Deciding on What Machine is Best for you

I had a customer ask me how to explain how dies work and so I couldn't figure out how to explain the manual die cutting machine, I think I was just too tired and my brain was in its jello mode. I could explain how to basically use a die but I didn't feel it answered her question fully so off I went to research the words I needed to explain and while doing so i found some great Links about Die cutting machines! So I thought these are so great I have to share them!

This one HERE is for just Electronic die Cut machines.


This one Here is for just Manual machines


This One HERE is just Manual Machines too (includes more machines)


This one HERE is just Sizzix Manual Die Cut Machines


This one is the HERE covers both Electronic and Manual Die Cut machines!

Glue Dots

I did a little video showing how  and what you can use glue dots on. I'm sure there are way more uses than I cover. Enjoy!

Fun with Flowers

I did a quick little video on flowers. Nothing extravagant, just some ideas of what you can do with them. More for Inspiration than anything!  Enjoy!

ATG Gun changing the adhesive

I did a simple video showing how you change the adhesive in your ATG GUn! So simple I practically did it one handed!

Saturday Daily Challenge Aug. 7

Today's Challenge is to alter a canvas! No smaller than a 4x6! Any theme any color!  Not sure how to alter one? i have a 2 part video tutorial on how to alter one with inks.

PArt One



Part two




Deadline is Aug. 13  11:59pm Add Your creation here!

Video For Scraps

So, I did another video! If you've been taking your scraps and practicing your "inking" heres what you can do with those scrap papers! Even if you haven't inked anything you can still see what you can do with some of your small scraps of papers!

My Video

Cricut Imagine

So have you heard about the Cricut Imagine? NO?!  I've been hearing things here and there. I'm not sure what I think completely but am leaning more towards the I do not need this. It is very intresting but just don't think its quite my "cup of tea" or "style" of scrapbooking? I'm sure I'll see some creative stuff made with it and be inspired.

If you haven't heard anything check out this page for simple "facts"
http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/07/27/here-is-the-cricut-imagine/
This is a short overview video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxfZsBGzLBg&feature=related

This is about a 10 min video covering the whole process
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXIx3Hx2Aj8

What's your opinion? I'd love to hear it?!

Cricut Robotz Tutorial

FINALLY!!

Ok For real this time! It took me so long and so many bumps in the road to do this! I can't believe how hard it is to write such a different kind of tutorial that i am use to writing. I am 100% DONE with my picture written tutorial for the Cricut  Robots 46-50!!! Its a whopping 25 pages! But it has tons of pictures!!! Most is in B&W for easier printing. As suggested thru a good friend I copyrighted in thru myfreecopyright.com  (not something I usually do).  The Tutorial is 100% Free. I have included some "legal stuff" in the tutorial on sharing and other stuff I suggest you read it. Part of the sharing is that you are to Please direct people here to download, not to post it to your blog, website, email it, etc! Thank you for understanding. (This is not something that I usually do either but as I said I worked really hard on this and I feel I deserve the credit for writing this, it may not be the best but it is mine and it took alot of time and frustrations).  Again thanks for understanding and I sure hope it helps get these Fun Robotz assembled!

Robotz Tutorial by TheScrapoholic

More recycling tips and ideas!

I've been busy creating and napping. See for me the more I create the more pain i'm in. Its a sad fact of my life but there's nothing I can do to change it. So that's why I tend to be absent for days sometimes!

Anyways, heres a few links to check out!

Fun crafts ideas:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-material/recyclable-projects/recyclable-crafts-859956/

other articles:
https://astonbaby.com/the-10-most-important-articles-on-simplemom-net/

Another Cool Tutorial!

These Guys have another Cool Video! Check out their neat tutorial on how to make "faux" Prima Flowers!

Video faux-prima

blossoming spring layered flowers

Paper Bows

Make Paper Bows!

Cut a magazine page( or any paper of your choice)  lengthwise into 9 strips, 3/4" wide.
Leave 3 of the strips full length.
Cut one inch off 3 of the strips.
Cut two inches off 2 of the strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2" long.
You do have some paper that will have to be thrown in the recycle bin!

Twist each strip to form a loop at both ends and staple it in the center.

Shape the short strip into a circle and secure it with a glue dot.

Layer the 3 longest pieces on top of each other, spacing them evenly and securing each with a glue dot.

Add the next two groups of pieces, doing the same.

And finally, stick the loop into the center.

Check this out!

Check out this Blog! They have a cool Tutorial on how to make Paper Roses!!

tsewerscraps.blogspot.com/

I'm hoping to attempt making them? Not sure i can since looks like you need 2 fully functioning arms. Maybe i can get the kids to help me out especially when they are "bored" and there's nothing to do :)

What Adhesive to use?

What Adhesive to use?Do you ever come across trying to figure out what adhesive would work best for your project?  I know I do!  So check out this site, takes the guess work right out of it! 

http://www.thistothat.com/

The Balancing Act of your Layout

Creating a Scrapbook layout with a creative balance.  Do you sit and look at your layouts and think something is off? Can’t quite figure it out?  Maybe it’s lopsided ;) meaning it’s out of balance. One of the keys to a great layout is “Balance”; the balance contributes to the harmony of the overall design.  Our eyes naturally are pleased with balance.

To achieve balance there are some key things to consider, which I will be talk about to help you achieve it. You need an equal distribution of “visual weight” in your layout, whether it’s a one page or double page layout. The best way to see if your layout is equally spread out is to mentally split the layout in half whether it is horizontally or vertically.  Though, we do tend to like to see “bottom” half heavier than “top” half, but in a layout its ok if the top half is heavier, so long as you achieved “balance”. The different elements on the page have their own “visual weight”, so they don’t have to be the same elements. So, basically they don’t have to be for example, 3 buttons on both sides.  It can be 3 buttons and another embellishment for example a slide mount, that is equal in “visual weight” Embellishments “weigh” more or less depending on their size, shape, color, texture and/or placement.  For example a small floral print is “lighter” than a big floral print.  Another example a black & white print is “heavier” than a multi color busy print, because of the contrast.

There are 3 types of ways to achieve “balance”. The three types of “balance” are asymmetrical, radial and symmetrical. 

Asymmetrical is probably the most complex one. Asymmetrical Balance is created on both sides of a “central axis” by giving equal visual weight to dissimilar objects.  To obtain this type of balance several techniques are usually used together in some way using color, shape, and position.  By color, you want small areas of bright or light color balance on a larger area of dark or dull colors.  Color is useful in allowing for a great difference in shapes that still balance because of the color applied to them. By shape, the more intricate shapes have more visual weight than a larger simpler shape.   By position, if you place a larger item closer to the center you can balance with smaller elements placed toward the outer edges.  You also need to consider the texture and value of the elements when looking at the color, shape and position. An element with more contrast is going to be “heavier” visually because our eyes are naturally attracted to this.  Paper with a light and dark variation is more visually appealing than say a plain non textured cardstock. 

When choosing to use asymmetrical think if the “mood” of your layout falls in one of these; casual, energetic, having variety, natural, playful, spontaneous, or subtle. These “moods work best for this type of layout.

Radical Balance is a layout in which elements radiate or circle out from a common point. Depending on where you have your focus radial balance can be either Asymmetrical or symmetrical.  This type of “balance” works great for an organized layout which expresses energy but in an understated way.

Symmetrical Balance is like elements repeated in the same spot on either side of a central axis.  This type of “balance is more like a mirror image. The elements on either side can vary slightly without changing the symmetry.   There are 2 types of symmetrical balance which are bilateral balance and crystallographic balance.  Bilateral Balance is created by a mirror of the layout on each side of the center axis.  Crystallographic balance is the elements all over the layout have equal “visual weight” creating a larger pattern without a center point.  Either of these balances in a symmetrical layout creates a straightforward look of equalization.

With time and practice, you’ll be visually seeing the “balance” in your layouts and things will just start flowing a lot easier.

Cropping Pictures

Cropping pictures is the technique used to trim the excess off a photo. Most of your pictures in your scrapbook will not be professionally taken and thus, will not be as visually appealing as they could be. Cropping photos can remove distracting backgrounds, refocus a picture, or frame a subject. Cropping pictures that fit into fantastic layout designs is not as difficult as it seems, but takes a bit of planning.

While experimenting with cropping pictures, I suggest using pictures that have duplicate prints or pictures your not going to ever scrap before cropping the pictures you really want to scrap. Also, avoid the temptation to overdo it. A page with 4 different shapes will not flow or and be very off balance. Always Remember the most basic scrapbooking rule: KISS ~ Keep It Simple Sweetie!

There are 4 common shapes used for cropping pictures: circle, oval, square, and rectangle. Other shapes can be used as well, but are less common. When you plan your scrapbook layout design, try to decide which shape or shapes you will use for your pictures.

Many photos will have subjects that are complimentary to certain shapes over others. For example, a picture of the Space Needle is more appealing and natural to be cropped into a long rectangular shape. Choosing shapes that will compliment the layout design does not necessarily mean using circle cropped photos on your circle patterned paper with circle stickers. Try experimenting with contrast when cropping pictures. Use square pictures on that circle paper or ovals with the rectangle embellishments.

Experiment with using more than one shape (both circles and squares) when cropping pictures, but not more than two. Try cutting a free form of a picture meaning cutting an outline of a subject directly. For example, a child jumping, cut out free form and then pop dot it up for added effect.

Before begin cropping pictures, it's important to think about what you want the focus of each to be. Many photos are taken from such a great distance, with distracting background images or that the viewer's eye wanders pointlessly around the picture. You want your scrapbook layout to tell a story and your viewer will be visually taken through that story based upon the pictures.

For example, in a picture with a large amount of background space takes away from the subject and focus of the picture.

Once the distractions of the background isremoved, the picture is now more visually appealing and the focus is on the subject.

When choosing focal points, remember the Rule of Threes. (The Rule of Threes is based upon a triangular shape. The triangular shape could be static or dynamic. To create “visual appeal” using the Rule of Threes, create a dynamic interaction between objects. But a triangle shape doesn’t have to be made. Simply, just odd numbers of things are more appealling) This visual technique is used by professional photographers to create focus with their picture. Although, sometimes a picture is more appealing when the focal point is not cropped and is off center but also in the center of the picture.

When you are cropping pictures, be sure that your cutting tools that are sharp and cut cleanly. When using the dull paper cutter or scissors the edges of your paper are frayed and torn rather than cut cleanly. The same will be true if you crop photos with dull tools.

Always trim less than you'll expect to take off on your first pass. Remember, you can always cut off more if you need to, but if you crop a picture too small you can't put any back on! I highly recommend making duplicates of pictures you plan to crop! Especially irreplaceable such as heritage or professional photos.

Depending on the amount of the picture you are trimming off, consider hanging on to your scraps until you finish the layout design. The scraps that were trimmed off other picture can be used in the layout or complimenting layouts. They work to tie in the theme on this page. For example, you trim of a rose bush, you can mat it as an embellishment for the page.

Remember there really is no “right” or “wrong way to crop your pictures. You make it work for your taste, layout, etc.

Color Matching between CTMH, SU & Copics

I took some time and did alot of research!  This is a collaboration from many sites and blogs to come up with my chart. It is not my work, just a collection I put together. It matches CTMH colors to SU colors (not all included) to what Colors for Copics and then the RGB print codes to match.  I only matched the 60 current Colors of CTMH to SU colors, there are more colors for stampin up that i did discover.  I also, couldn't find some copic colors for SU. If you happen to have the ones missing please feel free to post!

I created an Excel Sheet that if you'd like you can download here


Color Comparison Chart

Choosing Colors for your Scrapbook Layout

When designing scrapbook layouts, choosing the colors you will incorporate into the layout is very important. Remember, your pictures should always be your focus. It's also helpful understanding some basics color theory when trying to pick the right color with purpose for your scrapbook layouts. If you paid attention in art class back in school, a lot of this will sound familiar. The colors will set the mood for the layout. When you understand the basics of the color wheel, it can make choosing pleasing colors easier.

Basics is understanding Colors

Primary: Red, blue and yellow. These colors cannot be made by mixing other colors together, but they serve as the basis for all other pure colors (hues) in the color wheel.

Secondary: These colors are made by mixing primary colors: red + yellow = orange, red + blue = purple and yellow + blue = green.

Tertiary: Last, but not least, these colors are created by mixing one primary and secondary color. There are six tertiary colors: red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green and blue-violet.

These twelve colors can be classified further into warm and cool colors based on the feelings they evoke. Reds, oranges and yellows are referred to as warm colors because they give you a sense of warmth and are used to convey strong feelings (exhilaration, fury, etc.). Blues, greens and purples are referred to as cool colors because they have a calming effect and tend to remind you of cool things (winter or a lake or ocean).

These are then broken into four types of color combinations that I would like to share today: monochromatic, analogous, complementary and triadic.

Monochromatic  is made up of one hue in several different shades or values.

Complementary is the two colors directly across the color wheel from each other are used. Some examples are red/green, blue/orange and yellow/violet. Just are the names suggests, these colors complement each other and provide a pleasing color contrast.

Analogous is when two to four colors next to each other on the color wheel are used. Some examples of this are yellow/green/blue, red/yellow/orange and orange/yellow/green. Thinking about each of these color combination, you can almost visualize the type of photos you would want with the colors.

Triadic is made up of three colors equally spaced around the color wheel (they form a triangle.) To determine the colors within a triadic color scheme, you first need to draw an equilateral triangle in the middle of the color wheel. Use the top of the triangle as the main color. The two bottom points of the triangle will be the other two colors within the scheme. If you notice that the colors are four colors from each other. This involves using colors that are more varied than the other color combination.

You're probably wondering, how is this going to help me pick colors? Together, these colors make up the basic color wheel. Some scrapbookers, often find a color wheel helpful when determining color combination for their layouts because sometimes selecting the right colors is not as simple as it seems. Your goal, when picking colors is to select at least three colors that compliment your pictures. You will use one color as the background for your scrapbook pages, and the second and third colors will be complimentary to the pictures and be used to mat your photos and other scrapbook elements.

You will not usually use equal amounts of each color in the color schemes. These are not the only possible color combinations, but they are a great start and the color wheel takes the work out of identifying colors that compliment each other.

Here are a few websites for color scheme generators, its a nifty lil tool.

http://www.design215.com/toolbox/colorpicker.php

http://kuler.adobe.com/

http://colorschemedesigner.com/

http://www.colr.org/

http://www.colourlovers.com/copaso

 So, you still can't decide on the right colors to go with your pictures, here is a great tool to help!

http://www.scrapbook.com/color/

You upload your picture and it gives you a choice of many colors. What if you have two pictures you want to scrap with?! Not a problem. Upload both. You can choose what is the best match for both pictures!