Friday, June 26, 2015

Frugal Fun: Prudent Paper Pruning and Artsy Alphabets

Hi. Hope you're having fun with your kits!  Since I have shared with you from my interview with Tammy my joy in finding ways to maximize the use of my kits, I thought I might share a couple ideas with you today.  If you have been scrapbooking as long as I have, these tips probably won't be very new to you.  However, if your anything like me, a reminder never hurts.
When I layer my patterned papers, I almost always cut out the inside of the bottom layers so that I can use the paper for additional projects.  The beautiful blue dotted paper above provides an example.  I strategically cut out the inside of the paper with my rotary trimmer.  I have found that if I leave about an inch extra of paper to attach to the layering piece above, there is enough support to hold the base of the page together well.  The images below show the cut of the blue dot paper, and the backside of this layout before the stitching.
Some of the flowers from my patterned paper scrap were then cut for a future page.


My second tip, today, refers to the alphabets that I use.  What do I do when I have used all my E's in an alphabet sticker collection?  Use a backwards, upside down 3.  In fact, I'm often reconstructing my numbers and letters from my alphabets to fit my scrapbooking title ideas.
In the layout above, not only did my 3's become E's but my P became an R; and, my D was made out of a zero and an I.

Do you have a favorite frugal tip or alphabet cheat?

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Technique Tip: Journaling With Embossed Strips

How do you feel about your penmanship?  As for me, I don't care very much for my writing.  In fact, I have completely redone layouts because I have felt like I ruined the whole look of a layout with my ugly writing.  I still, occasionally, journal on my pages. But when I do, I have to use pencil lines that get erased later.  Or I write on a paper that is detached from the base of the layout.  That way if it looks too bad, I don't have to start the layout over.

I, always, have to take my time when writing.  Since most of my stories are long, I almost always do the bulk of my journaling on the back of my layouts.

However, on the occasion when I believe that a layout requires more explanation than the title portrays, I often print something separately with a typed document. Frequently, I use my computer. But, another favorite tools is my pink Dymo.
I'm not sure if this particular one is available anymore but you could probably find something similar by searching for an embossing labeler.

I had one similar as a child and loved it.  So, I picked up this one a number of years ago to add a little variety to my journal strips.  I used it both this month and last month.  You may see the ways that I used it below:




Do you have any journaling ideas to share for those of us that don't like our writing?

Friday, June 19, 2015

Daily Inspiration: Layout of the Day!

Layout by Brenda Ragsdale, using the Shimelle True Stories layout kit from the June 2015 Flavors of the Month Kit. I love the layers of papers, embellishments and text that highlight one precious photo and memory.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Technique Tips: Adding Dimension

There are several ways to add dimension to your layouts without a lot of bulk.  Some techniques that I use include adding paper layers, making selective color choices with strategic placement and adding inked or penned borders to my layout or its paper pieces.  Since I love the look of dimension but don't care so much for needing to size down the edges of my layouts, I use paper illusions.

My layout using this month's sketch has a few techniques that I like in order to give my flat pages a more dimensional appearance.
First, I used some layering.  The photo is matted as is the yellow patterned paper, which has a double mat.  The stickers are matted as well.  This helped add dimension to the heart stickers.  Additionally, the paper covers the sticky edges so that it was easier for the pop dots to keep all edges of the hearts lifted.  The "so happy together" circle sticker was also matted.
A second technique that I use to help provide dimension in a page without providing any bulk is by adding penned stitches or else called "faux stitching".  You can see them around the edges of the bookmark strip below.
Do you use these techniques to add dimension, or do you have other ideas to share?



Saturday, June 13, 2015

Brand New Stamps Added to the Super Summer Sale!

We have just added a few additional stamps to our TSR Store, and we're introducing them at 50% off of the retail price. These stamps were ordered before we discontinued our Stamp Club and they shipped before we could get them cancelled, so we're including them in our Super Summer Sale!

Isn't this Super Summer Sale fun!!! We're just going to continue to add great products at great prices all summer long!!

Jillibean Soup "Love of My Life" Wood-Mounted Stamp (3.5"x 4"): $5.00 (50% Discount!)

Amy Tangerine "KARA" Rotary Phrase Stamp: $3.00 (50% Discount)

Technique Tuesday "HOME" Stamp Set/2 Acrylic Stamps: $3.00 (50% Discount)


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Wanted: Blog Hop Hosts


We are inviting the TSR members to show us how they use their kits with a fun hop this month.  We suggest using 4 in 1's, the sketch of the month, a design gallery lift or to just find a way to show us your own style.  What's a 4 in 1 you ask?  Well, it's using at least one item from each of the 4 lines for the current month's kit.  If you are international and haven't received this month's kit in time, feel free to use last month's kit.

My e-mail address is janinerachau@aol.com.  Please send me your express interest along with your blog address by June 26th.
  
I will schedule the order of posts in the order that I receive e-mails of express interests.  All posts should be complete in your blogs and scheduled to go live by 6:00 AM EDT on June 30th for the posts to go live.  I will confirm this information by email in advance.

Members will be encouraged to hop and leave comments on as many participants as are included in the hop.  Each comment entered by 6:00 AM EDT on July 7th will be submitted as chance to win a $15.00 gift certificate to the TSR Store! 

Participants get a chance to show off their creations, and those who comment get a chance to win a prize.

Who's in?

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

And, ALL of our Singleshot Kits are part of our SUPER SUMMER SALE! Most are discounted 50-75%!

That's right! When I said I'm cleaning out my warehouse this summer, I mean business! I just slashed the prices to at least half price on all available Singleshot Kits in our TSR Store. Singleshot Kits are limited-edition one-of-a-kind kits, and our stock is very limited, so if you see something you like, you'd better snatch it up right away!

Also, look for some new Singleshot Kits to be added to the TSR Store next week. Be sure to check back often for the best selection!

Here is just sampling of some of the GREAT SINGLESHOT KITS available in our TSR Store! Check out our full selection of great papercrafting products at low, low prices!

Echo Park Paper Capture Life Collection Kit: $7.50 (50% Discount!)

Teresa Collins Family Stories Mega Kit: $39.99 (50% Discount!)

Jillibean Soup Birthday Bisque Collection Kit: $9.00 (50% Discount!)

Echo Park Paper Summer Bliss Collection Kit: $7.50 (50% Discount!)

Bella Blvd. Molly Collection Kit: $9.99 (50% Discount!)

Fancy Pants As You Wish Collection Kit: $7.50 (50% Discount!)

My Mind's Eye Ashbury Heights Paper Pack: $4.50 (50% Discount!)

My Mind's Eye Cut & Paste "PHRESH" Collection Kit: $29.99 (50%+ Discount!)

My Mind's Eye Vintage Christmas Collection Kit: $13.00 (75% Discount!)

For TSR Members, if desired, I can hold any additional items and add them to your July shipment to save you on shipping charges (as long as it all fits into one priority box). However, we will process your credit card now for any additional items so that we can keep an accurate inventory and attempt to keep our site up to date.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Daily Inspiration: Layout of the Day!

Today's layout of the day comes from Rochelle Spears and features the Pink Paislee Atlas line in the June Flavors of the Month Kit. I love how Rochelle used that "globes" paper. I love the globes, but I wasn't sure how to use the paper, and now I know!!

...and a closer look at some of the embellishment details...


Monday, June 8, 2015

Welcome Guest Designer, Janine Rachau!

Join me in welcoming Janine Rachau as our next 2015 Guest Designer for The ScrapRoom. Janine has been using TSR's kits for many years to help her document her memories, and I'm excited to share a bit of her story with you today.


How long have you been scrapbooking and how did you get started?
Although, I dabbled with scrapbooking as a child, it really took me over when I was pregnant with my first child. I knew that I would enjoy creating albums for him. This was in the year 2000 when I began. It all started with a Creative Memories event.

Describe your scrapbooking style.
I think that my style is eclectic. I almost always use cardstock on my pages because I like how it tones down busy papers and designs. I love to be frugal with my supplies, too.  Sometimes, I challenge myself to get the most amount of projects done that I can on one kit. I find myself moving from using subtle graphic designs to clean or classic pages to heavily layered paper pages.

Favorite manufacturers and why?
Another tough question. I love diversity and my favorite manufacturer changes based on trending lines. If I have to pick one, I'll go with My Mind's Eye. They usually have classic and pretty papers that draw my attention. I love the texture in their papers and many of their embellishments too.

Which scrapbook page designers do you admire or who influence your style?
Geesh, I'm not sure. I had been watching quite a few designers years ago that come to mind.  Not as many currently, although I do love Brenda Ragsdale and Rochelle Spears work. :) Two of my past favorites are Julie Bonner with her clean pages and fabulous photographs, and Emma Trout with her meticulous fancy cutting and beautifully layered designs. I have yet been able to create a masterpiece close to the magnificence with all the cuts that Emma can create.


Which scrapbooking and/or crafty blogs do you follow?
Not nearly as many as I used to. My feeder has more decorating and religious content than scrapbooking these days. Along with The ScrapRoom and its designers, I have a few manufacturer blogs, Scrapbook Challenges, The Counterfeit Kit Club, (which helps me use my ScrapRoom stash), and Moments to Cherish because Deanna and I have reacquainted since our days of MOD Squad at TSR.

Any other tidbits our members want to know?
Thirty years ago, I was 21. My life was changed when I was given a second chance at life.  I survived a traumatic accident being struck by two cars as a pedestrian. After three months of hospitalization with broken bones from ribs and arms to toes, (a gazillion bones shattered), I am privileged to walk, have children, think, do life and scrapbook. You, too, are loved and have wonderful purposes during your journey on earth. I want to encourage you to make memories, define your purposes and pass it on to friends, family and even people you don't know. You never know who may be encouraged learning about your life.

Tell us about (3) of your favorite layouts...
When Tammy asked me to choose 3 of my favorite layouts, I knew it would be a challenge to choose.  Not because I think they are designed so well but because they usually feature my favorite subjects, my family, and our favorite places! Each page holds memories and deep affection for the people in the pictures. It leaves me with a bias for my own pages. 
In order to describe my style, it really begins with fitting pictures with kits or papers and then looking for less common ways to use the items. I love to look at The ScrapRoom Kit contents and try to think of unique ways to use the products. 
I remember when I created this first layout that I chose. A number of my online scrapbooking friends and I were discussing ways to use diagonal stripes. I explored making the frame around the photograph.  Isn't Jason the cutest little muffin in a floatie!?!
On this second layout, I layered the Jillibean Soup fabric covered chipboard with a button, paper and ribbon to create the award ribbon.  Good times with Mickey and Minnie!
Lastly, not an original idea, but I love fancy cutting.  I used a few clouds from a Bella Blvd. line to create the third layout that I chose to share today.  I don't think my little scarecrow would scare many birds away, I fear.

And, just because I prefer to leave things on a light note, I'll tell you one of my favorite stories of embarrassment.  As a little girl, I loved my pet, Apache.  He was a boxer dog with jowls that collected food and dirt.  He would rest his chin on a window ledge of a large picture window and look out to see outside activity.  My parents decided to invest in some lovely sheers to give us more privacy.  The sheers were installed on this large picture window. Apache, however, continued to rest his chin on our ledge.  He was scolded constantly and I felt bad for him.  I had the perfect solution and cut a beautiful square hole in the sheers just where he liked to the rest his big messy head.  Perfect solution, right?

Thursday, June 4, 2015

SUPER SUMMER SALE GRAB BAGS! $15.00 for $190.00 worth of Papercrafting Goodness!

And, for those of you who are looking to score an
AMAZING DEAL, we're offering...


Each Grab Bag contains:
*100 sheets of Patterned Paper
*$100.00 worth of Embellishments

All items from Top Papercrafting Manufacturers!

As always, TSR members can e-mail us at admin@scrap-room.com to add this amazing deal to your next shipment! All others, order through our Shopping Cart from the TSR Store!
(Note: We can only ship one Super Summer Sale Grab Bag per box. Our boxes won't hold more than one!)

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

New Individual Layout Kits for Sale! Get (1) FREE with every (3) Purchased!

There's lots of deals going on at The ScrapRoom this month!

We haven't broken up the Flavors of the Month and Doubleshot Kits into individual layout kits in a couple of years, so we thought it was time. In the INDIVIDUAL LAYOUT KITS section of our TSR STORE, you will now find all available individual layout kits through May 2015 for sale!

And, because we love our customers, between now and June 30th, we'll give you ONE FREE LAYOUT KIT** for every (3) Individual Layout Kits that you purchase if you use the coupon code (FREEKIT) in the comments section of your order.  (The price will show up in the shopping cart when you place your order, but we will apply the discount BEFORE processing your credit card.)

As always, TSR members can add any additional items to their monthly shipment by e-mailing me at admin@scrap-room.com with your order. (Be sure to mention the coupon code in the email to receive your free layout kit for every 3 purchased.)

A sampling of some of our Individual Layout Kits... Many more in our STORE:




Tuesday, June 2, 2015

SUPER SUMMER SALE! Lowest prices EVER on almost all Previous Kits!

We're doing a major clean-out of our warehouse this summer, so we're offering you Super-Discounted prices on all 2014 and older kits. You'll be getting our lowest, BELOW WHOLESALE PRICES on a huge variety of scrapbooking and paper-crafting kits. Quantities are limited to the stock that we have on hand, so be sure to get your order in early for the best selection! 

(Coordinating kits are grouped together in the TSR Store so that you can easily see which kits are available by month.)

ALL FOTM KITS: $10.00 (Retail price = $27.00)
ALL DOUBLESHOT KITS: $8.00 (Retail price = $17.00)
ALL PROJECT LIFE KITS: $8.00 (Retail price = $19.99)
ALL EMBELLISHMENT KITS: $5.00 (Retail price = $13.00)
ALL PATTERNED PAPER KITS: $3.00 (Retail price = $8.00)
MOST STAMP KITS: $3.00 (Retail price = $7.00-$10.00)

ScrapRoom Members can add sale items to their June shipment to save on shipping charges. To add sale items to your June shipment, e-mail your order to me at admin@scrap-room.com by 8:00 a.m. on June 5th.
A sampling from our store...
All FOTM Kits: $10.00

All Project Life Kits: $8.00

All Doubleshot Kits: $8.00

All Embellishment Kits: $5.00

All Patterned Paper Kits: $3.00

All Venti Kits: $8.00 (Embellishments+Patterned Papers+Cardstock)

Most Stamp Kits: $3.00

(*2015 Kits are excluded from this sale.)