Pattern-tastic!

As I stated in my previous post, in the beginning I was focused on "events". Another thing I really wanted to do was create two 12 x 12 adjacent pages for each event. HUGE MISTAKE. I think most novice scrappers would agree that one of the biggest challenges is creating unique layouts for each new page. Combine that challenge with having to create two unique layouts that coordinate with each other and flow well, and you end up with a major headache.

Novice tip: scrapbooking is about relieving headaches, not causing them! :~)

Below are my layouts for Christmas Eve.

What I did right:
1. Use black and white with a splash of a bright color (red) for "popping" contrast.
2. Coordinate the "pop" color (red again; see you're getting it!) with the clothes in the photos.

What I could have done differently:

1. The black and white patters are too similar to really give a harmonious quality to the pages. As Elizabeth Kartchner teaches in 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges, when pairing patterns, choose one with large print and one with smaller print. (Follow her inspiring blog "Dear Lizzy" at http://elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com/.)

(Click here for tips on the embellishments for these pages.)

In the beginning there were... STRIPES!

When I started scrapbooking in October 2009, I was very focused on making pages for "events" (i.e. Halloween, Christmas, etc.). And so naturally, my first page was a Halloween page. To get started, I highly recommend purchasing a kit... I bought a great one at Michael's, which included a 12 x 12 bound book with page protectors, several pages of coordinating paper, and some embellishments for flair. The cool thing about kits is that everything is pre-picked to match, which is especially helpful for new scrappers.

Novice tip: Here are some essentials when starting out.
1) Scrapbooking kit

2) Paper and photo trimmer (I love the one made by Fiskars --- ideal for cutting straight lines in one "whoosh" of the blade.)

3) Glue dots (These things are awesome: they come on a roll and can be used to mount photos, as well as embellishments. Careful though, once you put them on, they are there for good!)
4) Black pen for journaling
Total cost: approximately $50

When picking out a kit, choose one that is versatile and feels like "you". There are tons of options available for seasons, events, etc. and it can be a bit overwhelming. But as this novice learned, in the beginning, your first book should and will be about learning, trial and error, and finding techniques that YOU will have the most fun with.

Custom Cards

How great is it that ALL those scrapbooking supplies can double-duty as card making supplies?! A few weekends ago we had a combo brunch for graduation and Mother's Day. In my opinion, simplified beautiful cards are so much more fun to give (and receive) than those cards from the grocery store that are chalk-full of gooey-ness. So here are my first two attempts at "oh-so-personalized" custom cards using my "oh-so-wonderful" novice craft supplies:

For added dimension, use that squishy tape or foam dots. And buttons make wonderful centers for little tiny paper flowers. (Novice tip: to make really cute tiny butterflies, fold paper in half first, just like when you were a little kid making cut-out hearts.)

For more awesome tips on cardmaking and some great product suggestions, check out Betsy Veldman's blog: http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00e54efec67b88330134824e72dd970c.

Here Goes!

Me blogging? Really? Well yes, considering that I’ve just realized (well about 6 months ago now) that being crafty is something I really enjoy. Although my desire for talent far surpasses my actual talent, the important thing is I’m trying. This blog is dedicated to tracking my progress, as well as a pretty cool way to digitally showcase my many creations.

So, I will “keep my green eyes on the road" ahead and continue to creatively archive my adventures… Here goes!