Scrapbooking

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Scrapbooking – just what is it?

The craft of scrapbooking has long been around and is becoming more and more of a creative feature, an art journal, used for documenting memories of times, places and people that we hold dear. There is so much more to scrapbooking than simply collecting and putting craft materials together, it has now become a form of art and expression, as well as a creative hobby. Scrapbooking can be used as a platform for journalling and telling a story, a life story – be it your own or someone else’s – a visual memento.

By using photographs (old or new), postcards, maps, ticket stubs, stamps, craft shapes, ribbon and even an old deck of playing cards, you can create a truly unique and personal keepsake, that can be kept or given as a gift. The finished scrapbook is ideal for parents, grandparents, partners, best friends, for anniversaries and birthdays. To become a scrapbooker, all it takes is a little creative imagination and a precious memory.

For tips and ideas on where to begin, check out below, scrapbooking for beginners and ideas for scrapbooking.

 

 

 

Scrapbooking supplies ideas

In the vast world of scrapbooking and with the help of the internet, there are so many worldwide stockists of scrapbooking materials available, be them on your doorstep or nowhere near you, simply with the click of a button. Below are some ideas to kick start what you could look for and where. Depending on your style or the look you wish to create for your scrapbook, you can be guaranteed to find something that will fit the tone and mood for your scrapbook.

 

 

Scrapbook tutorials and know how’s

Whether you’re a novice or avid scrapbooker, there is always something new to learn,or fantastic new ideas to be created when it comes to making a scrapbook, the world is your oyster. Whether ideas are borrowed, inspired or built on, by adding a little personal flair, you can make your scrapbook a unique treasured keepsake.  You will find below, a mix of video and picture tutorials to help you on your scrapbooking journey.

5 step notebook scrapbook tutorial by Vlog de Coses

 

 

The rest is simply up to you. Be inspired, be creative and happy scrapbooking!

 

Article written by Gráinne Kennedy

Craft Corner tutorial: How to make a stamped gift tag

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I have used clear step by step instructions for this tutorial so that all ages can try it out. Suitable for children and adults 

Your materials:

Card Stock/Watercolour Paper min 300 gsm

Hole Punch

Twine or ribbon

Ink Pads – I like the Archival Ink brand here or the Adirondack ‘Ranger’ ink pads here. The Artline series are also good.

Stamps – You can buy these already attached to ‘backings’ or I tend to buy the stamps on sheets (like these ones), cut them out and then stick to blocks of timber

Sponge (Get dish sponges and cut up)

Corner punch (optional) This is the one that I use

Step 1:

Download your template from here (pick which one you want to use), cut it out and trace around it onto a piece of your stock.

 

Step 2:

Once your template is traced onto your card stock, cut out and mark for your hole. Punch out with your hole punch I use this type.

 

Step 3:

Cut your twine or ribbon to desired length (approx 20cm). Double up and push ends through the hole. Then pull ends through the loop (see photo below). Pull tightly.

 

Step 4:

Get an old piece of card to do you stamping. Start with your base pattern, I used a series of flower stamps to create my background. You can stamp them using one colour stamp pad or use different colours for each stamp. See material list for the type of stamp pads I use. Make sure to put pressure evenly when stamping down to make sure you get a clear stamp.

 

Build up your base layer of stamping. I add different plants and tree stamps and a butterfly.

 

 

Step 5:

Now it’s time to start working on your shading.

Choose a different colour ( I picked shades of brown and grey in the Adirondack inks) and a small sponge for each different ink.

 

This method can take a bit of practice so I would recommend practicing on a scrap or second tag before you go for it with your finished tag. Dab your sponge down lightly into the ink pad and start to brush it onto the tag. I worked from the outside in dabbing and brushing at the corners. Work with light touches and you can darken as you go. Change up colours to add shadows and you can blend together. Go darker at the bottom of your tag and very light at the top.

And there you have it!

You can adapt this tutorial to create the most amazing cards and artwork. Give the gift of something handmade and it will be treasured forever.

Getting organised: Arts and Craft supplies

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Todays ‘Getting Organised’ post is looking at craft supplies. While it’s aimed at getting your children’s arts and craft supplies in a manageable and more importantly; a usable state, the tips here can be applied to adults craft supplies storage and organisation too.

The main focus of this post is on reusing supplies that you may already have, upcycling household items that you are not using or that you can source cheaply to create imaginative, cost friendly space and places to storage all your crafting materials.

#1

This would be super easy and cheap to do, you can pick up food storage containers nearly anywhere. You could even make some cute chalkboard labels to decorate them with. Here is a tutorial on making chalkboard labels

 #2

Use an old baking tray to store your stationary or craft supplies, it fits perfectly into a drawer.

#3

This post over on www.icanteachmychild.com shows you how to upcycle a shoe organiser to store your craft supplies

#4

 I definitely have to try this one out. All you need is a lazy susan that you can pick up in IKEA here, flower pots or cup containers, some paint and a glue gun.

#5

This post has some very clever uses for old plastic milk bottle containers including how to use them as storage for your colouring pencils, crayons or markers

#6

I use old pill containers all the time to store embellishments, jewelry supplies, decoupage or scrap booking materials. They’re small, neat and safe. Plus really easy to label

#7

If you have the space in your home try to create a ‘crafting space’ a place where you can keep all your supplies, all inventively stored and organised now of course.

Here are some of may favourite’s from around the web

If you are really short on space use the inside of a cupboard or create a moveable outdoor space

 

Until next time peeps, happy organising.

Vanessa

How to make your own chalkboard labels

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This video by Abby Elizabeth over on her youtube channel shows you a very simple and clear tutorial on how to make chalkboard labels for glass jars.

If you are buying chalkboard paint I have always found the Rustins brand to be really good. You can pick up chalkboard paint in most good paint shops, I’ve bought it before in Colortrend 

I would stear clear of the spray paint version as you will have a lot of wastage. Also versions that tell you they are magnetic and chalkbaord generally don’t do either things very well.

You can also make your own chalkboard paint which is really simple to make, there are plenty of recipes on line.

Here is one that is very similar to one I have used before.

It will dry very quickly so I would recommend doing small quantities. The advantage of making your own paint is you can make it in any colour that you like

I used acrylic paint that I picked up at my local art shop (it doesnt have to be a super expensive one) and tile grout from B&Q

I always use a sponge to paint it on as you want to get as smooth a surface as possible and you defnitely need to do two coats letting it dry thoroughly between each.

Have fun making and if you have any questions just ask.

Vanessa

 

Resources: Free printable colouring sheets for children

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Resources 101:

The following websites offer free printable drawing pages for children.

If you have one that you use and want to add to the mix leave the link in the comments.

1 – www.education.com link here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 – Good for Disney characters: www.educationalcoloringpages.com link here and great for boys too 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 – raisingourkids.com link here including a good section on learning to draw here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 – www.coloring.ws link here which also has a good section for kids learning their Alphabets here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 –  I love this site for LETTERS AND ALPHABETS  www.sheknows.com link here 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More difficult intricate pages suitable for older children, teenagers and adults

1 – www.colorpagesformom.com linkhere

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 – this site has some cool abstract patterns on it. link here