Scrapbooking a Full Month on a Single Layout (as seen in SCT magazine)

Hi there! If you’re here from the Winter 2016 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today, welcome! If not, this technique comes from that issue. It’s all about phone-booking. Not the Yellow Pages variety. The make-a-scrapbook-on-your-phone variety! I created a great portion of this layout using apps on my phone.

The apps I used were:
Project Life
Collect App

The idea of this layout is simple—capture a full month on a single scrapbook page. It’s an awesome solution for a busy person. And, really, who isn’t busy?

But I couldn’t let me paper passion go, so I also added in some paper pieces from the absolutely divine Snow & Cocoa collection from Crate Paper. This kind of digital-meets-paper project is known as hybrid.

Here’s how to do it to it:

Step 1: Create a Calendar

At each month’s end, I create a calendar highlight reel of my month using the Collect App. To my knowledge, this app is still only on Apple. If anyone knows for sure or knows of an Android calendar app that’s comparable, please let me know.

 

Step 2: Create a Photo Collage

I used the Project Life app to create this collage.

I also created a second collage for the left side of my two-page spread. I used the same Project Life page spread and just dropped in extra photos in the slots I wasn't going to use on this layout. Photos I knew I could use to scrapbook elsewhere.

This is how the pages looked when the excess was removed and what was left was put together.

I used the following Project Life kits to create this page: Dreamy Edition, Hello December, and ABC Themed Cards (White and Gray). There are so many kits to choose from. Coming up with combos is half the fun! Or you can stick with a single theme/kit.

Once I had these components together, It was simply a matter of printing. I printed smaller than 12x12 (added a white border to size it down). I did this so I had some wiggle room to dress it up with traditional paper products.

This hybrid approach is one I take often when scrapbooking. The on-the-phone portion allows me to quickly capture details as life is happening. And the tactile potion feeds my paper addiction and allows me to have fun being creative with my supplies. It's a nice balance for a busy mama.

I had so much fun writing this article. To see how others captured their month at a glance, I invite you to check out our Winter 2016 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine, available now. There are some super cute ideas waiting for you. :)

No matter how you document it, I hope your month is a glorious one. Cheers!

Halloween Happiness (latest TV segment, WitchFest, and scrapbooking)

All month, I've been in a witchy way. I'm sure this has everything to do with the fact that I blog for Gardner Village and right now is their popular WitchFest event. If you live in Utah and haven't had a chance to visit, you definitely need to give it a go. That atmosphere is magical and there is so much to do!

Photographing witches for a living?! Doesn't get much more fun than this!

Witch Crafts

With the witch in mind, I had fun creating witchy crafts for my October Studio 5 TV segment. (Watch segment here.)

This witch banner came together thanks to a triangle chipboard banner set I purchased from Target's one spot for $1. I simply turned the triangles upside down and witch hats were practically made.

We witch shoe a merry Christmas... errr, happy Halloween!

From pointed hats to striped stockings. If you know me, you know I LOVE bubblegum. So when I was thinking of ways to add a colorful stripe to this to this "sock," gumballs popped into my head.

Double BUBBLE toil and trouble!

This sentiment would work with a bubble bath gift as well. You know, in case you're seeking a sweets-free option. :)

For the shoes, I used this free download, created by Needful Things. Isn't it fun? You can save it as an image by right clicking and then size it up and down to fit the needs of your project before you print it.

Magazine Time

The Fall issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine is now available. In it, I shared this Halloween layout I made about last year's fun with my sweet Snow and little Dopey.

WitchFest at Gardner Village

In between all this crafting, we've had fun at Gardner Village this month. Thanks for joining us, Izzy and Ashley!

I hope you have the happiest of Halloweens, boo!

Cheers!

Create & Celebrate! It's World Card Making Day 2016! (giveaway)

Hello and happy World Card Making Day! A creative holiday near and dear to my heart. Did you know I was part of the team who actually MADE this day? Yup! You can make nationally recognized - or internationally, in this case - holidays! When I first started working for Paper Crafts magazine in 2006, we put this holiday in motion. It's SO AWESOME to see how much it's grown over the years!

The original purpose behind WCMD was to kick off the holiday card-making season. Those who make their holiday cards know this is a giant task. As fun as it is, it's one you want to start on early. The first Saturday in October, to be exact. ;)

And the first Saturday in October, it is! So I'm here with a holiday gift card-holding card idea. It's a companion card to the one I created for Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine, where I now work as the editor-in-chief. You can see all of the BRILLIANT business going on there with a little click here. BUT, before you go, I hope you'll take a moment to check out this little number.

Do It To It: how to make this card

To create this card, I started with a gorgeous piece of patterned paper from My Mind's Eye's new Sugar Plum collection. LOVE! Here's how to turn the sheet into two cards:

1. Fold the pretty paper in half and remove an inch along the bottom using a trimmer.

2. Slice the folded sheet at a place that feels like a good cut-off point for creating two cards. Machine stitch (or glue with strong adhesive along the bottom ONLY) the one-inch strip to the back of the card to create a matchbook effect (a placethe front of the card can tuck into).

NOTE: For this card, I tucked a vellum treat bag between the card base and the strip before stitching to secure it in place.

3. Add a mellow pattern to the back, inside panel of the card, offering a place to add a sentiment or handwritten note.

4. Dress up a basic shipping tag with patterned paper and stitch a small strip of paper to the bottom to create a pocket that a gift card can be tucked behind.

We'll pretend this is a gift card to your very favorite shop instead of a poorly written note on the back of a business card. ;)

5. Pretend this is a gift card. ;) Add the card to the pocket on your tag and tuck it in the bitty bag.

6. Final step: Cut a small slit at the card's fold that you can then pull the twine of the tag through. This way, the card doubles as either a gift tag or a tree ornament. I just adore cards that can be used in various ways.

IDEA: Create this card, add an itunes card, and wrap up a cool set of headphones (if they even call them that anymore). Add this card as the tag on the gift for a little extra jam.

Card #2

To see how I created the second card in only 20 minutes, check out my specific post on the Scrapbook & Cards Today blog. There's a giveaway in it for ya. Woot!

WCMD Giveaway

Since World Card Making Day was originally thought up as a way to kick off the holiday card making season, how about I throw a giveaway into the mix? You know, in the spirit of the season and all? I'll select a winner to receive my 10 Festive Christmas Cards for the Busy Crafter class from Annie's Online Classes.

I'll also throw in a card stash goodie box, filled with fun things you can use to craft your own card cuties. I'm doing a major home purge at the moment, so the box promises to be full. I can't swear all items in it will be the latest releases or even holiday themed, but they'll be goodies. I can promise you that.

How to Enter

Simply leave a comment on this post or email me at meghoeppner @ gmail with WCMD16 in the subject line between now and next Saturday, Oct. 8. I'll randomly select a lucky lady or gent from the notes received.

Thanks for being a part of my World Card Making Day today. I actually made this card TODAY so I could create a card ON the actual holiday. It was an awesome way to celebrate. I hope you're having a great time, too.

Cheers!

Introducing: Planner Pointers, NEW Planner Products, and a $20 Taylored Expressions Giveaway! woot!

Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Get to the good stuff? Save the best for... first?! The fine folks at Taylored Expressions are celebrating the launch of their new Clearly Planned line of stamps, dies, planners, and accessories. WOOT! How exciting!

I used a Taylored Expressions bow die and their yummy felt to create my planner clip. The center is a sequin from Little Things from Lucy's Cards.

And they're generously offering you, my blog chums, a chance at $20 to spend in their shop! Interested? Go ahead. Take a peek. I'll wait...      Yeah, I thought so. ;) I mean look at how ca-utte this Sneak a Peek set is! Huzzah!

Do you see how the owl is peeking in from the side of my calendar? (I colored his belly with colored pencils.)

I had such fun stamping with this! As well as Time Will Tell...

And Chit Chat...

Isn't this new line divine? And there a bunch more where these came from. There is a stamp order in my future. If you can say the same, you'll want to enter the:

Taylored Expression $20 Shopping Spree Giveaway (open to all!)

To enter, please do any (or all) of the following:
1. Comment on this post. I always love a hello from you. Even if I have to bribe one out of you. ;) Please include an email with your comment if you choose option 1. Thanks!

2. Comment on my coordinating Instagram post (the one mentioning the giveaway, posted on 8/19).
3. Comment on my coordinating FaceBook post (the one mentioning the giveaway, posted on 8/19).
4. Shoot me a quick email at meghoeppner@gmail.com with "TE Planner Giveaway" in the subject line.

You have until Monday, August 22 to enter. Good luck!

Introducing: Planner Pointers

I've had this idea for a blog series rolling around the ol' noggin since before I launched my planner line in 2015. I guess I've just lacked the proper, ahem, planning to make it a reality. Until now! Once a month, I'm going to share a look inside my planner and a pointer (or pointers) of some sort. Tips and tricks I like to apply to my planner. With Taylored Expressions launching their awesome new Clearly Planned collection, it seems the prime time to get this party started.

August Planner Pointer #1: Include Photos

There are so many ways this can be done. I'll share several, I'm sure. But I'll focus on this cute framed approach today.

These bitty frames (opening measures 1 5/16" x 1 5/16" [bitty!]) were die cut using the new Taylored Expressions Little Bits Mini Frame 1 die, which is measured to fit in the Simple Stories A5 Carpe Diem calendar boxes perfectly!

My glittered frames were cut from adhesive-backed glitter paper by Cosmo Cricket. This approach is awesome, because the cuts are instantly stickers, so even if you don't use them right away, you can cut a bunch, stash 'em in your planner, and use 'em as needed. Nice!

If you don't have this die but want to give this look a try, you can try cutting a rectangle to the size of your space to fill and then punching a square opener from there. With this die only costing $6, I'm all for going the easy route, but I didn't want to exclude those who may not have access to a die cutting machine.

Photo Prep

These pics are bitty. To prepare them, I used the photo collage function in my Project Life App on my phone to create an August sampling of images. One thing I can't tell you is why it all looks evenly spaced in my app but always saves and prints as shown below (not even). If you have any advice in this department, I'm all ears (eyes?). Thanks!

I then printed and added the frames to a few, intentionally spacing them throughout the calendar spread (instead of framing several days in a row). I like the balance this offers.

Planner Pointer #2: Planner Stamping

Not gonna lie. The idea scared me a bit. I mean, there's no going back on a stamp. Well... that's sort of true. You can always cover the crap. But if you don't consider yourself a stamp champ, try this quick tip:

Cut a piece of cardstock to fit your planner space, stamp on it, and adhere it to your calendar. Do this a few times until you're more comfortable with your stamps, ink, and stamping in general. Or use cute sticky notes that you can then stick in, like the new Sticky Situation Taylored Expressions notes. There are currently four styles to choose from. I went with this cutie (#3)!

If you do stamp directly on your calendar and, boo!, an impression doesn't fully apply, try touching it up with a pen. That's what I did on my Aug. 21 hearts. Instant drop shadow (is that what that's called?)!

And with stamping, it's important to embrace imperfection. If they look too perfect, they lose their "stamped" charm. And that charm is a very on-trend look in planners.

Finally, if you're using a new ink or stamp in your planner for the first time, find a scrap to do a test stamp on first. IMPORTANT: The scrap should be planner paper (an old page, a page in the back, an area you know you'll cover anyway). Stamps stamp differently, depending on the surface. This includes different paper weights and finishes. That's what's going on below--test stamping in the back of my planner. Which lead me to realize I prefer the stamped off look for my numbers.

Stamping Off: Ink stamp, stamp on scrap, DO NOT re-ink, and stamp again on finished project. It creates a lighter look.

Why stamp?

So many reasons. My favorite: uniformity. My handwriting is all over the place. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I... don't! Stamps don't change games on you mid process. Look how many times I was able to fit in ONE bitty box without the box feeling cluttered or messy! There's no way it would look this uniform if I had scratched chicken all over it. ;)

Think Ink

The difference between a meh and oh yeah! with stamping often comes down to two things--the quality of the stamp (you typically get what you pay for) and the quality of your ink. I can't say enough good things about the Taylored Expressions ink The Oreo black hybrid ink I used stamped cleanly every time (unless I made a bonehead move beyond the ink's control--I mean, it's not superhero ink).

Yes, Taylored Expressions is kindly throwing $20 your way, but this is not why I say this about their ink. They did send me the stamps and ink to use, but the post is not financially sponsored in any way. I just dig this ink (and not just because it's named Oreo!) and am happy to share. Plus, they come in bitty pads that I'm able to easily pack and take with me when planning/stamping on the go. Get me a glass of milk, and this deal is sealed!

That's it for my first Planner Pointers post. What did you think? Helpful? Too long? Too detailed? Not detailed enough? Stick to one pointer each post? I'm all for suggestions. This is a brand new endeavor for me, and I want to make it a good one. To do that I'd love your help. I have so many ideas I'm excited to share, but I want to go about it the right way. Think a video would help? As much as I hate to admit this, I am a bit on the thinned-skin side, so if this is a big fat thumb's down for you all together, perhaps you spare me the comment. But constructive feedback is absolutely appreciated. Thanks, friends. And happy planning!!

Cheers!

 

Wanna Play Cards?

I got on a card kick last night. Well, that's not exactly true. I had a need for cards. Sadly, a need for support/sympathy cards. Several I know have suffered loss lately. Yet another reminder to hold those we love close and truly live and value our time.

Shaker Cards

supplies: PAPER: Echo Park Paper; VELLUM: Stampin' Up!; "Thinking of You" STRIP, VELLUM ACCENTS: Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper; WOOD HEARTS: ummmm... I think they're Freckled Fawn.

Throw kindness around like confetti.

This quote holds extra meaning for our family and reminds us of someone special we lost, so I put confetti pockets on several of my cards.

supplies: Exact same as previous card :) Except the pre-made heart in the circle, which is part of the confetti mix. It's from Simple Stories.

The confetti is a mixture of crepe paper scraps, foil bits, wood veneer pieces, and pre-made paper bits. 

supplies: Same as first card. Additions are: SEQUINS: Doodlebug; ROSE: Pink Paislee (I think); "I'll be there" STICKER: Simple Stories

I stitched vellum to my card fronts to hold the confetti bundles in place. This is a fairly quick way to create a card. And I love that stitching adds such reinforcement to my cards. I don't' feel like there's room for concern about the cards coming apart in the mail or anything. Phew!

Rub-Ons

supplies: PAPER: My Mind's Eye; VELLUM: Stampin' Up!; RUB-ONS: BoBunny; CORK HEART: Pink Paislee; ENAMEL HEART: My Mind's Eye

For my second set of cards, I used the foil rub-ons from BoBunny. I adore these, because the finish is such that it looks like the cards have been heat embossed, even though they have not. Hooray for shortcuts.

supplies: PAPER: Crate Paper; VELLUM: Stampin' Up!; RUB-ONS: BoBunny; HEART: Simple Stories

These particular rub-ons apply with little effort, too, which is so nice. You simply trim around the letter, peel away its backing, position it on the card, and rub. The letter then transfers to the paper. I wish rub-ons were more of a "thing" again. I always enjoy using them. Especially when they're as easy to use as these are.

A Few Extras

I need to mail nine cards today or tomorrow, so this isn't even all that I need, but sleep started to get the best of me around 3:00 AM, so I made a few more quickies and hit the hay.

supplies: PAPER: Crate Paper (black/white), Fancy Pants Designs (gold stripe); BUTTERFLY AND ROSE: Simple Stories; VELLUM SHAPES: Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper

supplies: PAPER: Fancy Pants Designs; ALPHA STICKERS: Elle's Studio (small gray), Fancy Pants Designs (floral); CORK HEART: Pink Paislee; VELLUM FLOWER: Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper; ENAMEL DOT: My Mind's Eye; ADHESIVE: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (red permanent runner)

A common theme throughout is that these designs are fairly simplistic. No fancy techniques or tools needed. They also require minimal products. A few sheets of paper and a few extra bits was all it took.

Life is short. Take time to hug those babies, hold someone special's hand, and eat that sweet treat you've had your eye on. (Orange rolls, here I come!) Call a friend. You know, actually dial a number and speak into a phone. (Say whaaaat!?) Tell your parents thank you. And, for pete's sake, exhale. I tell you this as a way of also reminding myself. It's too easy to get caught up in the crazy. Breathe. It will be okay. The crazy can wait. How about I leave you with a sweet pic of Lulu I just snapped? Because babies sure are a wonderful piece of it all, and I kind of adore this one. ;)

Thanks for your visit!

"Uh uh uh ohhhh!" Even though her throwing everything out of her crib and onto the floor was in no way an accident. But I sure do love the way she almost grunts uh-oh at such times. And the more recent development of throwing her hands over her mouth as she says it only adds to the cute. ----> Lulu, 11 months