Making Memories

Eye Candy - Kraft Paper

Here are two samples using our Kraft paper.  If you haven't tried using this paper yet, give it a try.  It's so versatile and looks great on all layouts.

Old Product New Use Challenge - Magnetic Stamps

What fun it was to get my hand dirty with these bautiful stamps. For this challenge, Jenny asked me to use the Magnetic Stamps in a new way. I decided to make a page for my very special friend, Lina, who did me a huge favour by giving me a make over! Now, who would not love a girl friend like that? She made me feel like a million bucks and I wanted to say thank you in the way I know best! I often use words/journaling as texture on my page and that was my idea for this page too.

First, I stamped a lot of words on a plain white paper that I felt describe Lina. I used the providence and rummage stamps. I did not stamp a whole page, but only about 5 lines. Then I made a few copies of the page and cut them up and pasted them to make a collage of words. Then I made a copy of the collage on a transparency. To bring out the words on the transparency, I painted the back with baby blue MM scrapbook colors (Daiquiri). I silhouetted Lina's picture and adhered it to the top of the of the transparency and then embellished it with trim, tags and the title (all from the MM Funky Vintage series). I painted the title words on the back with pink paint so that they are more visible and stitched them to the trim. I used black card stock for a background because I wanted to keep the focus on Lina. I want to encourage you to use these magnetic stamps in a new way (or follow my technique) and upload those babies to the MM gallery! We are all excited to see what you come up with! Don't forget the first rule of scrapbooking: Have fun!!! Kiss-kiss

Wilna

Q & A With Christy

You asked and now Christy's answers...

Cindy B asks:
How has your scrapbookin' style emerged over the years?

• Well while I think my style has stayed the same (kind of eclectic Shabby chic), I have noticed a huge change in the way I scrapbook. Over the last year, that I have really just let myself have fun with scrapbooking instead of worrying about what size to cut my paper, where to place my embellishments, what type of title to use etc. I use to do all my journaling using a computer (which added on an extra hour or MORE) and also used to scrapbook 12” x 12” in size. I decided that if I was going to get anything done, I needed to go from making a layout in 4-8 hours to designing a page under 30 minutes. So one day I tried it and I worked! I now scrap 9” x 9” in size, because usually I don't use more than 2 photos, and if I do, they are small and cropped. I also don't measure my paper before I put it on. I just start cutting and layering and if it doesn't seem to work, I leave it anyway. I have learned to clump my embellishments together, which makes it easier to decide where they go, and I hand journal everything. I am usually able to create a layout from start to finish (printing photos, gathering supplies, and clean up) within in hour. While this process takes much less time, I have noticed my layouts tend to look similar in "style" (meaning I don't branch out and try too many different things like making waves, or circles on my pages etc) but in the end isn't it all just really about getting it done? I am happy because they end up looking like "me" and I didn't fret over it or spend too much time on it. I am also a firm believer in 9”x 9” size because of how much faster it is to fill up "space". Plus making Memories has the seriously cutest scalloped leather 9” x 9” albums.. that I LOVE.

What kind of skin care and make up do you use?? Your skin looks absolutely flawless!!

• Funny! I have used Mary Kay since I was about 12 (my mom was a consultant and now my sisters and friends are).  Love it.. swear by it.. I think it keeps me looking young.. in fact all my sisters have great skin, including my mom and I think it's because of our skin care regimen over the years.

Becky Peterson asks:

I was just wondering if you had any ideas on storing foam stamps or just stamps in general.

• While I have always loved foam stamps, I also am really started to love acrylic stamps. For foam stamps I have found it easier for me to just keep them in photo boxes. I usually just put one or two alphabet per box. But to be honest, it's sometimes a pain because I find myself digging for several minutes to find the letters or stamp I want. I saw a cool system once though on a blog (sorry can't remember who, it's been over a year or more). They had purchased a three-ring binder and baseball card insert dividers and put their stamps into those. They sorted them by both alphabet styles, but also in one system saw they had sorted them by a's, b's, c's, d's, etc. Then all the images stamps (like flowers, stars etc) in other sections. It seemed to work great! I just haven't found the time to sort my stamps yet! As for acrylic stamps, right now I have them all in magazine holders I purchased at Ikea. I have them sorted by manufacturer, but again, I have seen people who have put them into 3-ring binders and transferred them to transparency sheets. Which I would love to do when I have some free time!

Ann asks (along with a few other people)..

What keeps you motivated, especially when you just don't feel like creating or have scrapper's block?

• Honestly other peoples art keeps me motivated, whether it's in scrapbooks, fabrics, clip art designs, knitting, home décor, etc.  It makes me want to create and I love that. To be honest lately, I have been stalking the talented Ms. Keisha Campbell, who is probably one of the most, if not THE most talented people I know. Her style is very similar to mine, so it's great to see her create. I love that she has a serious passion for scrapbooking and so it inspires me to have the same. There are lots of other designers and artists that I love as well, too many to list, but maybe sometime when I have a few minutes, I will post them on my own blog. I also love to visit websites where they have layout galleries that inspires me as well. There are SO many talented scrapbookers out there, that I love just browsing on-line to find inspiration.

Teaque asks:

I wanted to know how do you deal with your supplies and scrapping on the go and then returning back home to scrap in your room?

• For me, it's more important for me to GO to a crop organized.  That seems to make it easier to come home and put things away faster. Making Memories makes these great 12” x 12” paper holders that have lids on them. I use them for crops to keep my "projects" in. Instead of bringing everything with me, I plan ahead and pick photos, 4-6 sheets of paper, matching embellishments, ribbon, etc and put them all in the 12" x 12" holder. If I want things like flowers or buttons, that aren't packaged (in my scrapbook room I have those in jars), then I use small zip lock bags and grab a small handful of the colors I want to use and drop them in the 12” x 12” folder too. Then all I really have left is tools.. I purchased a carry bag that holds most of my tools, so I just grab it and go then I don't have to worry about unpacking it when I get home. I pack 4-8 projects depending on the amount of time I will be gone and then when I get home, for projects I finished, I put away the extras I didn't use and for ones I didn't, I transfer them to my file cabinet where I have projects I am working on. It works out perfectly! (but to be honest once again.. I usually don't unpack from a crop for at least 2 weeks.. is that bad??)

Julia asks: (as well as some other)..

I find it hard to keep a balance of things at home, my 5 children and designing on the side. How do you keep it all balanced?

• I get asked this question a lot. Four of my six children are in school so often times, when my youngest is napping, I take that opportunity to work on assignments for the companies that I work for. I am also a late night scrapbook, so I will stay up after kids are in bed, after I have "TV" time with my hubby, snuggling on the couch and then I will work on stuff when I don't have any interruptions. I don't get much sleep, but I figure someday I will get to make up for all the sleep, right? The biggest thing to me, is putting my family first. I admit that I don't always do that, but I find myself, trying to keep my two young kids happy, but letting them dump all my buttons out and then resort them (which I actually have to go back and redo later) or play with stickers.. etc.. while I work.. so they can sit in the room with me and stay happy, while I finish up stuff. But I in the last few months, i have noticed my kids getting more annoyed with me, like I am trying to just throw something at them, to keep them from getting me to stop working so I have realized that sometimes I just need to stop, go play a game of UNO, play with Play Dough, or sit outside in the hammock and read stories for a while. It actually is a nice break and it calms me down too. Then my kids are happy and ready to play on their own while I get more work done. I have to say, I also have fabulous kids, who are extremely helpful. My four oldest kids (ages 6-11) all take turn doing the dishes, folding and sorting laundry, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, giving baths to the younger kids etc. They each have daily chores they do after school each day, to help keep our home clean and organized. We all work together to make our home function and I am proud that they know and value the importance of work and cleaning up after themselves at such young ages.

 

How do you take great photographs of scrapbook layouts?

• I usually take my photos by a well light window or actually outside. I use easels to sit them on and then take them far enough away from any backgrounds or walls so that you can really see what's behind them. Of course I usually still have to fix some color or lighting issues in Photoshop as well, but nothing major. The trick is good lighting and always face your subject/layouts towards the light, but not in direct light.

Organizing Tricks?

Just as we learned yesterday, everyone WANTS to be organized, but some of us need more help than others. If you are one of those talented crafters who really have a place for everything and everything in its place, we want to hear from you! Oh – and you could get more things to put away by helping us out!

Share a picture of your best organizing trick by posting it on our image gallery, then describe your trick in the comments area of today’s blog. Not only could you win some great prizes.  Five winners will win a collection of our newest scrapbooking products.  Winners will be emailed on Friday May 18th.

Your helpful hint also could be featured in an upcoming industry magazine.

Make sure to label your photo and mention the photo title in your blog posting – we can’t wait to see and read your best ideas! 

Q & A Session with Christy Tomlinson

Have you ever wanted free reign to ask our designers any burning questions that you may have wondered about?  Well now is your chance.

On Wednesday, May 16th Christy will be spilling the beans about whatever you want to know.  We want you to submit questions to her by posting a comment on our blog.  Ask her about her tips for great scrapbooking pages and photographs, or her tricks to raising a wonderful family, or her secrets to staying motivated, you name it.  Check back on May 16th to read her answers and get to know her from her perspective. 

Organizationally Challenged

Are you a bit on the disorganized side (a.k.a: “organizationally challenged”)? Are you a recovering slob-a-holic?  If so, we need to hear from you!  We need to know about the biggest challenges you face in keeping your supplies organized.  What items stack up faster than others, and what outside factors (kids, husbands, a life) keep you from getting your goods under control? What could we (at Making Memories) or your local scrapbooking store do to help you reign in the clutter?

Take a moment to share your thoughts with us, and we’ll reward your input by selecting five posters at random who will receive our new organizational jars. These jars are perfect to keep everything sorted and organized and will help you get on the right path for organizing your stuff.  The five winners will be emailed on Monday, May 14th.  Your challenges also could be featured in an upcoming magazine article. Don’t put it off … submit your ideas now!

Start Seeing Polka Dots

We wanted to start Friday morning the right way and announce our five winners for the polka dot prize.  Before we do so, we wanted to say thank you to everyone who posted a comment and shared your obsessions with us. 

So, now on to the winners…Congratulations to:

• Lovely Cee – She is obsessed with buying clothes for her 17 month little girl and getting her matching shoes and hair accessories. And to protect her new clothing investments, she’s also obsessed with baby bibs. 

• Beth – Beth is currently obsessed with being outside, muted shades of bright summer colors, brads in a million colors and colors that go great with brown (pink, teal, butter yellow, shades of green, etc.)  Also she can’t get enough of Grey's Anatomy and drinking water.

• Karen – Karen doesn’t a have a lot of free time anymore because of her current obsession – photography.  You should check out her blog.  She has some amazing photos.   

• Linda A. – Television shows are her current obsessions.  Her favorites are Grey's Anatomy, Lost and Heroes. These shows occupy her mind as she counts down to the last episodes for the season.

• Adelina – Her 20 month old daughter is her obsession and what a good obsession that is.  She’s been working on her baby book and using lots of vintage and distressing techniques. 

If you are a winner, make sure you email me your full name and address so we can send your polka dot prize. (blog@makingmemories.com)

Mother's Day Card Challenge

I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, my mom was always after me to “clean my room!” So, to honor my mom by finally listening to her request- I cleaned my room- my scrap room- by gathering up all the bits of paper I had laying around and turning them into this cute Mother’s Day Card Trio! (I figure if I am going to do chores, I should make them fun). You can give one to Mom and give the rest to the other special “Mom’s” in your life.

Each of these cards was made by using scraps of left over paper, cut into strips and squares big enough to cover and embellish the card fronts. The pattern paper flowers were created by stamping a large flower image (from the MM Spring foam stamp set) onto the white side of the paper, and cutting out with scissors to create the floral shape. This is a great way to make paper shapes without using a “shape” punch or template.  To finish the cards, simply layer your embellishments (Fresh Anthology Classically Defined stickers, Shimmer Alpha and Flower stickers, Spotlight Blossoms, etc.) and add some rub-on’s.

We would love to see what kinds of cards you make with your favorite Making Memories paper scraps and embellishments! Be sure take some pictures of your creations and post them in the Making Memories Idea Gallery!

Jennifer Pebbles

 

What we LOVE!

 

The theme for MM’s newsletter today was obsessions!  If you received the MM Insider newsletter you have probably already read about the obsessions of five MM employees.  The assortment of obsessions was extensive and encompassed everything from jewelry to product packaging, graphic t-shirts, books, Italian deli meats and Swiss Army Knives.   Wow!  If you don't currently receive MM's newsletter, sign up so you don't miss a thing, including the sneak peak we gave today for a new travel program shipping in June. 

Another obsession that we have is POLKA DOTS and we are going to share that with you.  We are going to give a huge sampling of our polka dot passions to five lucky winners.  If you want to win, please post a comment on the blog and tell us what your current obsessions are.  It can be your favorite television show, website, you name it.  We will pick five winners on Friday, May 11^th. 

Our Visit to Precious Memories

One of best parts of my job is being in charge of all the consumer events that Making Memories attends. A bonus to that is sometimes I get to travel myself to these events. It’s absolutely amazing to be able to not only meet people from all over the world, but also to see lots of new places.  This past weekend was no different.  Danielle and I traveled to the Precious Memories store in Langley, British Columbia.  While we were there we hosted make-and-takes and classes. 

One of the first things that we notices about Langley was how nice everyone was to us.  The weather was a bit rainy so everyone made sure to apologize for the rain...how cute is that.  Apologize for the weather.  During the event we were able to meet over 200 women (and one man) scrappers.  Excitement was in the air as everyone prepared for a weekend full of croppin’ fun.  At 1 a.m. we finally made it back to our hotel room to rest before a full day of classes.

Danielle taught a cute flip frame class using Making Memories’ Fresh Anthology line.  Students filtered through classes all day.  By the time they got to my class they were colored in pink and green glitter from Danielle's class.  In my class we made a 4-page layout designed by the talented Maggie Holmes.  We had a fun time using our new Tag Maker punches and Tag Maker.  Once again we met the most amazing women.  We laughed with a group of sisters who had traveled from all around to make it to the event.  We were impressed to see some great friends who all get together at this event to basically have a lot of fun together, and maybe even get some scrappin done while they are there.  Everyone was so kind and we can not thank you enough for the great hospitality you offered!

Late on Saturday, we played or own version of a popular game show, we called it ‘Making Memories Deal or No Deal!’  We had two great contestants come and try their chances at going home with a Runway Roller stuffed full with product!  They were good sports and everyone got involved in helping them decide if they should take the deal or keep on trying.  I have to admit I may have had the most fun...I think Howie Mendel has a great job!  Giving away free product to these ladies was so much fun.  With that being said, I can’t even imagine how fun it would be to give away one million dollars on the real show. 

Thanks to Precious Memories for inviting us to this grand event.  We love your staff and we love the ladies (and man) of Langley!  Thanks for the great memories!

Jodi