The January 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes is now hitting mailboxes and newsstands, and we’re excited for you to read it! You see, we’ve made several enhancements for the 2010 year in response to the feedback we’ve received from you to help inspire and energize your scrapbooking. We’re confident you’ll love the updates, and we can’t wait to hear what you think. As a sneak peek in honor of heading into the 2010 decade, here are 10 new favorites introduced in the January issue.
1. A majority of layouts in the issue are two-page layouts with 4″ x 6″ photos. Let the layouts inspire your pages to come together quickly with photos straight from your printer. You’ll find examples in the “To Crop or Not to Crop” and “Winter Whites” articles and in the new “CK Shows You How,” “Fast Pages with 4″ x 6″ Photos,” and “15-Minute Layout” columns, the latter two of which provide step-by-step instructions for creating the layouts. This beautiful design by Brenda Hurd is a great example.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Brenda Hurd, as seen in the January 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes, page 31
2. You’ll now be able to download the monthly CK Sketch as a layered PSD file to use as a digital page template or in designing digital layouts. We’ll continue to offer the sketch and its variations for printouts in your binder as well.
3. You’ll see more techniques in the upcoming year. We’ve increased the number of technique photos throughout the magazine as well, and we’ve dedicated two new columns to give you more ideas in addition to our favorite technique columns from 2009. For example, in “CK Shows You How,” you’ll learn a technique in three levels of use—in January, learn three techniques for heat embossing.
4. And speaking of techniques, you’re going to need some tools every now and then. With so many tools available, how can you decide which one is right for you? We make it easy with the new product-comparison reviews at the end of “Latest & Greatest.” We test the options and give you the benefits of several models. Check out these snapshots from when our team tested heat guns for this issue.
Here’s Megan Hoeppner and Joannie McBride stamping their images before heat embossing.
5. Save money and get more from your supplies with the budget-friendly tips you’ll find in columns like “Make the Most of Leftovers,” “Tools & Techniques” (a favorite that’s continuing for 2010), Creative Spaces (with DIY organization ideas) and other articles, such as “Fast, Frugal & Fabulous” that appears this issue.
6. Reader letters are back in the magazine. (They were published online in 2009.) You’ll find them in our “Scrappetizers” section, where you’ll also see how another reader has scraplifted an idea from the magazine in our “CK & Me” finds inspired by the series on our blog.
7. Participate in a giveaway or contest each month. Through January 31, 2010, you can enter to win one of these totes from MiMi, PDY Systems and Spellbinders to help you get organized for the new year.
8. Page makeovers have always been a fun read, and you’ll find one in each issue—just check out the “Scrappetizers” section. If you have an unfinished layout you want help finishing, you can submit a photo of it to editorial@creatingkeepsakes.com with “Page Makeover” in the subject line.
9. When you’re looking for a technique or a layout theme you saw in the issue but can’t remember which page it was on, check out our “Issue Index” near the back of the magazine to find exactly what you’re looking for.
10. We have downloads galore! From “teach sheets” for using your camera to checklists to help you stay organized this year, find several fun downloads like these each month.
It’s easy to see why we’re excited, isn’t it! If you don’t have your own copy of the issue yet but can’t wait to check it out, click here to order your copy today.
As always, we’d love your feedback on what you like or would like to see improved in the magazine. You can e-mail your thoughts to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com at any time. If you share your thoughts about the January issue, you’ll also be entered to win some of these “Winter Whites” and other scrapbooking goodies from companies like American Crafts, Anna Griffin, Die Cuts With a View, Hambly Screen Prints, Hot Off The Press, and Prima. Just leave a comment on this post by Saturday, December 12, and you could be one of three lucky winners.
—Brittany Beattie, online senior editor
I love the updated articles that you have, but have to agree, it’s nice seeing articles written by different people… it’s nice to see different ideas (since each person “sees” something differently).
Sounds like the magazine is going back to being for the scrapbookers and not to showcase the famous like it had become and that is great to hear! I will consider re-subscribing after I see the latest issue.
I haven’t gotten my new issue, yet…but I really like the idea of the latest and greatest column! I can’t wait to read the comparisons!
I would love to see a tip and tricks article from the readers. Sometimes I get great ideas from others and trading ideas is always a good thing!
I love the new look-especially the 4 x 6 layouts, the INDEX,the PSD files and the downloads. I am looking forward to February already.
Product comparisons – GREAT idea – I love articles like that!
But please don’t forget us single-page scrappers – not everyone scraps double-pages!
I like the idea that the sketch can be down loaded. also love the actual peeps that work there are pictured trying out various products and demos.
I absolutely love this issue. There are so many great ideas I don’t know where to start. Thanks so much for yet another great issue!!!!!!!
Love the quick tips for organizing the scrap space. Please keep these coming. I have a small scrap room and can’t nail anything on the wall. I need all the tips I can to organize the space.
the cover was so cute. also love more product reviews!
Wow look at all those goodies…I’m asking Santa for a subscription and more “scrappy” goodies…
I received my issue this week but haven’t really had a chance to sit down and read it yet. I’m glad to hear that there will be more 2 page layouts and layouts featuring 4×6 photos, as that is primarily what I work with.
I like that there are more 4×6 layouts.
I am so excited about the emphasis on 4×6 pictures. I look forward to learning more techniques as well.
I love the new issue!! I have not had the time to read it all yet but just flipping through I like what I see. I do miss Ask Lizzy!
I love all the layouts and ideas for using uncropped 4×6 photos!! That is definitely my favorite new feature so far!! But I’m also enjoying the new articles!! Thanks so much for continuing to inspire us and for the chance to win!!
I received my issue last night and it took me a least 1 1/2 hours to go through the entire mag, front to back. You did not disappoint!
I just got mine. Can’t wait to crack it open in the bathtub tonight.
I’ve been looking and relooking through my copy for the last several days now! I love the photo taking and modifying tips. I’d love to see more ideas or techniques to taking good pictures (best setting, lighting features, etc.)
I have to say that I was skeptical at first of how much I would like the new issue with all of the recent departures, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I really did like the layouts that were featured and the use of all the 4X6 pics. Keep us the good work and you’ll keep me as a subscriber
I really enjoyed your Jan issue! Although I totally love that you are doing 4×6 double spreads… I would still love to see smaller photos too. I use PSE to put 2 or more photos on a 4×6 print. I love 4×3′s
and smaller ones like 3×2′s. I love to get at least 10+ photos on my double pages. AND I just want to say what a fabulous job the new Dream Team has done!!!
I’m personally not into 2 page layouts, so that focus isnt really for me. I do like the emphasis on using 4×6 photos because that is what I most often develop with the occasional 5×7. I would prefer MORE layouts and MORE layouts from fresh faces
Can’t wait to make my way through the “new” CK!
I received my copy yesterday, and I absolutely loved it. It looks fresh and new with all the new columns, and it’s great to see so many layouts with lots of 6×4 photos. I also enjoyed seeing layouts from some new faces. Great job, CK.
I just received my January issue and my favorite parts were the budget ideas, the retro/vintage trends, and some of the organizing ideas. I would like to see more pictures of new products (especially from companies we don’t get to see often at the big chain stores), more retro/vintage layouts and products like you did some of this issue, etc. I would also like to see fewer 2-page layouts, personally, because I never make them. But all in all, I think this was a very good issue and I like a lot of what I saw (I especially loved all the October Afternoon products people used in the layouts because that’s one of my fave lines)
A scrapping friend of mine said she thinks Creating Keepsakes magazine is going to fold because a lot of their regular contributors and the founder are leaving. My reply was that you are probably bringing in fresh eyes and it will make the magazine better to have new blood now and then. Hope I’m right! Beth
I havent finished looking at my issue yet, but I do like what I’ve seen so far. Love using the 4×6 photos for layouts. Happy New Year!
Can’t wait to get my issue!
Really enjoyed the new format! Glad to see more 4.5 x 11 LOs! There are still some of us out there! Although I will miss Lisa, Ali and Becky, I like the new direction the mag is going! ~Bev~
I have read my copy from cover to cover and absolutely love the features. CK is fantastic and totally different from the craft magazines available here in the UK. Keep up the good work!!
I especially love learning new techniques and learning about new product reviews. Also quick and fast LO’s and sketches are always great!
One of my favorite magazines, read it over and over and over
I think Fast Pages with 4 x 6s is a great idea.
I just received my copy of the new Creating Keepsakes and it is my favorite subscription because of the intrique detail in the “How-to’s” sections. I really love the new focus on the Fast Pages With 4X6′s in the January 2010 issue. With so many pictures to scrap, the 2-pagers are a fabulous idea to speed up the process. The only thing that I would like to see featured a little more in the magazine would be scrapbooking studio organization/tips.
I think you are heading in the right direction with your changes. I do miss Lisa, Becky and Candice Stringham. I hope you don’t forget the message board. I wish you success with your changes
so great!!! i can’t wait to read it
I am really looking forward to the new issue. I really like the PSD file option.
I am a new subscriber. I only have the Dec 2009 issue and the Jan 2010 magaizine. I love the latest and greatest and ESPECIALLY the tool comparison! How helpful is that! Our own “Consumer Reports” for scrapbooking tools!!!!!
Thanks!
loved this month. thanks so much for letting me be a part of it! loved the 4×6 ideas. xo
Loving this Jan issue! Tool Comparisons are great and as always love, love, love Sketches!
I really loved the new issue. Have been a subscriber since the beginning and look forward to new ideas. I loved the sketches and the 4×6 ideas. Keep the reviews of products too. Great job, and I wish the magazine luck and many, many more years!!
Got mine in the mail the other day, haven’t had a chance to read it. Looking forward to snuggling up with it this weekend. I’m excited to see the new ideas and where my favorite magazine is headed.
Change is good. I can’t wait to see what the new dream team comes up with.
I am really happy with the January issue! I love that you are using so many double layouts with 4×6 photos. I especially loved “ck sketch”. Great ideas! I always loved Becky’s sketch ideas and it’s great to see what we will still be able to get good sketches from CK. Thanks!
I look forward to seeing more page makeovers. Sometimes I get in a rut with layouts and it’s nice to see a different take.
Loved the January issue! Really liked the 15-minute layouts, especially since I don’t have the time like I used to for scrapping! Thanks so much CK!
I’m a big fan of frugal ideas- so keep ‘em coming!
I’m loving the January issue! My favorite is the “Creative Spaces” section, and I really enjoyed the feature on shaping up your scrap space. I also like the new 4×6 photo article. My subscription only runs for a few more months, but the new ideas are inspiring me to renew.
Sounds like an information-rich issue! I really like the techniques you’ve been featuring…Although the sketches work well for a lot of people, I prefer to use the techniques and samples to spur my creativity…
Thanks for including the CK&Me this year… I’m going to be published because of it! The designers in your issues are so insanely creative that it’s SMART to scraplift their work!