Technique Boutique: Make Your own B&T

Everyone has a different style in scrapbooking, which is what makes our artwork so unique.  I love to use my solid cardstock, but when I finish the page, I feel like I have to fill the "blank" spots.  If I don't, I feel like there is a lot of empty space.  I'm starting to get past it, but not quite there yet.  I've got a goal this year to start using stamp sets in my drawer that I've never used.  Today I chose our Universal Background stamp set.  

If you've never stamped before, follow my tutorial to learn How To Stamp Artwork-Part 4 of 4. I used our La Belle Vie paper pack and started with Smokey Pum as my base page.  With my Universal Backround stamp pictured above, I stamped the entire page.  With our clear stamps, it makes it so easy to line up and see where you need to stamp next.  What's nice about making your own B&T (background & texture) papers, even if something doesn't stamp perfect...it's a background, not your main focus to your page.  Leave any imperfections there...that's what makes it unique, not manufactured!

I love the difference it made to my page!

I hope this gives you some ideas of how you can make your own B&T paper to give the extra touch you're looking for.  

Thanks for stopping by...AND Happy Stamping!

Jane

Victory!

I love the Victory paper pack.  I live in a house full of boys, so I'm always looking for masculine paper for their layouts.  

This layout was inspired from a pin on Pinterest from Paisley and Polka Dots. 

I used Barn Red cardstock and stamped a star with the Shining Star (retired) stamp set and trimmed around it.  I tied Bakers Twine around the star.  I also used our Burlap Ribbon.  

I used a Sponge Dauber and some acrylic "Antique White" paint to swipe on the Milepost Shapes.  I let that dry and then used a sponge dauber to swipe New England Ivy ink.  Don't forget to use your "zip strips" from your Victory paper collection.  Makes a nice border for your pictures.

Our Fall/Winter 2012 catalog is about to expire.  Paper kits are selling out fast!  Victory is one of the kits that will no longer be available after January 31st.  

Don't forget about our awesome kit for only $10.00 when you spend $35.00 (before shipping/tax).  You'll receive a fun stamp set, gorgeous paper and fun "treat tubes". 

Kit includes:

• 12—Die-Cut Boxes (3 each of 4 colors: Blush, Hollyhock, Ruby, White Daisy)

• 3—12" x 12" Cardstock Sheets (Blush, Hollyhock, White Daisy)

• 1—Sheet Silver Glitter Paper—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!

• 12—Treat Tubes with Lids—new product for Spring/Summer 2013!

• 1—My Acrylix®

 Whooo’s Your Valentine Stamp Set (D-size)

And of course, our Stamp Of The Month for only $5.00 when you spend $50.00 or more (before shipping/tax).  

This month is a great time to get some extra goodies on your order.  Don't wait, product is selling out and will no longer be available.  

Thanks for stopping by,

Jane

Scrapbook Class at Reynoldsburg Library

Come join my sister, Joan, and I at Reynoldsburg Library February 4th from 7pm to 9pm.  We are very excited to add this to our fun list of things we are doing.  We will make a 2 page layout using some fun inking techniques.

If you're interested in joining us, email joan.ferner@gmail.com.  If you have questions and would like to talk with one of us, contact Joan at 614-539-5335 or Jane at 614-725-9677.  The more the merrier!  

This is the layout we will be making. 

All supplies will be provided to complete the layout.  You will also receive your own tape runner that is yours to keep, all for $6.  

Reserve your kit today.

Flirty

Be on the lookout!  Our Spring/Summer catalog will start February 1st.  Have you ordered everything you need from our Fall/Winter catty before it ends?  We have 4 paper packs that will not carry over to the new catalog.  Flirty is one of those.  

I posted on the 1st about my weight loss adventure with my friends and family.  Susan and I have been best friends since we were 9 years old--over 30 years.  My Flirty layout was inspired by her.  We have plans of getting together this spring (she lives in Toledo) and we will take our pictures for the layout.  She is an "amazing" friend.  She has been through everything with me.  I love her so much.  

Supplies Used: 
Flirty My Reflections Paper Packet
Opposites Attract Cricut Cartridge
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge
Embellishments

This packet will not be available after January 31st.  Get Flirty today.
Happy Scrapping!
Jane

Technique Boutique: Random Stamping

What is random stamping?  It's a great technique for making your own B&T (Background and Texture) paper.  Below is a great instructional video by CTMH demonstrating random stamping.  

I wanted snowflakes on my winter layout and didn't have paper to match my color scheme.  So using this technique, I created my own.  I will be teaching this technique for my January club and we will be making this layout.

Happy New Year!  Every year I make a New Years resolution to lose weight. I've been overweight all of my life.  When I was a little girl, my mom had to order my clothes from the JC Penney catalog and they were labeled "Pretty Plus".  It was embarrassing.  It was also frustrating because my friends had the "cool" clothes...the "cool" clothes didn't come in my size:(

It's very hard when I'm the only one trying in the house...and we ALL could benefit from healthier habits.  Well, this year, Bill is going to do it with me.  Bill does most of the cooking in our house, so it was hard to get home from work and see that he prepared a meal for the family and tell him, "I can't have that".  I could see the disappointment and frustration on his face. And then there was my frustration.  He knew I couldn't eat deep fried fish and french fries for dinner.  It often felt like sabotage, even though I knew that was not his intention...it sure felt that way.  Now that we are on the same page, we can support each other and motivate each other.  Our boys will benefit too!  I'm just waiting to hear their complaints that there is no ice-cream in the freezer.  Bwahhahahah.

I also have a support system with my friends.  Two of my best friends, Susan and Melissa, are on an adventure to lose weight too.  They live in Toledo and I live in Columbus.  Thank goodness for technology.  We've promised to hold each other accountable.  We can text each other every time we think of "falling off the wagon".  We are going to report our weight loss to each other every week.  All 3 of us are very competitive...look out by friends...I'm here to win.  I say that jokingly, but we are all going to win in the end.  I'm 41 years old and my body feels older than that!

Although I haven't been dedicated to posting on my blog consistently, my next New Years resolution is to do just that.  I'm hoping to get more artwork posted, but I'm also going to share the success' of our families journey to losing weight.  I'll keep you updated on Susan and Melissa too.

I know there are many people out there just like myself, Susan and Melissa.  We can do this together!  I need all the support and motivation I can get.

Starting Weight:  236--can't believe I'm posting that
Eating plan choice:  Low Carb--I've re-read the Atkins book, downloaded the carb counting app, and I've been to the grocery store.

I've just about done every diet out there.  My biggest success was 11 years ago when I lost 40 pounds in 4 months doing Atkins. I kept it off for approximately 3 years.  Then I changed jobs.  I gained the "freshman 20" in the first 6 months.  I stayed at that weight for 2 years.  I then returned to my previous company and gained the "freshman 20" in the first 6 months.  Gained the 40 pounds back.  During all this time, I've tried all kinds of eating plans.  WW works great, but for a person like me, I have to have the accountability of the meetings.  I wasn't accountable to myself to continue to go to them and eventually my eating habits were right back to where they were....and so is my weight.  Since my biggest success was lo carb, that's what we are doing.  Cutting out flour, breads, sugar etc.

Stay tuned for next Tuesday's report of our first week.

Exercise?  One thing at a time.  LOL

Thanks for listening, listening and motivating me thru this tough journey.

Jane