Spring Has Sprung

It's springtime!  At least, it is here in most of the United States.  One of the wonderful things about the Paperthreads Community is that it spans the globe.  Here, we have made online friends from Australia to Alaska and from Salt Lake City to Scotland. 

Even the Paperthreads Designers are located across a wide geographical area.  Michelle is in Michigan where things are finally warming up and the last of the snow is melting away.  Jen is finally thawing out in Ohio, as well.  For Jan in Arizona, it already feels like everyone else's summer with hot days and lots of sunshine.  For some designers, like Ileana, it's drought season and for some, like Ginny, it's raining buckets, and they both live in Florida!  It's rainy and cold for Diana in Tennessee, but you know what April showers bring!  In Maryland, Eddita is looking forward to the vegetables in the garden she just planted.  Southern belle, Lori has been enjoying beautiful weather and has been seen driving around Savannah in her cute convertible.  Shelly's been seeing some nice fat robins in her neck of the woods in Pennsylvania. The hummingbirds have returned to Shirley in Clark Park, too!  Spring has been teasing Carrie in Missouri with a false start in early March followed by bitter cold up until this week. Over near London, Tina's enjoying sunshine and the smell of freshly cut grass.  Even Jennie, up in Scotland, is seeing signs of spring in budding trees, singing birds, and lots of baby bunnies and lambs!

One thing is for sure: all over the place there are signs that spring is finally here.  The world around us is bright with promise.  It's a new season, one of renewal and cleansing.  Pretty soon the world will be awash in fresh garden blooms!

Just like the clouds in the sky or the flowers in a garden, there are so many things that make each of us unique.  The wonderful thing about a community like Paperthreads is that we can bring all those differences together in a place that nurtures creativity.  Some of us are like spring crocus buds, just getting to know our cutters and what we can do with them.  Some of us are like tall sunflowers, bursting with enthusiasm and bright ideas.  Maybe some of us have drooping heads right now, but that's why we have those perennial members, always there to rely on when someone needs encouragement.  If all the flowers in our garden were the same, it sure would be a boring place! 

We, at Paperthreads, are so grateful for each unique member who graces our online garden of friends.

The Paperthreads Design Team

www.paperthreads.com

April Paperthreads Poll

Scramper75 (AKA Elizabeth) said "My Samantha is always asking if we are ever going to eat. She yells down at me while I am playing with my KNK, asking if I am ever going to start dinner because she is hungry!"

Eddita said "the phrase I hear ALL the time is: 'I should have bought you the Cricut!'"

rpcrafter (AKA Renae) said "In my family, 'In a minute!' doesn't mean a minute, it means at least 5 minutes!"

slsonly (AKA Shelly) said "My husband said to the cat tonight...his name is Billy. 'You don't come to sleep with me anymore, Billy. Actually nobody does!' I can't help it. I'm a night owl. The house is so quiet and that is my ME time!"

March Paperthreads Poll: How many die-cutters have you owned? Click Here to vote!

Forum Member of the Month

by Jennie Cornwall, JennieBeanCrafts

Even though there are currently approximately 7,400 members on Paperthreads, I don't think this month's winner will be a big surprise to anyone. It's the wonderful Elizabeth aka Scramper75.

Elizabeth is noticeable in nearly all threads and activities on the forum; she always has a word of praise, a fun comment, a suggestion, or a word of encouragement, even if it is only to say that she is unable to help but that someone else will be along soon.

Elizabeth joined in March 2007 and since then she has made over 3,700 posts and has become a valued Design Team Member for Shirley Clark Designs, Shelly's Art and Accents by Eddita.

You should check out her blog at www.scrampersurfboard.blogspot.com.

A massive congratulations and thanks to Elizabeth who is always there to help and motivate everyone.  Elizabeth, you can pick any file from JennieBeanCrafts as a small token of our appreciation and love for you.

The Secret Weapon of Scrapbooking

by Lori McDonald, Beloved Keepsakes

Almost every scrapper has a secret weapon in her arsenal. One that has infinite possibilities and applications. One that is endlessly versatile and customizable. One that, regardless of initial cost, is relatively free. And no, I am not talking about your cutter machine!  I am talking about your computer!

Now, before you say, “No way! I'm not going digital!” hear me out. I'm not telling you to forgo your supplies, give up your adhesive or toss your brads. (Because personally, I can tell you I'm never going digital!) But what I'm challenging you to do is see the capabilities of your computer in a new light. Look beyond using your computer for only journaling or printing photos that you personally have taken.

There are several ways that you can add computer elements to enhance your pages.  A few of these ways include:

1)       Research
2)       Making your own pattern paper or borders
3)       Finding the perfect saying, poem or title
4)       Pulling photos off the web and making them into focal elements
5)       Inspiration

Here, let me show you –

Research:
I'll start with research.  Let's say that you went to your local craft store and in the clearance section (‘cause you and I both know we are thrifty crafters and we ALWAYS check out the clearance section!) and you found this way cool tool called “X,Y,Z” and it's marked down 75%.  I mean how could you pass that up right?  So you buy it and take it home and it sits in your scrapbooking room because you really don't know how to use it or for what to use it.  Come on, you know you have had this happen to you.  Well, by using your computer and the internet you can research the product and in most cases not only get detailed instructions on how to use the item in question but also so many great ideas on what to use it!

For example - I found this really cool “Around the Block Paper Tagger” in the clearance section of my local craft store.  It was marked down to bargain basement price so I just had to have it.

Well, after it sat in my cabinet for a few months I decided to take it out and try it out….but what to do with it?  After doing a very brief online search I found not one, but two step-by-step videos on how to actually use the tool, as well as hundreds of great ideas and projects using the paper tagger.

Making your own pattern paper or borders:
Another great way to use your computer for scrapping is by making your own borders or pattern papers. In this project I wanted to bring the characters of “Dennis the Menace” to my layout out, but I was unable to find any scrapbooking products with that theme.  Therefore, I went online and I pulled an image that I really liked and I repeated it to make it into a colorful border for the left hand side of my page.

Additionally, in the project above, I really want to give my journaling a little ump, so I used a dingbat at the beginning of my journal block.  A dingbat font is one that consists of images, not letters and numbers. Dingbats are endlessly useful and come in any shape, form or theme you could want.  There are simply thousands of them available online and they can be used any way your imagination leads you. 

Finding the perfect saying, poem or title:
Have you ever had a photo that you really wanted to scrap but you just couldn't come up with the right title or saying to go with it?  Well, that is when your computer can really come in handy!  By investing a little time and very little energy, your computer can help you find that perfect thing for which you've been searching.

In this layout, I had a great photo that someone had given to me that was taken of my husband right before he deployed to Iraq the first time.  I really loved this photo but the photo itself didn't really speak of what was going on or where he was. And since I wasn't there at the time, I didn't know that information either.  So I went online and found an awesome poem called “My Soldier's Got Your Back”. It was absolutely perfect for the photo and what I was feeling and even though this was one of the first scrapbooking pages I ever did, it is still one of my favorites.

Pulling photos off the web and making them into focal elements:
Have you ever had a layout in mind but you didn't have that “perfect” photo to go with it?  Maybe you forgot to take a photo of that certain place or the photo you took didn't come out the way you wanted it.  Once again by using your computer and the internet you can always find that “perfect” photo.

In the layout below, I wanted to scrap about my awesome camera that my husband had gotten me for Christmas even though he was deployed at the time.  While I could take photos with the camera, what I couldn't do was take a photo of THE camera!  So I went online and “borrowed” the photo from the manufactures web page, printed it out and added it to my layout.  It was just the finishing touch that I needed!

(PLEASE NOTE - that most photos online are copyrighted and while you can use them for your own personal use you CANNOT sell them or claim them as your own!  When in question contact the rightful owner of the photo before using!)

Inspiration:
Finally the last way I want to talk to you about using your computer for scrapbooking is by using it for inspiration.  Just like a writer, from time to time I get a “creative block” as a scrapbooker.  Nothing in me feels creative; I just can't get into the groove.  At some time or another I am willing to venture that each and every one of us has been there.  When this happens to me, I always turn to my secret weapon, my computer, to bail me out!

There are literally hundreds of thousands of places online to get inspiration for your scrapbooks.  From galleries, to sketches, to new products, there is something out there that I am sure is bound to speak to your creative side and to get you fired up about scrapping again. 

A few of my favorite places I like to visit when I get the “creative block” are:

The Paperthreads Gallery
Scrapbooking.com Titles Page
The Little Book of Sketches Blog
Two Peas in a Bucket Gallery
The Quote Garden

So as you can see, these are just a very few ways you can use your computer to assist in making your scrapbooking pages all they can be. Step out of the box!  You already have that computer at your fingertips; use it in a new creative way!  When you do, make sure you post a photo of your project in the gallery at Paperthreads.  Who knows? Your layout may just be the inspiration that helps gets someone else over their “creative block”!

Turn Negatives into Positives

by Jan Bryson, Sam & Hailey Designs

Are you looking for a way to add depth to your projects without adding a lot of bulky embellishments?  Try utilizing negative spaces to your advantage.  Want even more depth?  Add your own negative space elements by cutting out shapes in your background.

Recognizing and Using Negative Spaces:
Sometimes we get caught up in filling every available space on our scrapbook layouts.  When this happens, a page becomes so cluttered the eye can't find a natural path to travel through the layout. 

Try this simple technique.  Lay out your page with photos, titles, and embellishments, they way you think you'd like it.  Then take a step back (or even up on a chair) and look at your page from a little distance. 

Look at the background, also known as white or negative space.  What shape does it make?  Is it pleasing to your eye?  Then, look at the foreground, or positive space.  Does your eye follow a path to a natural resting place?  In time you will learn to recognize the interplay between positive and negative forms.  By creating a natural path through the negative space on your background, you'll create a project with more depth that tells a story rather than simply framing a picture.

Less Is More:
Want to create real drama?  Try lots of white space around your subject and very minimal embellishment.  If you have a photograph that you feel is especially dramatic or emotional try not to overcrowd it with titles and flourishes.  Add one or two and then walk away!  I think of this as letting the photo speak for itself.  If you can come back to it and instantly see the feeling you were trying to convey, then it's a success!

Build Down, Then Up:
Here's a great way to add a lot if interest to your project.  Cut out negative shapes from your background and then layer on top!  You'll add one more layer of visual depth without making your project extra bulky.  Accenting the edges of the openings will define the lines and draw the eye, as well.  Here's a quick tip: when cutting out individual letters for a title or monogram, cut a box around each and save them for  later use as a simple negative-space accent.

Give it a try! Start focusing on the negatives today. Soon you'll not have just layouts and cards but true works of art.

Want to make a quick and easy negative space project? Check out my Technique Flower download available for a limited time in the Freebie section of this issue!

April Sketch: Live, Laugh, Love!

In each issue of the newsletter we will share a sketch by a different Paperthreads Designer. Our sketch for April was designed by Ginny Harvey of Ginny's Happy Cuts. We've asked a few of our designers to share their variations on Ginny's sketch showing how to incorporate your cutting files with the sketch. We'd love to see your variations, too! Post your layouts based on Ginny's sketch in the April Newsletter Sketch section of the Paperthreads Gallery. We'll pick one or two layouts to feature in the June Paperthreads Newsletter!

Live Laugh Love by Ginny Harvey, Ginny's Happy Cuts

It's simple to make coordinated chipboard pieces for your layouts and cards.  I applied liquid glue to the back of the polka dot parenthesis and attached it to chipboard, making sure that I pressed out any bubbles and worked the glue to the edges.  After it was dry, I cut it out and attached it to my page with glue dots.  I also inked the edges to give them more definition.   I love not having to buy the expensive coordinated chipboard pieces made to match by the manufacturers.  It gives your layouts a coordinated, pulled together look.  It's also a great way to stretch your scrapping dollars.

The simple elegance of the Ginny's design allows the photograph to remain the focal point. Her finished layout incorporates a soft color palette, simple graphic embellishments and a lovely title. Her title file "Live Laugh Love" is available for free for a limited time in the Freebie section of this newsletter!

Total Happiness by Shelly Sweigart, Shelly's Art

I absolutely love applying glitter glue to my projects.  It is one-step, easy bling!  The glitter is mixed inside the glue so none flakes off to make a mess.  I simply applied it straight from the bottle using the pointed applicator tip to trace the lines on my patterned paper.  I didn't even use precision as I found it looked more whimsical if I used a wavy line instead of a straight one.  I also used the glue to apply glitter dots to my butterflies, flowers and leaves. 

I also love applying flocking to my die cuts to give them a fuzzy, got-to-touch-me feel!  I used the flocking powder on my butterfly bodies.  It is very easy to apply.  I simply run the die cut through my Xyron adhesive sticker machine, making sure to place glue on the front of my die cut.   I then sprinkle the flocking powder onto my die cut, pressing the fibers into the glue.  I use a wall paper seam roller to roll over the fibers to make sure the flocking powder was firmly adhered.  Shake off any excess. 

The cutter files Shelly used on her layout are Playful flowers, leaves and branches from Shelly's Art and "Bracket Fun" which is free for a limited time in the Freebie section of this issue of the newsletter!

A Stitch In Time by Jennie Cornwall, JennieBeanCrafts

There are so many ways that the world of papercrafts and the world of stitching can be merged.  I originally started with embroidery, cross-stitch, and tapestry, and then progressed to papercrafts.   However, even if you don't have a sewing basket or a sewing machine, or any sewing skills, you can still achieve a stitched effect.  My layout includes a mix of REAL buttons and also paper buttons and faux stitching. Why not use the dashed/pounced feature and then just fill in every second join with a pen to create a faux stitch effect. 

For my layout I used K&Company Blue Awning papers, matching ribbons, and Sakura pens.  The  Grandfather Clock sliceform is included as a freebie for a short time in this Newsletter!

I hope the following links give you some ideas and inspiration:

Buttons www.craftexpert.co.uk/guide-to-using-buttons-in-papercraft.html

Stitching http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2008/11/dragonfly-card-double-sided-stitching.html

Tips and Tricks: Robomaster

by Jennie Cornwall, JennieBeanCrafts

Ask The Designers!

Here you'll find answers from the Paperthreads Designers on design basics and inspiration.

Ginger (AKA Games) asks: "What is your favorite way to embellish?"

Ginny: I use a lot of different techniques for embellishing my die cuts but my favorite, by far, is chalking.  Chalk allows you to add subtle or bold color to your die cuts.  It gives them a lot of dimension, making them look more realistic.  Add a smudged chalk outline on one side of the piece to show light direction or blend several colors to give your die cut a 3D appearance. In my example, I used several colors on my plums and you can see what a dramatic effect chalk can have.

Jennie: I love my CraftRobo dearly, but trying to find nice coloured card that he is happy to cut is very difficult here in Scotland.  After wasting what seems like months of my life and a lot of pennies, I have found a plain shimmer cardstock that cuts so perfectly and now I don't dare try anything else.  Consequently, everything I cut is on plain cream or white shimmer cardstock, and embellishments have become so much more important.

I have a little basket next to my laptop with all of the most important things to help me.  Firstly, I have a pack of very thick Mr. Sketch coloured marker pens.  Not only are they coloured, but scented, mmmmmm.  So I can add colour and scent to anything I cut, from the smallest bit of cardstock, to whole sheets.  I have had the same pack for about 7 years and they are still going strong.  These are also perfect for paper-piecing as I can quickly cut everything in one coloured cardstock, and then decide the colours I wish to use.   I also have a jumbo gold and silver marker.  They're perfect for making my cuts look like they are made from mirrors or metals.

Then I have a whole stack of Stickles. You can never have too much bling!  Oh, and then there's the liquid chalks that Debs gave me in the Christmas Secret Santa swap.  They are fantastic for getting shading around the edge of items.  Debs also gave me a huge range of brads that I have grown to love so much, not just for attaching things, but just for the fun of using them.   When I have more time, I love to use rubber stamps, heat embossing, and colouring in the designs.

Those are my favourite ways to embellish my cuts.  So why do I have a whole room full of stuff?   That's beyond me!  Tee hee hee. 

Elizabeth (AKA Scramper75) asks: "What software do you like the best for designing and what is your favorite feature?"

Diana: My favorite program is Klic-N-Kut Studio and I design most of my files in that.  I first learned to design in the Wishblade software.  I learned to zoom, zoom, zoom in, and then I could really adjust/fine tune any designs that I'm working on.  I use the same features in Klic-N-Kut.  I also like to take a lot of pictures and use them to make my files, either using the trace feature, or using the drawing pencil.  My favorite feature of Klic-N-Kut is the Weld tool.  I use that on almost every design.

Jan: I prefer to design in Adobe Illustrator. What I like about Illustrator is the ease of use and the robust features. Illustrator, which is the industry standard for graphic design, has evolved over many years. Its features are well tested and constantly improved. Illustrator's drawing and node editing tools are precise and easy to use. I especially like the ability I have to export in many formats making it a simple step to prepare files for conversion into all the common formats. My two favorite features right now are Actions and Brushes. I can record common tasks as Actions and replay them over again on other files. I can also define my own shapes as brushes and then apply them to a path, like half circles for scallops or wavy lines for ricrac. For example, I drew one section of my fence for this cupcake wrapper as a brush and then applied it to a curved path. Actions and Brushes both save me a lot of time!

Have a burning question that you've been dying to ask a designer? Send it to the Paperthreads Designers at newslist@paperthreads.com!