Simple Embellishments

Hi all! :)

Today I'm sharing a simple way to make embellishments for your pages using scrap paper and punches!

The layout above is a layout I did about a trip to the movies we took back in July of 2009. It doesn't seem that long ago! I look at this layout and I wonder if I hadn't scrapped these photos if I would remember that this was Brodey's very first trip to the movies! That's just one of the reasons why I think journaling and dating our layouts is so important! It's those little things that we think we will remember, but we might not!



My first simple embellishment tip is using border punches! I use border punches on every single layout I create. They are a quick way to add interest and you can even add texture by threading ribbon through the holes as I did in the photo above.

The border punch I used above was a rectangular border punch. I used the opening to thread my ribbon through. I secured both ends with staples and then I tied the ribbon a little more than halfway down.

Not only do I love border punches, I also LOVE regular punches! I used two different sizes of square punches to make the accent above. This can also be done with a paper trimmer if you do not have square punches.

I first punched my red cardstock with a 2 inch punch. Then I punched 4 pieces of scrap patterned paper with a 3/4 inch punch. I added the smaller squares to the larger square with foam adhesive squares! Yep it's that simple!



You could change it up by punching or die cutting a scalloped square instead of a regular large square. You could also add a pretty brad to the middle or use a corner rounder on the corners! So many variations!

I hope you try these simple embellishment tips on your next scrapbook page or card! Also don't forget to add the date and some journaling to the pages you do! The loved ones that look at your pages in the future will thank you!

And to say THANK YOU to my many blog readers I have a giveaway today! (Brodey just had to be in the picture) I bought this awesome Technique Tuesday stamp set at the Creating Keepsakes Convention last weekend and I'm going to give it away to one lucky reader!

To be entered in the giveaway all you have to do is comment here OR on the Facebook post by 12:00am cst! Simply link your blog (if you have one) or your online gallery and tell me where you are from! I'll have Brodey draw a name and I will announce the winner on Saturday!

If you haven't already you can add Inky Fingers on Facebook! Every time I post it will feed through to your Facebook instead of having to come here!

Well good luck to everyone that comments for the stamp set! It's a good one!

Have a great Thursday!

LOVE APRIL :)

Happy Saturday & a Layout Share!

Happy Saturday to ya!
If you follow my personal blog, Scrap Happens, you know that I'm back from my self-imposed blog hiatus! ;)
Now that life is getting back to normal I'll start posting how to's and videos again!
Back in November I started doing Stamper's Night Out classes. Since then it has grown and branched out into a few other things.
This Monday I will be teaching a Beginner's Scrapbooking Class to a group of ladies from Tahlequah. We will be doing two double page 12x12 layouts that I'm going to share with you today! :)


This first layout has 5 vertical 4x6 photos. They are very slightly trimmed. By slightly I mean 1/16 of an inch. (That shouldn't cut anyone's arm or leg off hahah!)
This layout is very simple, but is super cute! The little butterflies are from a fun cut and emboss folder from Stampin Up.
I cut the circles out with my circle cookie cutter dies by Quickutz. The cookie cutter dies leave a slightly larger skinny ring when you cut with them. I used that ring on the right page to highlight the main photo.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Abode by American Crafts
Journaling Spot Die: Top Note Die by Stampin Up for Sizzix
Circle Dies: Circle Cookie Cutter Dies by Quickutz
Flower Punch: Stampin Up
Butterflies: Embossibilities Die by Stampin Up for Sizzix
Title Letter Dies: Quickutz
Scallop Circle Punch: Stampin Up
Journaling Line Stamp: Autumn Leaves
Word Stamps: Ali Edwardes for Technique Tuesday
Ink: Stampin Up

*Click on photo to see it enlarged.
This layout has 3 vertical 4x6's and 2 horizontal 4x6's. They are very slightly trimmed.
We will be using some fun techniques like dry embossing, stamping, and paper punching.

The little circles on the layout are actually cut and embossed little buttons! They are the cutest things EVER and a great way to use up patterned paper scraps.
I also dry embossed the orange strip over the title and the green and blue squares on the left page.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Offbeat by Basic Grey
Star Stamps: Technique Tuesday and Basic Grey
Alphabet Stamps and Circle Border Stamp: Sassafrass Lass
Word Stamps: Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday
Journaling Line Stamp: Autumn Leaves
Embossing Folders: Stampin Up(small dots), Sizzix(argyle), and Provocraft(stars)
Ink: Stampin Up
Scallop Oval and Small Oval Punches: Stampin Up
Title Letter Dies: Quickutz
Button Emboss and Cut Folder: Stampin Up for Sizzix
This class will be fun! I have been doing mainly card classes lately so it's nice to get back to scrappin'!
If you have any questions about the layouts or any of the supplies send me an email at aprilmassad@yahoo.com! I would be happy to answer your questions!
Well we are headed to Holdenville! Brodey's birthday is Wednesday so we are taking him to see the fam!
Have a fantastic weekend!
LUV APRIL :)

Sketchy Tuesday: Celebrate Autumn

I know I know this was supposed to be posted on Sketchy Sunday! Well it didn't make it so I'm posting this sketch today! :)
This is a versitile layout that has (3) 4x6 photos and (3) 3x4 photos.
My finished layout varies slightly from the sketch. I added a date spot and my leaves are in different places.
This is actually the layout I taught this past weekend at the Among Friends scrapbook retreat. We made the leaf accents and acorn accents. I will be posting that video tomorrow! They are SO much fun to make!
(To view the images larger simply click on them!)
If you would like the FREE PDF instructions on putting this layout together please leave me a comment with your email address or send me an email at inkyfingershappen@yahoo.com. The PDF also includes a supply list and measurements for the layout.
Well I hope you like the sketch! If you create a layout inspired by it please link me up! I would love to share it here!
I hope you have a great Tuesday and don't forget to check back tomorrow for the video on how to make the beautiful leaves!
Happy crafting!
April :)

Sketchy Sunday: Bye Bugs

Hey everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!
Do you like sketches? I LOVE sketches! They make scrapbooking and cardmaking so easy!
A sketch is basically a blueprint for a scrapbook page or a card. It tells you where to put everything on the card/layout. It's great for inspiration or just a starting off point!
I have alawyas loved sketches! When you are first starting out in this hobby they can be so useful! If you are a pro they can jumpstart your own creativity!
Starting today I'm going to post a sketch every Sunday! It will either be a scrapbok page or a card! In the future I would like to post an alternate sketch for double and single page layouts. I wasn't home this weekend so I will only be posting the double page version tonight!

Double Page Layout
(2) 4x6's
(3) 3x4's
Click photo to see larger.


"Bye Bugs"
Supplies: Cardstock by Bazzill; Patterned Paper by Sassafrass Lass; Large Chipboard Letter by Colorbok; Chipboard Letters by Basic Grey; Black Ink by Ranger; Ribbon by Offray; Black Pen by EK Success.

I did this layout about one of Brodey's trips to see Daddy at work. Gosh it seems like this just happened, but these photos were taken two years ago! My goodness time goes by so fast! That's why I'm so glad I scrapbook!
The cute little bugs on this layout are from some Sassfraass Lass paper. I simply cut the bugs out of the paper and popped them up with adhesive foam squares.
To make the bow in the ribbon I simply cut the longer piece, adhered it, cut a smaller piece, and tied it on where I wanted it. Super easy!
You will also notice that I use journaling strips on most of my layouts. They are the easiest way for me to journal and I did a How To on that HERE.
I also matted the photos with white cardstock to make them stand out from the bold patterned paper. I did a How To on matting photos HERE.
There are two photos sizes on this layout. There are your basic 4x6's and there are also 3x4's. A 3x4 is basically a 4x6 photo cut in half. If you do not have a printer at home and send your photos to be printed through a photo center (such as Wal-Mart or Walgreens) I can show you how to print multiple sizes on one 4x6! I will post that How To very soon! It's so easy you will be surprised you haven't been doing that all along! ;)
I hope this sketch inspired you! If you create a layout based on my sketch please send me a link! I would love to post it on my blog!
You can email me at inkyfingershappen@yahoo.com!
Happy crafting!
April :)