A QUICK MINI FOR WALLET PICTURES

Hello my Friends! I love to use wallet-size pictures whether it's for pages or minis they're the perfect size. I was thinking about a way to my favorite moments of the Advent with my Grandmother in France and then I thought why not bind them all together and slide them into a sturdy cover. And while at it why not share a step-by-step with you?!

MINI ( closed ): 3 x 4 inches. All papers from Making Memories'Noel 

TUTORIAL:

1. To make the cover, cut 3 pieces of heavy cardboard and glue on top of your cardstock.

  

2. This is what the cover will look like:

  

3. Adhere 2 pieces of ribbon like so:

   

4. Adhere the lining which is slightly smaller than the cover:

   

5. Make pockets by adhering 2 pieces of cardstock on each side:

   

6. Gather your wallet pictures and two papers for the cover.

  

7. It'll look like that:

  

8. You can now slide the front cover of the mini into the "front "pocket and the back cover into the "back" pocket.

This mini could be a good way to gather your memories of the Holidays!

Thank You! 

December Guest DT, Nancy Olsen

This month's guest designer has a special tie to APIT and it's been fun getting to know her. She is the sister of design team member, Victoria! How fun it must be to have a sister to scrapbook with!

Welcome Nancy Olsen!


Here are Nancy's answers to the APIT guest DT questions:

How would you describe your scrapping style?
Simple. I usually use cardstock, photos and a few embellishments, with a little bit of journaling. I’m not a big writer, so I usually just put the facts. I do a lot of double page LOs and rarely make a page with just one photo on it.

What scrap celebrity would you like to meet and why?
Becky Higgins. I had a picture taken with her at CKU in 2005, but I’d love to have a conversation with her. I’ve liked her style, right from when I started scrapbooking.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I used to buy a lot of magazines and idea books, but found I wasn’t reading them or finding much new in them anymore, so now I find most of my inspiration online on blogs and in scrapbooking galleries. I find my sister to be a big inspiration as well.

Describe your creative process.
I usually pick photos first and then pick papers and embellishments to match. I like using coordinating lines from the same manufacturer. I’m also fairy quick, I don’t spend more than 30 minutes on one LO.

Besides scrapping, what other crafts/hobbies do you enjoy?
I like photography, which goes well with the scrapbooking. And I’ve tried a lot of different crafty hobbies, like knitting and jewellery making.

What is the craziest item you have ever added to a page?
Probably a little bottle of sand from Mexico. And 9-10 years ago, I used to make a LO in my vacation albums where I’d put a ton of brochures, it was always super bulky!

Who are your favorite manufacturers?
Making Memories, My Mind’s Eye and Little Yellow Bicycle

Describe your scrapping space.
I live in a 1 bedroom condo, so it’s small. I keep all my scrapbooking supplies in the bedroom in a cupboard and cube storage, as well as in the walk in closet. And then I scrap on the kitchen table. I’ve love to have a room someday where I can keep everything and scrap in as well!

What would we be surprised to know about you?
I collect hippopotamuses. I have hundreds of them, I’ve been collecting them since I was 3.


Nancy chose the APIT Making Memories December kit to work with this month and did a two page layout and a one page layout:


To see the layouts more close-up, check them out in the gallery and click on the photos to enlarge them.

Thanks for designing with us this month, Nancy! It was a pleasure getting to know you. :)

Use Your Scraps - December 2010

If you know me then you know that I do not believe in scraps.  Well, I don't believe in collecting scraps.  What?  You ask.  Well, when I create a layout, I always create a card immediately.  Yep...always.  I have cards for every occasion and can grab a card for any event at moments notice.  Yay! I use my scraps right away!  Sometimes, I create 2 cards.  And lately, I've been creating a card and an ATC: Artistic Trading Card.  ATC's are little works of heart that crafters trade, use a business/calling cards, use to decorate pages or simply to create a collection to commemorate an achievement!

This year I reached my goal of losing 120lbs.  One of the gifts to myself or creations I want to make to remind me of this FANTASTIC goal is to create a board which features 120 ATC's, one for each pound I lost.  I have gathered some from friends and the rest, I am slowly but surely creating with my scraps.  As I create each layout, I add a card and an ATC to my collection.  Here are a few I created using the December APIT Kit using the My Mind's Eye and Little Yellow Bicycle Collections.

My layouts and cards can be viewed on the APIT site.  However, here are my two ATC's.

Next, time you sit down to create, instead of filing your scraps away for some distant, never seen date in the future.  Create a card for someone you love and an ATC to share!

Enjoy!  Happy Holidays!

Tiare.

QUICK GIFT TAGS

made with left-overs from Making Memories' Noel collection, the "cuteness factor" lies in the superposition of homemade embellies and fun texture.

December Sketches - APIT style!

Here are the wonderful December 2010 sketches - designed by our ever talented DT member Lucy!

 I designed this layout using the upper right sketch and the pretty Little Yellow Bicycle kit for December.

As a bonus, Lucy is now designing a card sketch to use each month! I totally fell in love with the adorable and fun design of this one...

 Here's my card!

Please join in the fun and create a layout and/or card using this months sketches. Be sure to upload it to the APIT gallery and show us in the forum what you've created!

November 2010 Guest Designer, Krystle Thomas

Good Monday morning everyone! It's my favorite time of the month again - time to share with you our November Member Spotlight member!

Please help me welcome Krystle Thomas!


Here are the APIT Spotlight questions and answers:

Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi everyone! My name is Krystle and I live in Albuquerque, NM with my wonderful husband of 7 years. I first picked up scrapbooking way back in 1997 and it has been so fun to see both my personal style and this industry grow over the past 13 years. For me, scrapbooking is a relaxing creative release and a beautiful way to preserve memories. I love everything about this craft, especially sharing inspiration and connecting with other scrappers.

How would you describe your scrapping style?
This is a hard question for me to answer, but I think my layouts tend to have an elegance to them.

What scrap celebrity would you like to meet and why?
Teresa Collins -- she seems really great!

Where do you find your inspiration?
Mostly from other scrappers. I love online communities!

Describe your creative process.
I typically begin with a bunch of pictures that I want to use and then I go to a sketch, or challenge, or an idea that I want to incorporate and finally I pull in the scrapbooking supplies that would best help me create my vision.

Besides scrapping, what other crafts/hobbies do you enjoy?
Scrapping is my only real hobby so if I am relaxing and not scrapping you will likely find me on the couch watching TV!

What is the craziest item you have ever added to a page?
My hospital bracelet from a fall I had.

Who are your favorite manufacturers?
Basic Grey, Prima, and Pink Paislee.

Describe your scrapping space.
I have a desk in our office that is devoted to all of my supplies. I either scrap there or at the dining room table.

What would we be surprised to know about you?
I have a day job (I am an attorney).

Krystle chose the November Making Memories APIT kit to work with and did two wonderful two-page layouts with them:



Thanks so much for joining us this month Krystle - it was fun having you design with us and we're so happy to have you on the boards as well.

Reverie, Making Memories

Hello Friends, alexandra here. Thank you APIT for always choosing the perfect kits! I mean it. I came back from a short week in the city of lights. Filled with happiness and nostalgia, I saw this collection from M.M as a wonderful way to prolong my adventure in Paris.

Here are the lay-outs I've made so far. I used two things to emphasize that dream-like state: iPhone photos and Tsukineko walnut inks:

I'm currently working on a mini-book about Paris with Lily, my 7 year old daughter, here is a peek at the cover:

Thank you for visiting today ;-)

Use Your Scraps, November

Hi everyone! I used two kits this month - the Making Memories kit and the Scrap Within Reach kit. I used almost every bit of my MM kit to make my two page layout and card featured on the DT page so I didn't have any scraps left to use with that kit. But, the SWR kit had so many papers that it was easy to come up with a layout and card to share with you. In fact, I probably could've made a couple more cards if I wanted to - it was such an easy kit to use - so many great colors and patterns. Perfect for Fall, perfect for boys!

Here's what I did with my scraps. I added a single piece of Kraft cardstock and some alphabet Thickers for the title, but other than that, everything else is from the kit!



And for this card I used Lucy's card sketch as inspiration:



There's so much you can do with your scraps from the kits each month. If you have any ideas to share, please feel free to - we'd love to see your creations!

A layout to share

Hi everyone - I'm back to share with you a layout I put together last night using the first double page sketch that was posted yesterday. I used the APIT November Scrap Within Reach kit and only added some lettering and a few brads. Everything else is from the kit. It was such a fun kit to work with and I thought it was perfect for a few pictures of a family visit to the Art Institute of Chicago about six years ago.

Here's my layout:


Again, we'd love to see your take on any of the sketches. Come visit us over on the APIT forums to share your work and chat. :)

November APIT sketches

Hi everyone! Here are Lucy's sketches for November. And check it out - she's now including a bonus card sketch every month! We're so lucky.

Check back later this weekend for a few takes on the sketches this month - and as always, we'd LOVE to see how you use the sketches, so post your creations in the APIT gallery if you use them so we can all enjoy them!

October 2010 Guest Designer

This month's guest designer is a familiar face here at APIT and is also one of my favorite people. We're thrilled to have her back guest designing this month and think you'll all enjoy her work as well.

Please welcome Allison Cope!




Here are the APIT guest DT questions and Ally's answers:

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a 34 year old Mom of one. My husband, son and I live in a small mountain town in Eastern BC. We love to travel and go off-roading with our 4 door Jeep as a family.

How would you describe your scrapping style?
I'm all over the place with my style. Sometimes I'm a clean scrapper and then my next creation maybe shabby chic! I just go with the flow and create as I see fit.

What scrap celebrity would you like to meet and why?
Hmmm… I guess that would have to be Jana Eubank. She’s a Utah girl and I’d love to meet Jana in person some day. There is just something about her layouts that I’m drawn to!

Where do you find your inspiration?
I take inspiration from all kinds of things; other scrappers, magazines, ads in the paper, billboards, photography, blogs and sketches!

Describe your creative process.
I tend to start with my photos first. I take the theme of my photos and develop a layout that conveys the theme. Journaling is always my last thought. I do not have a way with words and I struggle with this aspect of my layouts.

Besides scrapping, what other crafts/hobbies do you enjoy?
I make cards… that’s about it. I don’t have time nor the cash for another hobby! LOL!

What is the craziest item you have ever added to a page?
Hmmm… that would have to be a lock of my son’s hair. But I don’t know if that's crazy.

Who are your favorite manufacturers?
I’d have to say BasicGrey, Crate Paper and My Mind’s Eye. But I love just about all paper!

Describe your scrapping space.
I have a desk that I create on. I have another desk that I have my computer, printer and Klic N’Kut die cutting machine on. I also have an armoire filled with paper, stamps and cardstock. Everything is located in my living room… yup… my living room!

What would we be surprised to know about you?
I trained as a chef for 4 years and worked in the long term care system in Ontario for 7 years as a Food Service Supervisor before moving to BC.


Ally picked the October APIT Fancy Pant's kit to work with and here are her layouts:






Thanks for joining us this month Ally - It's always great to see your work!

Halloween Banner

Hello there! This is alexandra to share with you another project made with scraps: a Halloween Banner!

I used a Quickutz' die but one could cut large triangles from black cardstock and smaller ones in your scraps.
The letter are cut from a foam sheet ( Michael's ) using Quickutz' alpha Chemistry.

Thanks ;-)

October – Off the Page Challenge

Hi folks! It’s mid October and time for a new challenge. This month AND the coming months the shops will be filled with BEAUTIFUL themed papers, Halloween and Christmas. I loooove themed papers and all the fun embellies to go. BUT I also have problems with a limited supply of photos with the “right” theme, which means I need to something else with them.

So, while last months challenge was to make a holiday themed page, this month’s challenge is to use themed papers but make a layout about something ELSE!

Here is my take, using the Ohhhhh So Fab MME Blackbird papers and chipboard.

It’s my son during a train robbery on a Western amusement park. Loooove the little cowboy chippie!!!

Have fun! And please post your photos in the "Off the Page" section of the Scraptalk folder in the gallery and link us back to it on this thread. You have until November 17th to participate in this challenge.

Tesa

October Inspiration Station - Tricks and Treats

It's that time of year again..time for a fun trick and a little treat!

I purchased a watch several years ago and it came in this very cute tin. I held onto it, knowing that one day I'd want to cover it for a project. This was the perfect project.

I covered the tin with the cute papers and chipboard die cut stickers from My Mind's Eye. It was easy to decorate and I added candy for a fun treat for a special little someone

Enjoy, Tiare.

Use Your Scraps - October!

Hello everyone! I'm here to share this month's version of APIT's "Use Your Scraps"!

I decided to use the gorgeous Fancy Pants kit from this month to create a few fun projects
First of all, I used a mini album to create a bannner. If you're like me, you have a collection of unused minis that will never actually be turned into mini albums. What's a girl to do with all this extra chipboard? Make a chic banner of course! I covered the sides of the album with patterned paper and cut some letters out with my Cricut. In less than an hour I had this cute birthday themed banner to hang. I love it!

I still had tons of scraps leftover - and a friends with a bday this week. I got her a gift card for a gift, so I made this cute little holder as a wrapping bag.

Both projects were quick and easy to make! So grab your scraps and let the inspiration flow!

If you're done something creative with your scraps, be sure to show us! Check out the forum here!

Happy Scrapping!

October Sketches

Here are your October Sketches from APIT

Enjoy
Lucy Chesna
Sketch Artist

Member Spotlight - Jing van Opstal!

Hello everyone! It's time for me to introduce you all to our fabulous guest designer for the month of September. I think you're all going to enjoy getting to know her a little more and seeing her amazing work!

Introducing...

Jing van Opstal



Here's a little more about Jing:


{Tell us a little about yourself}

… adventurous … creative … love to explore the world … enjoy savoring gourmet
food … fancy going for a massage, manicure and pedicure … not much of a
shopping freak but love clothes, bags and shoes (typical!) … married to a
wonderful man for 12 years … a certified “professional” housefrau and loving
every minute of it … love to have ladies for an afternoon tea or coffee – love to
bake & of course, cooking is my passion … used to work in the hotel industry and
left the chaotic corporate world when I got married … I am serious with my yoga
and pilates … I am an early riser – say, 5:30 am and zoom, getting ready to make
breakfast … - I have several things to say about myself but I can say that I am just
SIMPLY JING!

{How would you describe your scrapping style}

I enjoy exploring the beauty of the papers and embellishments. I love simple and
straightforward approach. At the beginning, I just concentrated on neat and
simple. Vintage and rustic effect is not my first love but I tried using such
techniques with some of my work and I truly enjoyed it.

{What scrap celebrity would you like to meet and why}

I love to meet all the scrap celebrity. I had an opportunity to meet some of them
during the CHA conventions and I found it quite interesting to have a chat over a
cup of coffee.

{Where do you find your inspiration}

My first source of inspiration is my dear husband … ladies, I am not being cliché or
romantic but it is true. The Color of Wheel is giving my creativity lots of energy to
create and visualize.

{Describe your creative process}

I love papers (and I buy a lot-smile!) and I play around with it – then I start looking
for appropriate photos. But sometimes, I use photos to inspire me then look for
papers. I seldom use embellishments from the manufacturers – I create and make
them myself.
I just started again doing my personal scrapbooking and copic marker coloring. I
have been busy with retail store projects and it is totally different process in
creating things. I loved and enjoyed it but I felt the need to do something for
myself this time.

{Besides scrapping, what other crafts/hobbies do you enjoy?}

… cooking … baking … yoga and pilates … rollerblading – believe it or not, love the
speed … hosting dinners, lunches and afternoon tea with ladies … snoozing in the
afternoon … and many more that keeps me busy

{What is the craziest item you have ever added to a page?}

This was for me the OMG – I had to use a real Swarovski beads for an important
project for a VIP client. The project was great and exclusive only for that client yet
expensive. Client was happy – I was also happy and tired (mega work).

{Who are your favorite manufacturers?}

At the beginning I was not looking at the name of the manufacturers – just the
papers and quality. But I started look for papers that carries retro, vintage,
classic, fun designs. At the moment, I enjoy American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye, Echo
Park Paper, Crate, Webster Page, Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket and I can just go on
with my list. SERVICE is one of the things that is very important for me in
purchasing papers from the manufacturers aside from the quality.

{Describe your scrapping space}

My creative is space is painted yellow and decorated with butterflies. I love
butterflies … The creative venue is always organize and neat except for the photo
below – this was the “after” effect project.





{What would we be surprised to know about you?}

Let’s have coffee one day, somewhere and tell me … surprise me with your
opinion.



Here are some fabulous projects Jing did with the September APIT Crate, Restoration kit:





If you'd like to see some close ups and additional photos of Jing's work, stop on by the APIT forum and gallery to take a peak. :)

Thanks so much for being our guest designer this month, Jing! It was wonderful having you join us and share with us your talents!