Homemade embellishments

Hello everybody!
Solange-Isbaha here. I'm back after a 3 weeks vacation and I'm excited to share with you some more handmade embellishment tutorials!
Don't forget that you can also check the "handmade embellishments" label on the side of the blog for more ideas.

These tutorials were originally made for a private group who wanted to learn more about how I made my embellishments on this post, but I didn't share them on my blog yet. 
Thanks a lot to Anne-Marie who proof-read all of these!

1/ FAUX FLAIR

1. Stick a patterned paper circle inside a wooden button.

2. Embellish it with a tiny die cut shape or anything else small enough that you would like.

3. Generously cover with Glossy Accents.

4. Allow to dry. 

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2/ WATERCOLOR POCKET CARD

1. Using clear embossing powder, heat emboss a stamped image.

2. Add watercolors (I used different colors side by side) and allow to dry. 

Tip: Sprinkle some water drops and dry with your heat gun for additional depth.

3. The heat embossed image will have resisted the watercolors.  You can gently wipe the embossing off to clean off any residual watercolor paint.  You could stop here--but--if you then layer a piece of tissue paper over the top and iron, you will melt the powder and the tissue paper will absorb it. This way, the stamped pattern won't be glossy--the look is different.

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3/ FAUX STICKERS

White embossing on patterned paper (or not):
Using white embossing powder to stamp an image on patterned paper gives depth and finish, making the outcome very similar to a sticker!

Bonus Tip : No pinked edges die or punch ? Use a scalloped one twice, like in this link (this is what I did myself) : http://juliedavison.blogspot.fr/2014/03/aw13-punched-starburst-sun-card.html


Muticolored inking:

1) Use colored markers to color on stamps.  Brush and chisel tip work best for this.
2) While you color the entire stamp, the ink will probably dry.  Don't worry!
3) Huff on the stamp to reactivate the ink just before stamping.
4) Stamp on white cardstock and cut out.  Done!

Tip : No ink pens ? Try to use kids' markers, it usually works, but the colors will fade quicker.

Colored ink pens are wonderful with wood or cling "label" stamps (but not so great with clear stamps). They give lots of different looks with the same stamp, and you can use any color palette you want!
They also let you ink only the part of the stamp you want.



Multicolored inking pocket cards:

If you have a small border stamp like the woodgrain one below, you won't need ink pens, you will be able to use your ink pads, instead! 
1) Simply ink it in a different color each time you use it. 
2) Stamp close together to create a background. 

Additional link: this french blog has TONS of amazing tutorials for using stamps ! http://translate.google.fr/translate?hl=fr&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://espacecreatifvc.canalblog.com/ 

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4/ METALLIC CHARMS

1) Die-cut or punch a small shape (here, I used keys).

2) Heat emboss the shape 2-3 times with metallic embossing powder.
Tip: To make my own metallic embossing powder, I used a mix of clear embossing powder with Pewter Perfect Pearl

Aditionnal link (thanks Scoobers for the link!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmLxs5RWrbU
Tip: Look at Jennifer's video above.  She starts by layering several die-cuts to get a thick chipboard-like shape, and then she heat embosses it with metallic powder. She also embosses the edges--brilliant!

Faux antiqued metal:

  

1) Follow steps above for Faux Metal.

2) While the embossing powder is still hot and liquid, spray some water and sprinkle some Perfect Pearl on it, and then heat it again. (I used Ancient Gold Perfect Pearl).

Another example with this technique : 

Tip: Mix clear embossing powder with Perfect Pearl powders (you don't need a lot) to make your own colors, and store them in empty embossing powder bottles.

Tip2 : To get empty embossing powder bottles, you may borrow my 2 years old baby (please note that you will need a vacuum cleaner).

I hope you enjoyed these ideas, thanks for reading!

  Solange-Isbaha

Yes, It's Okay to Scraplift

A lot of times when I find myself down to scraps from a kit, I will look to the idea of scraplifting as a way to use up the remains of the kit and have a chance to play and try new things.  I truly believe that we can find ourselves falling under "peer pressure" so to speak with how much is out there in the scrappy world via the internet to create something from scratch that is mind blowing and inspiring.

So I want to share a secret with you today.  Ready?  It's OKAY to scraplift.  I believe that we all share our projects for others to view AND be inspired by.  Whether that means lifting the entire project down to the exact same paper and embellishments or just finding a small aspect or technique to try out.

I very rarely come up with what I would call my own design.  I subscribe to a kit club by Scrapbook Generation that supplies me with pre-designed pages each month.  I love them.  I also recieve a kit from 3 Scrappy Boys full of great supplies to make something from scratch.  For me, that usually means using a sketch or SCRAPLIFTING.  Using a sketch sort of allows me to have a starting point and then insert my own ways of using the supplies and where my "style" would show.  Scraplifting is way for me to sort of try on another person's style and see if I like it or what parts of the whole I enjoyed and can decide to incorporate into future projects.

So today I am going to share two layouts that I scraplifted from Jen Gallacher.  You can find her blog HERE.

For my first page, I originally had been on the hunt for inspiration on how to use the flowers that came in my kit this month from 3 Scrappy Boys.  When I saw THIS page from Jen Gallacher I was drawn to how she used the large floral embellishments, the grid design, and some of the small layers with the different embellishments.

Instead of die cutting the upper left area, I pulled out a Jilli Bean Soup placemat that came with a previous kit and I chose to do a tone on tone look with the kraft.  After attaching the flowers, I moved onto the upper right section and used what I had remaining in my July kit and adding some matching cardstock.

I didn't have a text paper similar to the layout I was lifting, so instead I chose to stamp my own and have the added benefit of being able to customize it to match MY page.  Then I sort of did my own thing with the title and enamel stickers.

The lower left portion of the page is the only area that I had to do my own thing, mostly because of my photo size and the supplies I was trying to use up on this page.  So I just added a doily and some stickers around the photo.

My second layout is older, but it was the same basic principal.  I browsed through Jen's gallery and found THIS page that I felt would work with the scraps I had, the photos I wanted to use and had techniques I wanted to try out on my own pages.

My only suggestion for scraplifting, is that when you share your completed projects online - be sure to provide the information/links for where you found your orginal inspiration piece and the original designer.

 

  Nicole Bingaman

  Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS

Hi everyone, it's Tiffany and I absolutely love Nicole's style! I've been a big fan for a while now, so though I usually really struggle with scraplifting and sketches, I decided to give it a shot. I did not look at the original layout, only Nicole's take on it, which I thought might be fun.

I did not try to copy Nicole exactly, as you can see. I kept the basic idea of a grid design, but I wanted a close up of the cake so I added an extra photo. I used a die cut as a major element,but I didn't leave it tone on tone. I used some flowers which I rarely do, but mine are smaller and placed differently.

I put the title on the bottom right, I used tabs near the main photo and I did use more than one photo as well.

I think I will continue to work on borrowing inspiration from Nicole because I love how she manages to be clean and detailed at the same time. I love that I can be inspired by an overall layout design, individual elements, a color palette or just someone's style. It's a great way to get your mojo going!

  Tiffany O'Grady
   Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS 

I was so happy to see Nicole talk about scraplifting!  I sometimes find that scraplifting is sometimes looked at as cheating, or stealing, something taboo, but for me it's just getting inspiration.  Everyone derives inspiration from somewhere, and when I'm stuck on what to do for a layout, a scraplift, or a sketch can be just the thing to help me along.  For this post I went back through my extensive Pinterest inspiration board until I came across this photo.  I didn't copy this layout completely, but I decided to draw inspiration from the way the two papers had been cut diagonally and placed together.  I already knew I had two papers I wanted to use for this, so it came together pretty quickly after that!  Here is my finished layout.

   Cathy Martin
    Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS 

Scraps Only Layout

Hello Everyone

Today I'm sharing a layout I created using only scraps I had from Lawn Fawn 12x12 and 6x6 sheets of paper.  I love making use of every inch of paper I love and seeing how far I can take it.  I have used as my layering pieces as well as using them to cut out my die shapes.  Hope you get inspired to use your favourite papers until there is nothing really left.

Thank you for stopping by and Happy Scrappin'!

  Mandy Reedyk
   Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS 

Create, Don't Just Collect : 50 Projects Challenge

Hi there!
Tiffany here, with an idea that I hope encourages you to get creative!
Last spring, I was talking with some online crafty friends about all the pretty things we had ordered, and how much money we had spent. I went to add up my purchases, and let me tell you, you want to think carefully before you do that. Once I regained consciousness, I realized that I was buying way more than I was using. Sound familiar? Around that same time, one of my favorite YouTubers, GinaBeth1, mentioned that she had so many new supplies, she could make 100 layouts without buying a single thing.

I started thinking about my tendency to shop, and the 50 Projects Challenge was born.

The initial challenge was to create 50 projects without buying anything but necessities. Some participants kept a single kit club subscription, or gave themselves a 'pass' for special occasions. I counted greeting cards, pocket page spreads, 12x12 layouts and even major organizing as projects. It wasn't easy but in the end I felt really good about actually making things, and not just collecting pretty supplies that never made it to a page. I didn't make the dent in my stash I was expecting though!

I learned a few valuable lessons in that first round of 50. The biggest one was that when I didn't have time to sit down and make a whole page, I was more likely to shop. It's easy to whip out my phone and browse through the latest goodies. It doesn't make a mess, it doesn't take much thought, it's fast and it scratches that creative itch. The problem is that it does scratch that itch, and then I'm not as eager to get into my craftroom, and the cycle begins. I also learned that I'm tempted by sales and will buy things that aren't a great fit for my style or needs if I feel like they are a great deal, and if someone I'm inspired by uses something I sometimes feel like I 'need' it even if I'm not sure how I personally would use it.

Now the challenge has a home on Facebook, and though a lot of members stick with the initial idea of 50 projects, some do a monthly goal or choose a more manageable number. The real goal is to encourage each other to pull those pretty papers off the shelf and USE them. To harness that creative energy to actually create, instead of just collecting supplies, however beautiful they may be.

Sometimes I think it takes a challenge, or an encouraging group of like-minded crafters to get us going. It can be hard for me when a lot of my online crafting buddies are enabling and I'm trying to watch my pennies, or even just make time to use the last collection I purchased before buying more.

If that sounds like you, you're welcome to join us! We now have over 1,000 members on our Facebook group, with thousands of projects shared and zero temptation brought about by shared deals and hauls.

And if 50 Projects doesn't sound like a challenge or community that would work for you, I encourage you to find something that is a better fit. But consider a challenge that includes some accountability and encouragement to help kickstart a season of great productivity! I'd love to hear your thoughts on how challenges have helped you dig into your stash and create, instead of just collecting.

  Tiffany O'Grady
   Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS 

I have been a member of the 50 Projects group since October 2013.  Since then I have completed 6 rounds of 50 projects!  I cannot tell you how much this group has inspired, encouraged, and motivated me.  It's the best thing that's happened to my scrap booking hobby in years.  I had been in a little slump the past few years.  I would look at Pinterest and get ideas, but never followed through on any of them.  I had all the supplies and really liked buying them; but the motivation just wasn't there.  I had joined another group on Facebook which happened to mention the 50 Projects group.  I asked to join and started following the many posts of people's finished projects.  That's when the change began!  I started to get motivated.  I started to see projects that looked like fun.  I started to get inspired and really wanted to create.  When I started posting my finished projects, people actually liked them and commented on them!  I really felt like I was part of a community and that I belonged somewhere.  I retired two years ago and had worked from home for years before that.  So this Facebook group became somewhat of my connection with the outside world.  Not only did I feel a connection, I was starting to use my scraps, papers, punches, and all the embellishments I had been storing!  I started to get organized.  I created a beautiful space for my scrap booking.  I could go on and on, but I don't have time.  I have to get back to my scrap booking!

Sandi Chromey
Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS

50 Projects - On May 17, 2013 I joined and posted my first project. To date I have completed 5 rounds of 50 projects and have almost completed round 6 as well. When I joined 50 projects I had been on a buying binge for a long time and not really creating as much as I wanted to. 50 projects got me away from loading my " shopping carts" from multiple online stores and back into my craft room to create. All the members are great in that everyone encourages each other and likes and comments on each other's projects which I think goes a long way to get us motivated to keep on creating. It is a great community of kind and talented people. I get motivated by seeing what everyone creates from cards to layouts to organizing all our precious paper crafting tools and supplies. Tiffany is brilliant in seeing a need that I think a lot of us paper crafters can relate to in that we sometimes ( ok... For me it's all the time! Lol) get carried away and buy all the beautiful products out there and then have them pretty in our rooms/ spaces but don't actually create.  This group is a great place to start creating and maybe not buy so much or at all until you start actually using up some of your great purchases that you had to have!  This group was also the jumping off point for me to start meeting a lot of great and talented people and be part of some great design teams where I have been able to expand my creativity. Thank you so much Tiffany for all you have done for me personally as well as a lot of other paper crafters who are now creating instead of just buying!

  Mandy Reedyk
  Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS 

Lets Catch the Doodle Bug! - Doodling on Your Layouts

Hey everyone, it's Cathy here again with another post for Scrap Your Scraps.
Today I'm going to show you guys some of the layouts I've created using my good ol' Micron pen and some cardstock.

I'm a doodler at heart.  At school my notebook margins were covered with doodles, and now as an adult I'm a designer and illustrator, so I guess all that doodling paid off.  There's something I find funny though, for the longest time I was afraid to doodle on my pages.  I don't know if I was scared that it was permanent, or that my drawings wouldn't be good enough, but lately I've been trying to overcome that feeling.

Doodling on a page, whether creating a background, or embellishments, or journaling, is a way to show a part of ourselves to whomever is looking through our scrapbooks.  Now keep in mind these are just doodles and are in no way a reflection of me as an artist, in the same way that your doodles are exactly that, doodles.
Every great artist doodles and sketches, sometimes taking a great amount of time and detail, and sometimes just whipping something up in the spur of the moment.  So don't be scared, grab your pen and paper and lets DOODLE!!!

For my first example I simply created my own background.  I had seen a paper that I liked that had a chevron print on it that looked very handmade, but since I didn't have the money to pay for shipping I decided to do the next best thing and create my own paper.  This is a great way to use up white cardstock, and you could create as many different patterns as you'd like to use at a later time.

I think I will definitely be giving creating my own background another try, with a different pattern, I really love how this one turned out.  My next layout is a bit more experimental.  I am posting it, even though I'm not 100% in love with it, but I want to post it so you can get the idea of how fun doodling can be.  I feel my heart was in the right place with this one, but I may have to go back to the drawing board (pun definitely intended!) and give it another go!

Lastly I decided to make some embellishments inspired by ones I saw on Pinterest.  These are made by just drawing circles with a Sharpie, almost like a spirograph without the fun toy from the 90's!

I am very much looking forward to using these on a future page, they were very easy and fun to make, and I can see even more possibilities based on this idea.

I hope that I've inspired you to get out some cardstock and a pen and go to town creating your own paper, or embellishments, or even just adding some doodle accents to a finished page!

  Cathy Martin

   Creative Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS

I was intrigued by Cathy's post on doodling.  I was just like her ~ always doodling on my notebooks in school, but I never thought to use it for my scrap booking.  So I decided to give it a try.  I didn't want the task to be too daunting.  So I started small with a piece of scrap paper.  For some reason, I've really been into circles lately.  So I decided to fill this one with some circle doodles.  I used a black Sharpie marker. 

For these two, I took some scraps of paper and used a white Gelly Roll pen.  I really like how these turned out using a type of hash tag doodling.  

 I thought the black and white one would look really pretty with some red.  So I added some hearts and then used the negative space from the hearts as a border.  Then I added some white punched flowers with purple enamel dots on the circle doodle paper.  I had some green transfers that I rubbed on white paper, inked the edges, and added to the hash tag doodle paper.  This is how  they turned out. 

Then I took the red hearts card and used it on a layout of my great-niece's recent 6th birthday.  I love how this turned out.  I even added some doodling on the heart border along the top. 

I was amazed at how much fun I had creating these.  I know I will continue to do more doodling.  It's a great stress reliever, too.  You can do these just about anywhere.  I really want to thank Cathy for this great idea and inspiring me to give doodling a try on my layouts!

Sandi Chromey
Creative Team Member of SCRAP YOUR SCRAPS