely with adhesive. For this datebook I used Bazzill.

Once the Date Book is completely covered with adhesive, carefully place the cardstock or patterned paper over the cover and press down to cover the Date Book with the new paper. Make sure that the spine of the book is adhered well. Fold the Date Book and trim any paper that is not exactly flush with the edges of the Date Book. Now comes the fun part - embellish as desired. I made a bunch of these for the ladies I work with, using Thickers to monogram. Once completed slide Date Book back into vinyl cover.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Sww

Welcome to Day 5!!!

2009-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

This is a fast, fun and oh "so cute" project that everyone can use. Making to do lists and grocery lists are just two of the many lists I make. I'm always looking for something to write on to start a list. You will need these supply's to get started.

4"x12" sheet of patterned paper
3 1/2" x3" coordinating patterned paper -for front flap
embellishment and trim
legal size notepad cut in thirds (office supply place can do this for you) If not cut your own paper 3 3/4" x 11 3/4"

Instructions:
1. cut patterned paper 4"x12"
2. cut front flap 3 1/2" x 3"
3. adhere back of notepad to cardstock
4. fold front flap in half and adhere it over
the front part of the notepad
5. tie a ribbon on and embellish to your
liking

This is what your finished notepad for lists looks like!! What a great gift this will make for all of those gift giving occassions. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 4 and project #4-
If you are anything like me you always "think" you are done your shopping and then find a few more people you ought to give a little something to,...well, then-this project is for you!
These are fast and fun to make.

I call it Snowman Soup Cards!

You will need to gather your supplies.

For each card you will need an 8.5x11 colored piece of card stock
A piece of white card stock
A printed verse (I also used white cardstock for this)
scissors
Winter stamps and inks
pop dots
corner rounder
sticky adhesive to seal mug
ribbon
a package of cocoa
a candy cane

Verse:
Was told you've been real good this year
Always glad to hear it
With freezing weather drawing near
You'll need to warm the spirit
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick
Just add hot water, sip it slow
It's sure to do the trick!

I usually make these in batches so I stamp and color several images (snowman here)

I also print out a whole sheet of verses and cut apart, rounding corners
To make this card you trace the template image (or draw freehand as I did here) the mug and outline for tag mat.

Trace onto your colored card stock and cut- note that the center dashed line is a FOLD line.
Place sticky adhesive around the edges of the "non-handle" mug front and fold on fold line matching edges to create mug card.

Using opaque white ink stamp an image onto the mug, I used a snowflake here.
Remember to stamp the front AND the back.

Cut out the verse and adhered to coordinating color tag mat.

punch a hole in the right edge to attach to card/mug "handle"
Cut out a stamped image (snowman) and adhere to mug front with pop dots.
place a cocoa and candy cane inside, tie on tag with matching ribbon.

Enjoy!

Gingerbread Man Banner

2009-12-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

There's only five days left until Christmas and today I have a fun little Gingerbread Man Banner for you to make!!

Supplies Needed:
Chipboard
Cardstock

Patterned Paper
Border Punch
Ink
Jute
Ribbon
Buttons
Embellishments

1. Cut 3 stars out of Chipboard and Cardstock.

2. Glue cardstock stars to chipboard bases.
3. Cut stars out of patterned paper and then cut all the points off of the star as shown and distress with ink.
4. Trace the inside of the star onto your choice of corresponding patterned paper.

4. Cut ¾ inch strips of patterned paper and punch with a border punch and distress with ink.

5. Attach the border strips and the star points to each of the stars as shown.

6. Add stitching with an American Crafts Slick Writer.

7. Trace Gingerbread Man onto Craft Cardstock and Ink.

Embellish Gingerbread Men with ribbons and buttons. Glue to stars.
Add sentiment: I used the Jillibean Corrugated Kraft Alphas.
Add any embellishments of your choice.
String together with Jute and add ribbons and smaller cardboard and cardstock stars.
Patterns for the Gingerbread Man and the Stars will be available in the forum.

Enjoy!!!!
Kristii

Snowman Ornaments!

2009-12-19T07:54:00.000-08:00

For the 6th day till Christmas my Dallas helped me make...

2 Snowman Ornaments to put on the tree!

These were so easy! I just took the shapes from the Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked Ornaments pack

Covered them with a scrap of white I found...

Stickled the the scarf and the candy cane...

Put them together and viola!

(I used my Crop a Dile to punch the holes for the ribbons to hang them on the tree too :)

Have a Happy Christmas!!
Erica

Post It Note Holder

2009-12-17T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a cute and quick to put together last minute gift...easily made out of scraps, but this one features PennyRoyale by Kaisercraft.

Supplies:
2 pieces of chipboard 3 1/2" x 3 1/2 " (Coasters are great for this!)
2 pieces patterned paper 4 1/4" x 4 1/4"
2 pieces cardstock or patterned paper 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"
1 piece of cardstock 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
1 16" piece of ribbon
Embellishments

Instructions:
1. Cover 2 pieces of chipboard cover with patterned paper (4 1/2 size) overlapping to back.

2. Cover the inside of chipboard with 3 1/4 size paper
3. Score 2 1/2 inch cardstock vertically - this will be the spine of the cover.

4. Run adhesive along the ribbon in the center only, leaving 4" on each end without adhesive and adhere to spine.
5. Flip the spine and run adhesive on the inside edge 3/4" on each side

6. Adhere the post-it-note to the inside of the back cover.
7. Line up the front and the back covers and pinch together

8. Apply the spine to the covers
9. Close and tie the ribbon
10. Embellish!

Hope you have fun with this! I sure did and it is an easy and fun gift to make and receive!

Dee

Freaky Friday Challenge and Layout Of the Week

2009-12-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone!!! Hooray for Friday. It wasn't too long ago we were shopping on Black Friday and now here it is already the 11th of December...where is the time going?? AC Bailey had a wonderful red and green sale on Black Friday and I am hoping you all took advantage of it because this Friday's Challenge is to scrap a page or project using Red and Green!!! Have fun everyone!!!

Freaky Friday Challenge 12/11/2009

Color Challenge: Use Red and Green in your layout or Project!!!

Here is my take on the challenge:

Have fun everyone!!!

Layout of the Week!!!

Congratulations goes out to Debbies for her take on the Random Craziness Challenge.

Her design fit the theme of the challenge perfectly and I just love her patchwork design!

Way to go Debbies!!! You rocked the Challenge!!

That was fun!!! I just love this time of the week!! Keep adding your work to the gallery girls!!

You never know when your work may be chosen as the Layout of the Week!!!

Wishing you all a wonderfully scrappy weekend!!!

Kristii

Quick and Easy Cards Featuring Bella Blvd. December Details

2009-12-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

If you are anything like me, you are in a crunch for time. You would love to give away homemade cards to your friends and family, but you just don’t have the time. Well, I have good news for you!!! Each of these cards can be put together in literally 5 minutes. Bella Blvd. has done the hard work in putting together a cute sticker sheet and a Bits A Bella tag sheet that will help embellish your cards in no time!! So get out your supplies and get to work and you will have 3 cards in less than an hour.

Supplies:

Bella Blvd. December Details Paper Set

Bella Blvd. December Details Sticker Sheet

2 White Cardstock sheets cut into (3) 5 ½” x 8 ½” pieces and folded in half

Ribbon

Lace

Buttons

Twine

Holly Leaves if desired

Adhesives

Corner Rounder

Border Punch

Assorted Kaiser Craft rhinestones

Card #1

1. Cut Patterned paper to 5 ¼” x 3”

2. Cut Patterned paper to 5 ¼” x 1 ¼” and punch with a decorative punch.

3. Cover seam with ribbon

4. Embellish with stickers, ribbon, button, twine and rhinestones.

Card #2

1. Cut patterned paper to 3" x 4 1/2".

2. Round corners.

3. Embellish with lace, stickers, rhinestones and twine.

Card #3

1. Cut patterned paper to 2 ½” x 3 ¾”.

2. Cut patterned paper to 1 ¾” x 3 ¾”.

3. Embellish with lace, sticker, ribbon, and holly if desired.

Wishing you a very happy Holiday Season,

Kristii

Freaky Friday Challenge AND Layout of the Week!!

2009-12-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

Boy...I totally skipped this yesterday. *slaps head* But here it is!!

*sigh* I miss my grama. this will be my 2nd Christmas without her. My 6th without my great aunt Ethel and my 8th without my grampa Foran. Holidays are all about family....and it seems that it always brings out my longing for the ones that aren't with us. My challenge for you this week is to create a layout about someone or something you miss. It could be your child's baby days or even a high school friend....or it could be about your grama or great aunt Ethel! Can't wait to see how you interpret this challenge!!

And..the layout of the week wasn't actually a layout!! With all the Jingle Bell Blog Hop projects being uploaded (which the gallery totally rocks...you should check it out!!)...I kept looking at Michelle's amazing altered clipboard!! You can see it HERE!!

November Kit of the Month

2009-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

December you say? What? Really? Okay..well I know it's December...but I wanted to share with you all some of the creations I made using he November kit of the month. Hopefully you haven't used yours all up yet and can find some inspiration!

I have to admit...when I received my kit I was a little hesitant to cut up the papers!! And unless you see these guys in person you won't understand. *sigh* The papers are totally dreaming...with a little flocking and a little foiling...they are gorgeous!! But I did manage to slice them up a bit although it did bring a small tear to my eye. OH and did I mention that the kit came with a super fun sketch? I didn't? Well...it did!! And this first layout is based on that fun sketch. This is my daddy....when he was about 2...was he not the cutest little guy?

everything from the kit except the ribbon (from my stash) and the thickers....puffy chestnut. (my absolute favorite ones ever!!)

And then I thought these papers would be perfect for the layout I wanted to create about Mathew planting the tree he brought home from school one day!! And wouldn't you know it...after I've been done with the layout I wondered...isn't that what the day is called? Arbor Day?? When people plant trees?? Well I hope so because my title is SO THERE!! :) I made a little pocket behind the photos to tuck the How to Plant a Tree instructions. And that's my little brother helping Mathew. :)

Again...used those puffy chestnut thickers. Yummy!! The Tim Holtz tag was from my stash as were the brads and the ribbon.

I loved the rubons that came with this kit...they were so versatile!! And I've always wanted to try the whole rubon on something besides paper thing. So I did!! I had an extra frosted glass Glade candle...so figured I would give it a whirl. And it even matches my bedding in my bedroom!! Super huh??

Oh and the fun didn't stop there..oh no sir-ee. :) I thought the papers would be perfect to make up some cards too!! I had fun just piecing together some of my scraps from the layouts!! They are super simple..but I love them! I really loved the phrase of one of the rubons...it says...a friend is a gift we give ourselves. Isn't that sweet??

Well hope you found a bit of inspiration...and hope you have a stellar Wednesday!! -Jenn :)

Tuesday Technique!!

2009-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there!! Jenn here!! :) Have you ever been at a crop and in desperate need of a scallop?? But nothing with you...no scallop chipboard piece to trace or a Bazzill edge or a Scallop punch?? And the layout you are working on just cannot go on until it has that perfect scallop? Are you hyperventilating just reading this?? I KNOW you have been there!! :)

Well look through your little tool caddy...surely you will find a simple corner rounder. Do you see it?? Kinda near the bottom? Ahhh yes...there it is!! :) (I haven't tried but I'm going to...but I think you could even make this work with a whale corner punch)which would be SUPER cool because you could really make some neat borders!!)

So I use the EK corner punch...just have to take the guard off.

Next I take my strip of paper and start near the top. I punch my first corner. Then I line the punch up (I flip it over so I can see it) and line the one corner up to the edge of the punched corner. Don't overlap the corners and don't let the empty space of the punched edge show in your punch. I know it sounds bizarre...adn hard to explain...but try it a couple times. It's definately takes a couple of punches before you get the groove of it. Which is why I always start with a longer strip than I need!! :)

After your border is punched you can use a simple hole punch to make that threading water punch look that everyone loves!!

And VOILA! Your completed border!! :) I hope you give it a whirl...lemme know how you did!! :) And I'll try to update and see if it works with the whale punch!!

Layout of the Week 11/28

2009-11-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Rhonda!!!! I loved all the stars and the border on this layout, but

what I loved the most was the message!!! Great job!!!

Freaky Friday Challenge 11/27

2009-11-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

My challenge is scrapbook your favorite Thanksgiving/Christmas/Holiday recipe or dish. Have fun with it!!!! -
Connie

Here is mine:

Member Spotlight-Emma Hicks

2009-11-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Hello My Name is Emma Hicks. I am married to the love of my life. We have shared 24 wonderful years that include three kids and four grandchildren. I would not trade one day of my last 24 years for anything. My Family and all that we have been through have made me who I am today. Me and my husband are empty nesters so when we got lonely we got two pure black Poms and a Blue Heeler, which keep up busy. I am working at the local Wal-Mart on the graveyard shift. I hate to admit it but I love my job, I just am not thrilled about the hours.
2. How and when did you start scrap booking? In late 2006 I was invited to a small local crop, from there I was hooked. I even quit smoking to fund my scrapbooking. My husband says I traded one addition for another.
3. How would you describe your scrap booking style? My style is anything goes. Well as long as it turn out...LOL!! I keep experimenting with different ideas, looking for something way cool… sometimes I get it right some time well, I don’t talk about those times. I find myself at present working with vintage and earthy colors. I still love the worn inked look and I love to add interesting pieces to my work, it could be metal jewelry components, or bits of fun memorabilia. It goes without saying Tim Holtz is my scrapbooking hero. I absolutely love his style.
4. How often do you journal? Is it important to you? I don’t journal as often as I should. I seem to let the title tell the story. I have journaled on the back or used hidden journaling, but for the most part, I am lazy in this area.
5. Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )? Oh yes I do thank God. If I did to the kitchen what I did to this room my DH would move out...I am a messy scrapper with each project the mess grows until I am forced to clean, I have bought everything needed to organize myself but then I can’t find what I need so it is all out on the table.
6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap? I would have to say my Cricut spatula, the dental pick that come in the Cricut tool kit, my sanding block and my Bind-It-All. The spatula, for removing or repositioning anything on my layout's, the dental pick for setting letters and small item like bling on my layouts, my sanding block for giving everything an aged effect and the Bind-It All, for binding all the albums I make- which has become my passion.

7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...? The paper. I have a paper fetish. I LOVE paper and I am always on the look out for a good deal. Like At AC Bailey if you buy 25 sheet the same color of the Bazzill you save 30% . So I never buy less than 25 of the colors I use the most.
8. Are you a scrapper or an artist? Good question.. I think I am a little of both with some free will thrown in. I call myself a Scrapper but I always have to put that artsy touch on everything - ink or paint, glossy accents or crackle accents, dimensional paints or stickles. I have to add the finishing touches that make it artsy. So I guess I start off with a basic color pallet and end with an artsy flair.
P.S.
I do have to say that I owe a lot of my scrapping free will to AC Bailey for allowing a newbie scrapper to be on the DT team, I learned a lot from trying the new products that Erica put in the DT Kit. Some of these Items I would never of tried if not for my DT position. I remember some months looking in the box and scratching my head thinking what am I going to do with this… But it always came together. Some months I rocked it, other well we won’t go there. But all in all my style evolved over the year I was on the DT.

by:C. Mercer

Sassafras Lass/Monstrosity

2009-11-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

I love scrapbooking with the Sassafrass Lass line of products. This collection is so vintage it takes me back to my childhood. The bright colors and fun "little monster" people add some fun to the layouts. The borders on the bottom of the patterned paper are great embellishments to add under photos or along the side of the paper.

I used the bright colored thickers by American crafts to add the title. Another thing I like to do on my layouts is ink the edges. My favorite ink is Powder Puff by Quick Quotes. I use this on all my projects!!

On the last layout I hand stitched a border along the side using the "in stitch'z" template. I love the look of hand stitching on a layout, it gives the layout such a home-spun feel. Thanks for stopping in today and hope you are inspired!!
by: C. Mercer

Technique Tuesday 11/24

2009-11-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

I love making these pocket cards. They are easy and so cute. You can put a gift card in the pocket or goodies!!

Cast of Characters:
Kraft Kutz round die cut paper
scrap from Sassafras Lass/Monstrosity
stickers/SL Monstrosity
jute or hemp

Directions:
1. cut round die cut paper in half.
2. leave a 4" space in the middle-so the card will fit.
3. score at 4" and 8" on die cut paper.
4. fold sides in toward the middle.
5. overlap one side over the other.
6. tag is about 2" x 2" - punch hole in top for jute.
7. card size is 3 3/4"x5 3/4" - punch hole in top for jute.
8. finish decorating the card and front to your liking.

Layout of the Week 11/ 21/2009

2009-11-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Connie's layout "5of our Blessings" literally blew me away this week! The design, the colors, the elements, the layering and trims....definitely a layout that belongs in a magazine...so take a good look now because I expect that eventually we will see an "out for publication" sign. Congratulations Connie on a gorgeous layout!

Jingle Bell Hop

2009-11-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the AC Bailey Jingle Bell Hop!
With the holidays literally around the corner, the AC Bailey Design Team has decided to help Santa (and you) out this year with some fun and easy projects to help make the holiday gift season a bit easier. And just like Santa, we've also gotten some extra help this year and asked some additional elves to help out and post some of their cool projects too! And if that isn't enough help...we've also arranged for some early Black Friday Sales just in case you need some products to get the projects completed.

So come out and meet our Elves...check out their projects...leave a comment on their blogs and be eligible for a prize - upload some of your completed projects from any of the tutorials into the AC Bailey Gallery and be eligible for another prize!
**Projects need to be completed and uploaded into the gallery by Tuesday, November 24th at Midnight Eastern to be eligible for a prize.

Each blogger will link to the next blogger.....
Start with Dee
then go and meet Connie and then after that Lisa.....then go see Kristii. Follow that with a visit to Jenn and then to Cindy and then on to Zenita. After that stop by and see Amy and finish off with Christina

Jingle Bell Hop!

2009-11-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Join us this weekend for another AC Bailey Blog Hop!

Featuring blogs from some of our Fantastic Forum Members!!

Start here and hop around to get some great ideas for Christmas Decor, Cards and Gifts!

Starting Friday night at 7pm EST

Happy Hopping!

alittle Indian Summer

2009-11-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

Fall on Long Island was very strange this year....we had a week of really cold weather and then it got warm again - much like an Indian Summer. I think though, that some of the beautiful fall colors that we normally get were diminshed because of the weather. We had a few nor'easters too, which blew the leaves off the trees before they even had a chance to turn - and even now, we have trees that are completely bare, some that are just turning and even some that are green! This was one of the toughest falls to get some good photos.
The usual pretty trees on campus were stubborn and would not turn color and the time I needed to get my LOs done. I got really lucky with Fall[en] Angel. One of the sororities was having a Halloween event and as I was walking around campus I saw this "angel" sitting in front of the library. This Basic Grey Indian Summer was fun to work with....the beautiful burgundies and subtle leaf shadings were prefect for this LO - I also used the transparency that came with the Take Notes to give my photo a bit of an accent. The cork letters were from may stash .

When I first started scrapbooking color blocking was a techniques that was very popular. Since the majority of my fall photos were not wonderful, being able to use bits and pieces and showcase one really good photo was easy using that technique. Using Bazzill for the background, I used small pieces of the Indian Summer patterned paper and some die cuts. I love having the coordinating die cuts because they just finish off the LO so nicely and whatever you have left can be used on cards and tags..... wishing you a colorful Fall and a Happy Thanksgiving - remember to scrap those moments!
Dee

Technique Tuesday 11/19

2009-11-17T03:25:00.000-08:00

Ranger Misters and Perfect Pearls
Everyone who knows me, knows that I love flowers, on layouts as well as on cards. With the holiday season approaching, I like to add a bit of a festive glow to my flowers without the fuss and muss of glitter. How is that accomplished?? Easy peasy - grab your Ranger Mini Mister, fill with water and add some Perfect Pearls to your water and shake well. You will have instant glitz for masking and to jazz up your flowers. I sprayed a beige Prima Sprite and viola! Subtle sparkle without the glittery mess! Now, another little trick I learned from Wendy Vecci at CHA - you can make lovely watercolor designs on your embellishments by taking an ink pad and rubbing it onto your non-stick Craft Mat and then spraying the ink with your pearlized water - then gently lay your embellishment onto the beaded ink and you will have 2 colors and some glitz. You can also put some ink into your pearlized water - re-inkers work really well - alcohol inks are fabulous, but in a pinch you can always get a Q-Tip really inked and stick it in the water and you will still get decent color. I really put alot of color into the mister to make this plum color - with deep colors you can use the tinted mister water to make a mask.
Have fun with this!
Dee

Product of the Week 11/15/2009

2009-11-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

FLOWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love using flowers on layouts and cards....they come in all shapes and sizes and colors - they can be cut, crinkled, inked, stamped, embossed and embellished - and what fun picking out a pretty brad or using Stickles, a button or Dimensional Pearls for the center.....and the Petaloos even have a tiny rhinestone.
And the BEST thing??? They are 10% off this week.
...and we have LOTS of them here at ACB!
- Dee

Use code NOV15 to get your discount :)

LOTW 11/14

2009-11-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

TOUGH choice - there have been some FANTASTIC layouts posted in the gallery this week! I wish I could pick several, but there can only be one.

My eye kept being drawn by this layout because it is so bright and colorful - the colors just SING! - and because I think it is such a clever way to use up scraps. So my choice for this week is Alyssa's Crazy Boy

Congratulations, Alyssa!

Freaky Friday 11/13

2009-11-14T06:23:00.000-08:00

Time for another Freaky Friday Challenge! We've all got the holidays on our minds, and many of us are in the throes of preparing our homes for the hungry masses. Make a page documenting these holiday preparations. Post your page in the gallery, then link back to the forum. Have fun!

This page uses the BG Indian Summer line, Thickers (recognize them?), Bazzill chips, and Rock Candy.

3 Bugs Simple Pleasures

2009-11-11T02:35:00.000-08:00

This paper line has been so interesting and fun to work with, because it's so versatile! With so many different color combinations at work in one paper set, you can achieve many different moods with your projects. Take for example, the patterned papers I used to make this card: The bright colors are fun and playful, and have a cheery, feminine feel to them.
This card also uses the new Prima Sprites, which, by the way, I *HEART!* They come in a variety of colors and you get assorted sizes in the cute little package they come in.

This card is from the same paper set, but has a darker, more masculine tone to them. I used the American Crafts Large Sentiments stamp set for the greeting.

Finally, take a look at this layout. The colors and patterns all work together to pull off such a warm, fall mood. This was a fun one to put together, with all the layers and images cut from the patterned papers.

Thanks for stopping by today. If you feel inspired by these projects, you can pick up all these goodies and more in the AC Bailey store!

Toodles!
Lisa

Technique Tuesday 11/10

2009-11-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

Altered Thickers - Lisa Harris

Materials
Chipboard or foam Thickers
2 shades of acrylic paint
Foam paintbrush and/or sponge
Drywall tape
Ranger Rock Candy Distress Paint
Wax paper

Step 1: On wax paper, spell out your title. As you can see, I had to “borrow” a couple of letters of a different color – this doesn’t matter, because you’re going to be painting them anyway.

Step 2: Paint letters with base color, let dry.

Step 3: Lay strip of drywall tape over letters and sponge on top color, let dry.

Step 4: Coat with Rock Candy Distress Paint, let dry.

Step 5: Apply to layout! Voila!

Product of the Week 11/8

2009-11-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

They're fun - they come in all kinds of shapes, fonts, colors, and finishes. They can even be altered to suit your layouts. What am I talking about? Gail's favorite of course (and mine!) - Thickers!

They're also on sale this week - 10% off! Check 'em out!
Use code NOV8 to get your discount.

And check out this LO. I used chalk on white foam Thickers to get a tie-dyed effect that goes great with the patterned papers. Super easy!

Lisa
_________________
formerly "KwiteKreative"

Freaky Friday Challenge 11/6

2009-11-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving means left overs and the same thing is true with scrapbooking!! I have tons of left overs... So create a LO using your "scraps"!!!
Post in gallery and link back here by next Thursday. Have fun and use up those scraps!!

_________________
Connie
Consultant/DT Member

LOTW 11/7/2009

2009-11-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

What a unique layout this is!!! I kept going back to it. You could add a photo to it or just the journaling. Absolutely loved it!!!! Congrats Kimmer!!!

Jenni Bowlin / Front Porch is in the house!!

2009-11-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't wait to get the Jenni Bowlin /Front Porch paper set in my hands!!! I love everything about it. The colors are perfect for "fall" and need I say the vintage appeal it has, really gets me in the creative mood. I love adding the Jenni bingo cards to projects. The patterned paper is attached to the clip board and then I sanded the edges and inked them. The ribbon board is a 5"x5" square covered with a coordinating paper. I criss-crossed the felt trim so you could use it as a bulletin board. The note pad is just backed with coordinating Jenni paper. This is a fun project and what a perfect Christmas gift it would make!!

This layout did "catch me by surprise". By cutting the middle out of the Jenni Bowlin die cut paper and putting the two ends together it gave a unique effect. I added a half circle to the top, to add some beautiful "vintage" color to the layout. If you would like to play with some Jenni products, AC Bailey has what you need. You can find them here .
http://www.acbaileydesigns.net/category_s/76.htm
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!!
by :C. Mercer

Technique Tuesday 11/03/2009

2009-11-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

My mind has been on end of the year activities for my customers and I'm thinking of doing an open house or "free" crop for my customers and I want a "goody" for them-but something that will "work" for me also. Calendars are routinely given out at the end of the year for the next year - so that's my idea!

Cast of characters:
cardstock 3 3/4" x 4 1/2"
patterned paper ( I used Lime Ricky) 4"x 4 3/4"
hemp or twine, ribbon
large button
calendar
Thickers ( for year)

Directions:
1. Go to time and date.com and create a calendar
2. Pick out papers and photos or business cards.
3. Cut cardstock, patterned paper and calendars to size.
4. Edge patterned paper with scallop edge or one of your choice.
5. Use crop-a -dile or hole punch to make a hole in center top part ( to hang)
6. Use hemp, ribbon or twine to attach button - for hanger
7. Add year with Thickers

Put these by their seat, in a bowl in the center of your table or drop down in a goody bag. You could also put a free crop coupon, or % off product on the back.

I had fun making these and can't wait to give them out!
Connie

Product of the Week 11/01/2009

2009-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Tim Holtz Distress Inks are a collection of twenty-four acid-free, non-toxic, fade resistant, water-based dye inks. They’re perfect for the new vintage, stained, aged effect crafters are creating in their altered books, scrapbook pages, cards and paper craft projects. Tim selected the colors and helped develop these inks to produce a realistic, weathered look on paper, photos and decorative fibers. All the colorful Distress Inks afford added versatility when photo tinting and color layering with the original, award winning tones. The 2" x 2" pads are made with a higher raised felt for easier use with direct to paper techniques.

• Acid free
• Non-toxic
• Fade Resistant
• New Higher Felt
• Raised 2" x 2" Pads
• Water-based Dye Inks

10% off this week! Use code NOV1

LOTW 10/31

2009-10-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVED this layout the first time I saw it...I just love it all..the picture is super sweet...the colors are fantastic and the little bit of bling sure makes it pop!! Congrats Destinae for being Layout of the Week!!

Jenn

Freaky Friday!!

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning scrappers!! Jenn here! It's a true freaky friday since it's the day before Halloween!! :)
For this weeks Freaky Friday Challenge I want you all to dig deep into that stash of pictures. I mean....REALLY deep!! I want you to scrap a layout about YOU on Halloween!! It could be from when you were a child or even a past Halloween in 'witch' you dressed up!! So go through those pictures...dust them off and scrap that layout!! Here is one I did of myself...I am guessing it was about 1984 or 1985....I was so excited to be a punk rocker...Madonna and Cindi Lauper were all the rage. :) I wore my mom's shirt and she tied a silk scarf around my waist and I got to wear makeup for the very first time. Needless to say...I thought I was WAY cool!! :) Can't wait to see YOUR pictures!! :)

supplies include:
3 Bugs Simple Pleasures paper
Simple Pleasures cardstock pack
3 Bugs Simple Pleasures Die Cuts
thickers Chestnut
KI Memories letters
tickets from boysmamaxtwo.etsy
Ranger Distress Walnut Stain
brown sharpie

A little October Afternoon Report Card!!

2009-10-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey there...Jenn here!! Well tomorrow is Parent/Teacher conferences for me...I have a 2nd and a 4th grader!! They are both really bright...for that I'm so thankful and blessed!! I love getting report cards....the anticipation to see those great marks and atta boys' from the teachers!! So I felt it was only natural for this time of year to use the wonderful papers from the October Afternoon Report Card collection!! I also used the Journaling Cards and Shape Stickers for these projects!! Hope you enjoy!!

I won't post the first layout I did...as it was just posted here on Sunday!! :) But...I did this simple layout detailing the letter that Mathew received from Lego Magazine after submitting a photo of his creation! I was so impressed that they actually do that for all the kids....what a way to make them feel super important!! Notice the stitching on the side!! :)

And since it is Parent Teachers...I always try to give the teacher a little gift. :) I made Auston's teacher a little set of notecards that I thought would be perfect for her to hand out to students on their stellar days!!

And another gift for his teacher....but I think it would be the funnest make and take and am already planning it for my next crop. Super easy too!! Just grab an old cardboard box (I used the inside of a priority mailing box!!)...and rip it so a little bit of the corrugation shows up!! Next just scrap a mini sized layout on top of the cardboard...although I think it would be fun to put a little paint on it as well!! Punch a couple holes on the top...tie with a pretty ribbon and voila!! Easy peasy. I think the girls at my crop will love this little project...and it can be used for anything!! :) I would love to see what you create...so make sure to post a link here in the comment section so I can take a peek!! :) Have a fantastic week!!

Member Spotlight-Kristi Lockart

2009-10-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
My sweetie and I have been married for 25 years and we live in the Gallatin Valley in beautiful Southwestern Montana. Yellowstone National Park is about an hour and a half away and we love taking road trips to see all the wildlife and beauty in the Park. We have three amazing children. Bethany, our oldest, and Matt have been married for three years. They live in the Seattle area and they have a cute little Yorktese puppy named Lola. Heidi lives close to home and attends Montana State University and is majoring in Nutrition. Benjamin still lives at home, well at least for the next seven months. He is a senior at our local high school, is enlisted in the National Guard, and he loves soccer and skiing. I work in our local high school library and I have been a consultant for AC Bailey since March of this year.
2. How and when did you start scrap booking?
I have always been crafting in one form or another. I started paper crafting with a friend of mine who sold Stampin Up products. I made cards exclusively as I figured that scrapbooking would end up costing me more than I wanted to spend. When my oldest was nearing graduation, I thought it would be fun to make an album of her high school years. I researched online and found so many products and ideas, I was hooked!!!! (BTW, I was right, I do spend way more than I should!!!)
3. How would you describe your scrap booking style?
Eclectic-I lean towards shabby chic, but my style changes according to my mood and the individual pages that I create. Each page takes on a life of its own and I pour my heart and soul into every layout I make. I also have to add that I have really become an everyday moments scrapper. I use my scrapbooking time as a form of therapy. Rather than put my thoughts in writing-I just scrap it!
4. How often do you journal? Is it important to you?
I don't journal as much as I would like to. I don't like my handwriting, but since my mom's passing I have realized how important it is to leave handwritten thoughts behind.
5. Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )?
Yes I do and I love it!!! My sweet husband has spent lots of time and effort into making a wonderful place for me to scrap and to invite my friends to join in the fun!!! I am a very lucky woman!!! My scrapspace takes up a great part of our family room, but when the family is dowstairs watching tv, I can work and be close by them!!
What does it look like right now?

I am a very messy scrapper, so it is usually in disarray. I try to clean up between projects because I could never find anything if I didn't!!! We have some painting to do and I have some decorating to do too. I have a dream of finding a wonderful white antique kitchen buffet and hutch to compliment all the white accents in the room....hopefully one day!!
6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap?
My Cricut- My Cricut is an invaluable tool in sooooo many ways, from alphas to chipboard embellishments and everything in between!!! I just love that machine!!!
Punches-I love adding a punched border or embellishment to my projects. They can really dress up a page!!!
My Scissors- I love to cut embellishments out of patterned paper and I also love to distress edges with my scissors. I have to have a sharp pair handy at all times!!
7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...?
It just depends. I am a "fly by the seat of my pants scrapper". I guess you could say I usually start with a theme and the rest just falls into place.

8. Are you a scrapper or an artist?
A little of both. The creative outlet of scrapbooking is very theraputic for me and I just love working with all mediums associated with scrapping. I also love the thought of leaving treasures in the form of scrapbook pages for my family behind when I am long gone from this earth. They appreciate them now, and I know they will treasure them even more in the future!

Technique Tuesday

2009-10-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous morning ladies...Jenn here!! Well....I thought long and hard about this one. I mean...how many techniques do I really know/do?? I'm kinda a boring gal..doing the same stuff over and over again. But lately...my signature seems to be stitching as I stitch on everything it seems!! And while I know it's nothing fancy...I decided that will be my technique...lazy Jenn style. So here it goes!!

The first thing I do is pick my shape or what I want to stitch. For this project I chose a star...so I just found a chipboard star shape that I had in my stash...and then traced around it. Normally I like to just stitch a straight line...and I REALLY love to stitch circles!!

After tracing I just take my poker (paper piercer) and poke holes through the paper using the line I traced. I don't make them a certain spacing...just eyeball it. (see...that's where the lazy comes out in the lazy Jenn style!!).

Then I begin stitching. I just use a regular needle and regular ol' embroidery thread! (all strands) When I stitch I generally just stitch straight...so that there will be a skip between the stitches (if that makes sense??) Then when I get to the beginning/end then I go backwards and cover the remaining spaces. I make a simple knot on the back to tie it off and voila! All done!!

And just for fun...here is a layout I just recently did...where I stitched to look like a baseball! Can't wait to see you all try it!!

Product of the Week 10/25

2009-10-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Soooo.....the product of the week was something that I thought for sure I had given up and moved past. You may remember those days with the same cringes as the 80's...BUT...they've come a long way baby! STICKERS!! Yup...I'm a total sticker lover now...I think they are the perfect little accent for a layout or card....I'm especially diggin' them for cards lately!! So take a peek at the store and shop for some new stickers of your own!
Check out this layout I just finished using the new October Afternoon Recess stickers!!

Cute huh?? Well...I think so!!
*tee hee*
Jenn

Use coupon code OCT25 to get your discount (thickers not included)

Layout of the Week 10/26

2009-10-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I agonized over this one all night!!! There are so many amazing projects in the gallery this week!!! How do you choose just one? Well, after much thought and deliberation I chose this layout by Chrisnm - loved what she did here! Congratulations Christina!

Kristii

Freaky Friday 10/23/09

2009-10-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

This week's Freaky Friday Challenge is Easy Peasy!!!!

Create a layout using fall colors (brown, green, orange, yellow) or use Basic Grey Indian Summer papers. Also include, some leaves and/or a pumpkin-could be die cuts, stamps...
Here's my example:

You will have until next Friday to post your layout in the gallery and link it to the Freaky Friday Thread.
Have fun girls!!!
Kristii

Indian Summer Anyone?

2009-10-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know what the weather has been like where you live, but we have had a little bit of everything here in Montana this fall!!! From extreme heat to extreme cold, the leaves didn't stand a chance. Thank goodness for Basic Grey's Indian Summer Line!!! These beautiful papers bring back the rich fall colors that we so rudely missed this season! The colors in these papers are truly amazing!! From deep browns, reds and rich oranges to subtle and vivid pinks, the colors and patterns shout fall!! The embellishments in this line are absolutely wonderful too!! For card, I used the Autumn Memories Tag from the Basic Grey Indian Summer Elements Stickers sheet. I also used a cute little felt tree from the Indian Summer Woolies package. The Bazzill cardstock came in a wonderful package of four pefectly matched colors put together just for the Indian Summer line. I used the threading water punch to add a cute little textured border and some ribbon from my stash. The rub-ons used on this card came from the cute little Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing System beginner's kit. The kit contains the machine, embossing folders, cardstock, and envelopes, and rub-ons to make cards and projects galore. I just love the fact that
I can create embossed designs on any color and style of cardstock I
choose. The following two cards were made using this sweet
little machine's swiss dot folder. I embossed some white
cardstock, which was a breeze, then I cute the embossed
papers down to the desired size. How easy is that?

In this simple little Thank You card, I used a border sticker and a round sticker from Basic Grey's Indian Summer Elements Sticker sheet. I matted the circle on a punched scallop circle and added the bird and little leaf circle to complete the ensemble. A typed greeting, Kaiser Craft Pearls, ribbon, and some thin twine completed the embellishment ensemble.

The final card was made with three punched borders, a Basic Grey Woolies embellishment and a Basic Grey Indian Summer Harvest Moon Rub-on and some ribbon.. Very simple, yet very elegant!

I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by the AC Bailey Blog!!!
I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Kristii

Technique Tuesday 10/20/2009

2009-10-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Basic Grey Shaped Card

Materials from AC Bailey:
Basic Grey Indian Summer Paper Pack
Basic Grey Take Note Journaling Cards with transparencies
Basic Grey Indian Summer Woolies
Bazzill Paper Pack – Indian Summer
Flora Doodles Paper Florettes – For the Guy
Kaiser Craft Bling
Maya Road Chipboard Letters – Noah
Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Worn Lipstick
Stickles – Fruit Punch

From my stash:
Ribbon

I started with Basic Grey Take Note Journaling Cards with transparencies for the shape of the card. I folded a piece of 6 x 12 cardstock in half and placed the fold to the left.

I traced the journaling card onto the cardstock.

I cut around the card leaving the fold intact.

Then I cut the brown edge off of the journaling card, so that, when I glue the journaling card to my cardstock base, I will have a nice red edge around my card. I traced the inside of the brown border on a piece of white cardstock to use as the inside of my card.

I cut around the card leaving the fold intact.

Then I cut the brown edge off of the journaling card, so that, when I glue the journaling card to my cardstock base, I will have a nice red edge around my card. I traced the inside of the brown border on a piece of white cardstock to use as the inside of my card.

I glued the Journaling Card and Transparency to the front of the card and I added some Flora Doodles, Woolies, and ribbon embellishments.

I inked The Maya Road Chipboard Alphas with Worn Lipstick and then added Fruit Punch Stickles to create the glittered alphas.

I cut out the white card insert and glued to the inside of the card and added a Flora Doodle. (Note: the Flora Doodles gem is green in color, so I carefully removed the green gem and added a clear gem for color matching purposes.)

I hope you have fun making this little shaped card!!!

Enjoy!
Kristii

Layout of the Week 10/17/2009

2009-10-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rhonda for her "Simon Says" layout
Although this layout was for the Freaky Friday Challenge to use a punch, Rhonda punched holes with her Crop-A-Dile to make a frame and filled the holes with Stickles....we all thought they were rhinestones!!! That's Yankee ingenuity at it's best!

Way to Go!!

Technique Tuesday 10/13/2009

2009-10-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love buttons – I love the look of them in little jars separated by color – I love spilling them out to select the perfect one for the center of my flower or to use as an accent on my pages. I love using twine to tie through the holes instead of using embroidery floss, and I have seen buttons tied with ribbon and raffia, like the one Audrea did here.

I love filling the holes with Stickles or Dimensional Pearls. The last few weeks though, I have seen buttons used in some of the most unique ways.

Buttons can be used to make a snowman by stacking one on top of the other like this.

Scalloped edges have become very popular in scrapbooking and card making – but did you ever think about making a scalloped edge with a row of buttons like Amy did here:

I always turn to buttons for the center of flowers, but did you ever make a flower or tree from buttons? Yvette did a fabulous job on these two cards where she made a topiary on one card and made little trees out of buttons on another.

I am thinking that buttons could be made into Lollipops, or used to replace wheels on a Bus, Bike, Car, Baby Stroller.

Buttons can be used for bullets to accent journaling or in place of brads to accent a curve or a corner. They make fantastic photo frames too!

There are lots of ways to decorate buttons. They can be inked with Staz-On, accented with Stickles or Dimensional Pearls, and can be decorated with a rub-on like this one.

Buttons can be decorated with a Sharpie, Slick Writer, or Signo Pen.
Crackle Paint will not stick to a glossy button, but it will stick nicely to a cloth button.

Buttons can also be accented with brads like shown here and here .

I really hope that this has given you some new ideas about buttons – or maybe serves a reminder to use buttons on your layouts and cards more often. Whatever it may be – can’t wait to see!
Dee

The Last Sip of Lemonade

2009-10-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Good bye summer....just looking at these layouts now, while the leaves are changing colors and the days are getting shorter make me a bit sad. When I was choosing my Design Team supplies it was hot and humid August...little did I think the the day I would be posting the layouts done with them would be six week later and we would be into full blown Autumn. I loved layering these Basic Grey Lemonade papers. The colors are so vibrant and look fabulous together.Basic Grey has started to produce felt embellishments to coordiante with their paper lines. They are called "Woolies" Check out the little lady bug!

This first layout is of my daughter Dana when she was competing in a Triathlon. I was pretty lucky that her racing gear coordinated so nicely with the colors in these papers! The second layout is of my "adopted daughter", (she adopted me when she was in college with my daughter Cara - and I adopted her right back!) Alison and her daughter Payton. Another pretty bunch of papers layered on each other...again, I was very lucky that Alison's bathing suit coordinated perfectly with the papers! I am keeping this layout but I made Alison an altered picture frame with my scraps and used this lovely picture of them together. I love making altered frames. I guess I will say goodbye to summer with these and get ready for Autumn. Until next time, Happy Scrappin'! Dee

Freaky Friday Challenge 10/9/2009

2009-10-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!!
A new Freaky Friday layout challenge!!!
This week is "easy" -
this week's challenge is to use your punches and create the background to a layout.
You can do this in a number of ways - several ideas come to mind.
I am gonna work on something for this after dinner tonight.

Okay- got some questions, so I will try and clarify.

You are being asked to use the punches to create a background to your layout.
You can use any punch. You can punch stuff and glue it on in some pattern.
You can use a punched sheet like a template.
You can make an overlay...be creative.

By way of a sample, I made this card (you are to make a layout though).
I used two sided cardstock. I cut it the size of the card, I punched the flower image in a border type pattern and when the card is closed you see the solid underneath show through creating the look. I personally like this card cause I can use it horizontal or vertical. This is plain, but I add a stamp or matted sentiment to it. You can decorate with buttons and stuff. I opened the card to show the back of the cover, so you see the punched spaces clearer.
Get it now??
You could easily punch a design into one sheet and lay it over another for the same effect on a layout- play with your punches a bit and see what you come up with.

World Cardmaking Day!!

2009-10-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

What a fun time!! Our Gallery is chock full of awesome cards and I am happy to announce the winners. We picked a winner for each individual challenge and the Grand Prize Winner was selected using random.org. There were 211 entries!!!
So everyone who walked away with some beautiful cards was a winner in my book..... but Congratulations to the following......
challenge #1 (khamann) (Karen)
challenge #2 Glitzychick (Yvette)
challenge #3 Chrisnm (Christina)
challenge #4 IndianaSugar1979 (Dana)
challenge #5 MntMommyScrapper (Jessica)
challenge #6 Zenita
challenge #7 Kelly in IN
challenge #8 Sunnydayscrapper (Ginnifer)
challenge #9 Sasha728 (stephanie)
The Most Cards - 26 - prize goes to (Scrapchickee) Brandy
Grand Prize winner selected through random.org was Amy (rechkea)

Kellyin IN did a beautiful card using the smash technique that was posted in the forum. She used alcohol inks and the colors blending together are just lovely.Check out our foum for the tutorial which can be found in Technique Tuesday.
There are many great ideas and fun techniques to try just to push you out of your "Comfort Zone" and the results are amazing! I also loved seeing the card that Jessica did for the border challenge. I love the bright colors along with the stitching and tied ribbon

Since it is already snowed in some places in the country I thought it would be fun to leave you with a card done by DanaT for the Emboss and Button challenge. Her little snoman is so cute with that swirled embossing and the little button hat is just perfect.

Technique Tuesday 10/6/2009

2009-10-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I live in New England, I am definitely a Yankee.
I have Yankee ingenuity and Yankee pride, and I am Yankee shrewd.
After all, I hang my clothes out to dry, we heat with wood cut and cleared off our land, and since it is fall -I scrap with stamps made of LEAVES!

Yes, you heard me right- I use leaves, REAL LEAVES, when scrapping, why not? look at our trees (pic 1) the ground is covered with them- may as well put them to good use. Dee found this website "Trish B Design Studio" and it showed how to do "leaf printing" - that Trish Bayley must be a New Englander too (hahaha) and I decided to give it a try- I was not feeling too optimistic when I first started out, but I love how it turned out ad will definitely be doing more of this.

First you gather your supplies, (pic 2) you will need leaves, paper, pigment ink, an acrylic stamp block, and paper towels.
Then you ink the leaves. I place the leaf on top of the ink pad and push down. You could also place your leaf on scrap paper and turn the ink pad over and ink the leaf that way too. Carefully pick up your leaf and place it on your paper where you want the image to be. Quickly place the acrylic block over the leaf and push it flat to gain all the leaf detail on your paper. (pic 3) Do not rock or the image will distort. Carefully remove the block and leaf and TADA!! You have a leaf print image!

Repeat this process to fill your paper as you'd like. Use different leaves and different color inks. (pic 4) They do not even have to be earth-toned.

And, each leaf is different and each SIDE of each leaf is different, so if you are not happy with the image stamped, turn the leaf over and try the other side.
When the paper is dry, you can use it however you want. I cut mine and created this great fall card (pics 5 and 6) and I had pieces leftover.

The pics get cropped when doing the collage thing, so here is a pic of it all by itself too.

Give it try! Post your leaf creations here by noon on Friday- I will draw a name from a hat and send someone a RAK for trying! I am still giving away stuff! That is so much fun too-

Gail

Layout of the Week 10/3

2009-10-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Michelle for this sweet layout enititled "Girls". This layout was based on a sketch from our Fall Into Scrappin' Crop. I loved the way she used the trims to create borders to sit the flowers on!

Enter to win a chance to be a featured Blog during our AC Bailey Blog Hop in November!

2009-10-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

The design team has come up with a little blog challenge for you. Sign up by October 7th for the challenge in which you have a chance to win a prize along with the opportunity to be included in a unique AC Bailey blog hop, giving your blog additional exposure and visitors.

Here's how it will work:
1. Sign up for the challenge in our Forum (you must register first), with a link to your blog. You have until October 7th to sign up. (If you don't have a blog yet, but want to start one and join the challenge, that's fine, as long as you get the link to us by the 14th.)

2. Everyone who signed up will have 1 week, from October 7th to October 14th to spruce up her blog. Some ideas might include a new header, a new background, frequent postings with interesting content, cleaning up your page elements, maybe adding some blinkies, (links to AC Bailey will score some points ) The idea is to make your blog represent you and your style. The Design team will post a few links to tips and tutorials for blogs during this time.

3. From October 14th through the 17th, the design team will visit all the blogs entered in the contest. We will be looking at overall design, uniqueness, and blog content.

4. Three winning blogs will be awarded a prize from AC Bailey Designs and will be chosen to participate along with the Design Team in a Blog Hop in mid November!

Can't wait to look at all the cool blogs! Good luck!!

Did you know that THIS Saturday October 3rd is World Card Making Day???

2009-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, and I researched the history-
It began in 2006 as National Card Making Day. Founded by Paper Crafts magazine to bring card makers together at the beginning of the busiest card-making season of the year, it was first held on October 7, 2006. The initial celebration involved the Paper Crafts magazine audience only; however, due to the positive response it received and the worldwide popularity of card making, the holiday became known as World Card Making Day from then on. It is now in its fourth year, World Card Making Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in October. It's a day for the card-making community -- hobbyists, retailers, and manufacturers -- to unite and celebrate the connection and creativity that is the heart of card making. So, I went to the Papercrafts site and found this!

World Card Making Day is a holiday especially for card makers around the world to Celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family as well as to kick off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season. How many of YOU have already started your Christmas cards???

We here at AC Bailey want IN on the festivities, too! So, we will have another weekend contest here at the AC Bailey forum to celebrate the art of card making!
Join your ACB Design Team and special guests TONIGHT for challenges, a contest, and some learning...as only they can do! And of course, we will have PRIZES!!!

Get ready for some more fun ladies- it is coming your way!
All official posts to be launched Friday evening in the Forum - be here you will not want to miss this!

Gail

Freaky Friday Challenge 10/2/2009

2009-10-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

I just love fancy edges - they really make such a wonderful difference when layering papers....Bazzill makes some wonderful ones already cut, like this week's product of the week - and there are some gorgeous border punches out there by Fiskars and EK Success
this Freaky Friday challenge is an easy one.....

use at least 2 different border designs on your layout...and you can't use a scallop.....and maybe once the layout is done, you can do the same on a card in honor of World Cardmaking Day!!

and don't forget to post to our gallery to be eligible to win a Gift certificate to our store!

October Goodies Kit of the Month

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

This month's Kit features some spooky papers from Pink Paislee!
Get yours before they are gone... or sign up for a 6 or 12 month subscription and be guaranteed one every month!!
And here are some awesome samples from Elisabeth...

Thank you all...

2009-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

For the wonderful online crop this past weekend! Fantastic participation, amazing work in the gallery and fun games where just a part of the excitement! Congratulations to our winners:

Game #1: Amy (rechkea)
Game #2 -- Jobeth Ladd (by drawing)
Game #3 - Apple Cider was the word.
A-given, P-christina S, L-christina S., E-kristii, C-joann, I-Brittany, D-Sandi in Tx, R -Destinae W.

and there were 11 challenges:

1)Ad Inspiration - Ginnifer
2)Make your own challenge - Amy (rechkea)
3)123ABC -Athena (Autumn's mom)
4)Progessive - winner Dara
5)labels of love -winner Destinae
6)(sketch/everyday)- Jessica Stott (mtnmommyscrapper)
7)diff. card- Jess Ripley
8)note totes- Kimmer
9)black and white- Brittany
10)Card sketch: Nicole (cdwdnw)
11)altered item- Nicole

And Finally the crowning of Queen of the crop goes to Destinae !!!(Waddington6)

Technique Tuesday 9/29/2009

2009-09-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Corner Book Mark - By Connie!

Cast of Characters:
3 1/2 X 3 1/2 cardstock
3 x 3 patterned paper coordinating
Corner rounder, 1" circle punch, scissors, bone folder.
Powder puff ink (I used Mocha Mama)
rubber stamp ( made by...)
Bazzill corner chips

Instructions:
1. Fold at top of cardstock - to find center. Fold one side to the middle and then the other side.
2. Take your 3 x 3 patterned paper & corner round the ends and then do the cardstock piece.
3. Ink the edges and adhere to cardstock.
4. Cut off square corners with scissors
5.Cover your chip board corners with a contrasting paper & attach in point. ( makes roof)
6. Take your rubber stamp & stamp on contrasting paper made by.... punch out with 1" circle punch and
adhere to back-so it will stay closed.
7. Add trim and embellishment to front & you are finished.

When I make these I always make several. You might as well-they are that fast when you get going. These would be a great M n' T for your Fall class or crop. Use your scrap papers and one package of Bazzill corners will make 12 M n T's. Put supplies in a cute bag and be sure to add your business card and your open house schedule or your next crop. You can even cut and paste this tutorial and put it in with the supplies. Anything you want to promote, this is great place to put it!

Freaky Friday Challenge 9/25/2009

2009-09-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, whatcha think I want to make this challenge all about??
If you guessed FOOD, you are RIGHT! HAHA:) been talking about it all week so now you get to scrap it- consider this your FIRST Fall into Scrapping Online Crop layout of the weekend!! (but you still have until next Friday to submit it)

Challenge- do a food based layout, could be birthday cake, summer cookout, making holiday cookies anything with the focus on FOOD, but you must use 3 sheets of PP and some bling in your layout! Okay?? Easy! Let's see what you all create! Have fun!

Gail
Consultant Advisor/DT Member

Member Spotlight-Zenita Smith

2009-09-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. I live in Southeast Missouri in a little town called Dexter, with my husband of almost 26 years and our four sons. My oldest son Chris (23) just got married to a wonderful girl Kirsten, son #2 is Jackie (21) who is an Operation Specialist E4 with the US Navy onboard the USS Bainbridge, he was just made Petty Officer. Son #3 is William (8) who just started 3rd grade and loves video games. Son #4 is Kyle who is 7 and my special little boy. Kyle has Autism and we learn something new everyday with him. Over the past 11 years Greg and I have been foster parents to over 60 children some long term some short term, our last child just went home a few weeks ago after being here 2 1/2 years. Greg is a riverboat captain so he is gone for 6 months a year and I'm here alone with the boys. This gives me plenty of time to scrapbook and take photos, two of my favorite hobbies.
2. How and when did you start scrap booking? I had been buying supply's for many years but seven years ago this August two little boys came into our lives as foster children and I started scrapbooks for them. When we decided to adopt them I really worked harder on those two scrapbooks and I carried them to every court appearance that we had to make. For two years I carried those books with me and now I teach foster/adopt classes and use them in class to show how Life Books could be made.
3. How would you describe your scrap booking style? My style of scrapping is fairly simple. I'm trying to add more texture, layers, etc. but it is hard for me. I think if I had girls it would be easier for me to do more frilly paages but right now it's pretty simple.
4. How often do you journal? Is it important to you? I really like journaling and I think it is very important to tell the story, but if you look at my scrapbooks you will see a lot of blanks that need to be filled in. I used to do alot of my scrapping at crops and didn't like to hand write my journaling. Now I do more handwriting so my children will remember what it looks like.
5. Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )? Yes, as soon as my oldest son moved out on his own, I took over his room. Actually before he was out the door he helped me bring scrapping supplies in the room.
At the moment it is pretty messy. I have been making a lot of cards for a show this fall and haven't put things up the way I really should. I do have things labeled and organized, which I really like, so I can find things fairly fast.

6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap? I use my cricut and cartridges on almost all of my layout's and cards. Also my Bazzill Splat Mat is always out on my desk. My xyron machines are also a must, I have 3, the 150, 250 and 510 that I use with almost every layout.
7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...? I start with my photos and then find the cardstock and papers that I need to use with the photo. Lately though I have been looking at more sketches, especially the ones that are on the AC Bailey Forum each month.

8. Are you a scrapper or an artist? Wow, not sure how to answer that one. I owned a Craft Store and did Craft Shows for 9 years. During that time I tole painted many items, but I got so burned out stocking the store and doing the shows that I don't paint anything now. So I guess I would say I'm more of a scrapper and every once in awhile I'll do something more artsy.
by: C. Mercer

Member Layout of the Week 9/26

2009-09-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to MntMommyScrapper whose layout "Made with Love" is this weeks Layout of the Week!
Great use of the Jenni Bowlin and Twitterpated lines! Love your tree.

My Birds!

2009-09-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I love this layout. Yup, those of you who really know me will think I have lost my mind,...but I love this layout. It is so NOT me, not my style, not my colors, has hand written journaling on it, it is SO "not me"-but,...it is special. I did this waterfall technique I like, I have awesome photographs, it tells of a special event that took place here this summer, it has items that were hand chosen and given to me by two very special friends incorporated into it and has my favorite papers Jenni Bowlin and Bazzill!

For those of you who are members of the forum, the top right corner has the same waterfall technique I posted the tutorial to yesterday. But, the "twist" is, I placed my waterfall sideways and I used the photo mats/anchors on both the left and the right. Cool huh?? I wish you could actually see the smooth way the pics flip when the tab is pulled, reminds me of those old books we had as a child that has pictures in the bottom corner and when you thumbed the pages real fast they looked like a moving motion picture. Remember those???

I love this layout, it is made with Bazzill cardstock, Jenni B Front Porch and Black line papers and journal cards (from Dee), stash ribbon, ephemera from a junkin' trip including real antique pearl buttons(thanks Connie), Front Porch chipboard buttons, Ranger glossy accents, and American Craft Thickers in brown giggles style. Other techniques I used, that I like are covering the chipboard buttons with Ranger glossy accents for a little more "pop" and the 3 level layering of the left hand corner bird graphic. I cut that out of one of Jenni B's "black line" papers and colored it with kid crayons - I then placed the flowers flat, some elevated with pop dots and some, like the bird himself, elevated with double thick pop dots. Looks nice in real life,...

Thanks for looking- sure hope I have inspired some of you to do a one page layout with NINETEEN pictures like I did (hehe). Try that waterfall technique, you will be glad you did and for the all the Jenni Bowlin goodness check out the AC Bailey store here.

Almost forgot to add - Join us for our Fall into Scrapping crop this weekend.
Challenges and Games get posted Friday night. You have all weekend to work on your things and we draw the winners (cool prizes ladies) on Monday afternoon! Great way to get some scrapping done- and we will have two celeb guests,...cannot tell you who, but Saturday AM we will be chatting with someone I already mentioned in this post and it is NOT Mr. BAzzill! hehehe:)

Online Crop THIS WEEKEND!

2009-09-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

AC Bailey Designs Presents -
“Fall into Scrapping” September Online Crop

Join us for our annual online crop featuring fun games, challenges, inspiration and great giveaways!
We will start the fun Friday night and play ALL weekend with 2 very special guests joining us for a fun question and answer session!
You must be registered to join, so visit us today to sign up! AND if you bring your friends you could both win a special prize!
Where? AC Bailey Designs Forum
When? Friday 9/25 starting at 6pm EST, Saturday 9/26 and Sunday 9/27 till 6pm EST

See you there! :)

Member Layout of the week 9/19/2009

2009-09-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Stephanie!!! Great job!!!

Freaky Friday Challenge 9/18/2009

2009-09-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

The FF challenge is die cut paper. Use it as the base of your layout like cardstock, cut in half, do what ever you like. If you don't have a die cut paper - cut a shape out of cardstock. I love using the die cut shaped papers. Looking forward to seeing what unique way you use it.
Here's my example:

Connie
Consultant/DT Member

Technique Tuesday 9/15/2009

2009-09-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

Covering chipboard "AC Bailey Style"!

(The pic's are from L to R)
Row #1
(a.) Cast of Characters : patterned paper, chipboard shape, Tim Holtz hand sander, Xyron 510, QQ powder puff inks.
(b.) Step:1 insert paper into Xyron to adhere adhesive
(c.) Step:2 peel off Xyron adhesive paper & stick on chipboard shape

Row #2
(a.) Step:3 sand edges with Tim Holtz hand sander.
(b.) Step:4 sand curves with basic Grey small file.
(c.) Step:5 view of sanded edges- complete

Row#3
(a.) Step:6 ink sides-Quick Quotes Powder Puff ink ( Mocha Mama) My ink of choice
(b.) Step:7 Completed.
(c.) Step:8 Another look at the products used.

That is my process on covering chipboard shapes or a coaster. All the products I used are in the e-store. This is a very simple process but you would be surprised at how many girls don't know how to cover chipboard ( AC Bailey style! )
Connie

Member Layout of the Week 9/13/2009

2009-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

"The Pool Rules" by Amy Rechkemmer

Great Job Amy!
See more of Amy's work here...

Freaky Friday Challenge 9/11/09

2009-09-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

Finishing off this week of labor related topics......
Create a layout about "Labor"....any kind of labor - work, a labor of love, laboring over a layout...

Here's mine - because I did not have a picture of my office, I used "real labor" the birth of my grandson Brennan - poor Cara, no epidural with this one - low platelets...

TFS! Dee

Congratulations to Jenn for winning this weeks challlenge!
Check it out here...

KOTM "scraps"

2009-09-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning!!! I love making something out of nothing or you think it is nothing. I made these three cards out of little pieces of this and that left over from September's KOTM. All I added was the rubber stamp set I used to put the sentiment on with. The cards are about a 4"x8"- perfect little card to send in the mail or drop in a gift bag. So get those scraps out and see what you can make and be sure and check out September's KOTM over at AC Bailey.
This is a layout I did with the die cut paper by Prima that is in the kit. I love the look of the die cut paper and enjoy using it. Again this layout was inspired by some photo's I had of my granddaughter practicing writing and coloring. Perfect pic's for this months KOTM. Hope you have a great day and stop by the forum and say Hi.
by: C. Mercer

Technique Tuesday 9/8/2009

2009-09-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Since yesterday we talked about the Top Score Multiboard, I thought it would be fun to show a card using lots of scoring - and being card challenged myself, I am always on the lookout for cool cards and I found this. The tiny little card sits right into the card itself.

4 x 4 Inch Side Step Card

The card design, illustration and original text was created by Penny Wessenauer. I changed the directions slightly for easier understanding.

Cut cardstock 8 inches wide by 4 inches high.

Cut a slit 1 ½ inches from top of cardstock – starting ¾ inches from the left and stopping at 2 inches from the right ( as indicated by heavy line).

Score vertically stopping at the slit at ¾ inches, 1 ½ inches, 2 ¾ inches, and at 6 inches

Score from top to bottom at 4 inches (center of card – crossing over the slit).

Fold at score lines.

Have Fun!
Dee

Freaky Friday Challenge 9/4/2009

2009-09-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge involves using the product of the week on a layout. Let's see a layout with at least 2 separate stamped items, using two different techniques. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:

~Stamp your title on scraps of cardstock and arrange them on your LO with some of the letters pop dotted for dimension.
~ Stamp a journaling block. Instead of an ink pad, use markers to apply color directly to your stamp. This allows you to use different colors on the same stamp with accuracy.
~Make an embellishment by layering several stamped flowers.
~stamp a flourish with versamark and then heat emboss. (we have some awesome embossing powders in the store!) Then fussy cut around the flourish, leaving a tiny border. Use it as an embellishment.
~Try the masking technique I showed on Tuesday!

Thanks!!
Elisabeth

*********
And last weeks winner was...
Christina!

CONGRATULATIONS!
Check out her project HERE

Technique Tuesday

2009-09-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today I'm going to show you a simple stamping technique called masking. All you need is a piece of white cardstock, a scrap piece of copy paper some ink and 2 stamps - a central image stamp and a background stamp.
First, stamp the central image stamp twice: once on the cardstock and once on the scrap of copy paper.

Now cut out the stamped image from the copy paper and lay it over the image on the cardstock. I like to use a bit of re-positionable adhesive here so that it doesn't move around.

Now stamp over the whole thing with your background stamp and remove the scrap of copy paper.

Eeasy peasy technique which gives your stamped image a bit of flair and uniqueness!

Join us next Tuesday for another interesting technique!
Elisabeth

Grow!

2009-09-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

Pretty fitting I think, that as we start the new school year, I get to post layouts with this awesome My Mind's Eye Paper called "Grow". The word "Grow" can be related to so many different things - we grow flowers and vegetables in the summer; we watch our children grow tall, strong and smart; we grow as human beings; Grow is a great word - it even sounds nice. This paper is a pretty combination of greens, with orange and white and aqua. This simple layout using the matching die cuts and of course, Thickers for the title is about the pretty Gerberer Daisies that I have "growing" in my garden. One of the places that I try to take a road trip to a
a few times a year is Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This was where my Mom "grew" up and where I learned about other cultures and "grew" to appreciate the differences in people and beliefs. Another simple layout - I used a scallop border punch to add some interest to the photos as a mat, a pretty piece of cotton lace adhered with brads and some Making memories Mini Alphabets for the title. The die cut flowers added a nice touch. Although you cannot see it in the photo, I also used a White Signo Gel pen to draw stitches on the flowers to give the layout a country look. In keeping with my "Grow" theme, this next layout "Butterflies in the Tummy" is about my grandson Aidan's First Grade Memory Book Report reading. He was soooo nervous, but he got up in front of the entire class and all the parents and grandparents and read his story into the microphone. It took a lot of courage and I am sure he grew as a student that day and will feel more confident in the future. How lucky was I that his folder was orange? The ScrapGods were definitely on my side with that. I had a great time digging butterflies out of my stash. The Kaiser Bling Butterfly was clear, so I colored the rhinestones in with some Staz-On ink. I inked some Basic Grey Mini Chip letters for the title and added some rick rack to finish the layout. I inked some Basic Grey mini Chip letters for the title and added some rick rack to finish the layout. And to be honest, I think I "grew" creating these layouts...I NEVER use orange except on Halloween or maybe to accent a Fall layout, so I really stretched when I used these colors to document ordinary things. Wishing you beautiful Fall days ahead and Happy Scrappin'
Dee

Challenge Promotors Needed!

2009-08-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

What you would do

Complete each Freaky Friday Challenge for a period of 1 month
Post your completed challenge in 10 popular sites Galleries and Forums each week
Email the link to where you posted to me when you are finished

What you would get

A $20 Gift Certificate to ACB OR a $10 Gift Certificate to any other scrappy store you choose
A chance to win another $10 ACB gift certificate if your layout is chosen as the winner of the challenge
A chance to be published in the ACB Newsletter and Blog if your layout is chosen as the winner of the challenge

The Fine Print

Only 5 people will be chosen for each month thru December.
You cannot volunteer for more than 2 months.
All challenges will be emailed to you on the 1st of the month so you will have time to complete them before their announcement date.

If you are interested please email a link to your Gallery or Blog to erica@acbaileyltd.com

Freaky Friday Challenge 8/28/2009

2009-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

This week, we're switching gears from layouts to cards. This challenge will push you out of your standard card making and hopefully be challenged by scores! You are to use your Top Score Multi Board or other scoring device and create a card that has at least 2 score lines resulting in at least 2 folds.

Here's the link for the Top Score Multi Board http://www.acbaileydesigns.net/product_p/cctop1.htm

You can create a gate fold, a trifold, an accordion fold or stair step card. Take a look in our Card Center forum and in the gallery for some terrific ideas from our design team and check back here for some examples this evening.

Score big with this challenge!
_________________
Cheers...Tam
Your AC Bailey Business Advisor

Join us every Friday for a new challenge to inspire and take you out of your BOX!

Member Spotlight-Gail Connor

2009-08-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I am married to Michael. We have 4 children, Erica (33), Nicholas (22), Anthony (21) and Meagan (14). One grandson Hunter (7) and a dog Casey.We also have a hermit crab and a beta fish. Only Meagan lives at home. Anthony is home for the summer, going to college. Nick lives an hour and 15 minutes north and Erica/Hunter live in the same town as us. We live in Rindge, NH which is a beautiful, small country town. We have a lake and a mountain- we have all 4 seasons, but we do not have cable TV, high speed Internet or local shopping!
2. How and when did you start scrap booking?
I started scrapping about 9 years ago. My niece was very scrappy and always wanted me to try it- but my kids were older and I have few pics and the ones I had of them were not good so I avoided it. Finally she dragged me to a card class, I loved it, I was making cards and altering gifts for a few years and then I decide to scrap a box of honeymoon pics I had and I got hooked! That album, by the way, is still not completed.
3. How would you describe your scrap booking style?
Always evolving and changing, I am most comfortable doing shabby/chic stuff.
4. How often do you journal? Is it important to you?
I journal not nearly enough. It is important to me. I know I need to get better, I hate my handwriting and that is a real big part of why I do so little.I am getting better and I am the master at hidden journaling!

5. Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )?
Yes, it is a 8x8 closet and mostly for storage- it is a MESS right now.I usually scrap on the dining room table and that is really neat at the moment despite my three active projects.
6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap?
THICKERS- I love them and can never get enough and inks-I love to distress everything and ink things.
7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...?
I start with the papers. I find a collection of pattern paper or something that speaks to me. It usually screams out, "Please scrap last years Christmas pics/vacation/birthday/etc. pics with me" -So I start there. I do not scrap in order- I found that process very frustrating, I just create-

8. Are you a scrapper or an artist?
I think I am an artist. I want to make great pages and feel it is an expression of myself to create. It is not important to me to have every detail and every event in a book on a shelf. I have many incomplete albums going. I have a honeymoon one, a vacation one and a family one, and I have one for each of the children always going. When I complete a page it goes into the "correct" album. The kids like to compare books and count pages and tease me about who has more.

By: C. Mercer

I scrapped for ME!

2009-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, I have worked on and completed a project for ME.
It is full of emotion and sentimentality and it may look like and mean nothing to anyone else- but in my heart, I feel it is the BEST thing I have ever done- hahaha:)
I mean, it is not the cutest thing, it will never be a published thing, but every scrap of paper, every item shown and every bit of journaling speaks to me. Has come from me. Is about me and how I feel! I feel exhilarated to have this done. I so cannot ever scrap "me" - I had such a block every time I tried to scrap something with a pic of me in it. But now I have crashed through that wall and I want to try another project, look out, you may be seeing some layouts with pics of me "just because" ..I have opened a new door!
So, without further adieu-here it is:
What is it? Here is another pic.
It is think it is something I feel the urge to hand on my rear-view mirror! It is a mini scrap book made with chipboard pieces from the AC Bailey store and the new captivating paper line. I used the Maya Road wings, potty people, lock and key sets and I used the Bazzill Chips stars, hearts and arrows. I covered each chipboard piece both sides with the paper, I used my "handy-dandy cannot-live-without-it" BG file set and distressed away! Then I inked each piece with the red,brown and blue cat's eye chaulk inks and I printed out the lyrics to a song I like onto a sheet of the Captivating paper. To do this, I made columns of the verses so I could have them on the front and back of the hanging piece. I folded them in 1/2 between verses and I scalloped the edges with those old scalloped scissors I have had for AGES! Don';t looked shocked-you have them too. The song I used was one by Bon Jovi. I like it- speaks to me about being a mom, having children who are older now and it always makes me reflect on my life and how I raised them - anyway! I then journaled names, words, dates, sayings all over these pieces. There is a key to home, a key to my heart, a key to my WALLET! HAHAHA:) I have symbols of roots and wings, star accomplishments on the stars for each child (and me) and all our prior addresses listed as well as the names of our pets... I had a ball making this, I am not done- I thought it was done but now I want to add some bling and I want to journal a bit more. Altering can be so much fun. I love to get all my frustration out in a messy artsy way and these pieces can never turn out bad- they cannot be overworked or under done. The captivating paper line is easy to work with, a good heavier weight paper for altering stuff (I like altering with paper that is not too thick and not too thin-hehehe). Stock up on some chipboard. Have some fun and share with us what YOU create.
Thanks for looking-
gail

Just a few fun things to share

2009-08-19T12:26:00.000-07:00

Quotes, quotes and more quotes...I LOVE gathering inspirational quotes, so I decided to make a book to gather some of my favorites! I used the 6x6 American Crafts D ring binder and the Cottage paper set (a new favorite!)That's 20 pages with room for lots more!

And here's another page I made with the August kit of the month - a non traditional Disney Page. Journaling next to the main picture reads: "Can you feel the magic?"

Life in Color

2009-08-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the color PURPLE - all shades of it! In my eyes it is the most beautiful of all the colors in the rainbow - it is not however one of the easier colors to scrap - and those who know me know that red and orange are my least fave colors in the world...so when I saw this Prima "Life in Color" paper and along with the beautiful purple and plums, there was a golden orange ....hmmm, what to do? Purple and Orange??? Oh yuck...that's ok for Halloween but I have this beautiful photo of some flowers in my garden....and here is the result! And I love the way this simple layout came together with a bit of black Bazzill cardstock - a Prima flower and some puffed Thickers and I love how the orange complements the purples. And how lucky could I get that Cailyn wore lavendar for her dance
recital. This pretty patterned paper was perfect. All I needed to add was a bit of lace, a little bit of plum paper and the Dance chipboard from BoBunny. I painted it with Dimensional Pearls and also used Dimensional Pearls to create the circle and to puff out all the swirls on the paper. A layered Prima flower with a Stickles center finished off the layout. Just in case you didn't hear, there is a back-to-school sale going on over at the ACBailey store - time to stock up on same of your faves like Thickers and papers to make room for all the fabulous new product that we picked out at CHA!

Captivating by Pink Paislee

2009-08-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yes and it is, so captivating. I love the brown tones, plaid die cut paper and the bright gold designs in the paper. A very beautiful paper set and great for layouts or cards. I added a Jenni Bowen bingo card on the layout and thought it was so perfect.

The bingo cards are also, perfect for the card maker. They went great with the captivating paper to complete two great looking and easy cards. AC Bailey is back from CHA so go check them out. We need to move out the old so there is room for the new "yummy" scrapbooking supplies. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

by: C. Mercer