Hey there! Did you pick up your copy of the new CK yet? The February 2010 issue is so much fun—we hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. In this post, you’ll find three of my favorite insights about this issue, along with a couple of tidbits about each one.
1. Technique: Dry Emboss on Metal. Suzy Plantamura created this beautiful layout for us to showcase dry embossing on metal. Did you know metal is a little tricky to photograph? When the first scan came in, we weren’t sure all the metal was silver (the border and small heart looked like they could have been copper).
"Crazy Love" by Suzy Plantamura, as seen in the February 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes
Our team tried out this technique and experimented with different types of templates (plastic and metal), styluses (paper, plastic, and metal) and surfaces (foam mat, mouse pad, notebook, and tabletop).
CK's Brenda Peterson, Joannie McBride, Megan Hoeppner, Jennafer Martin, and Lara Penrod give dry embossing on metal a try.
We discovered that metal styluses scratch the metal (see the photo below), so be sure to use paper or plastic tips when you emboss metal unless you’re going for a scratched, distressed look (which could be cool—try some fine-grit sandpaper for a brushed metal look). See more tips from Suzy and our team on page 26.
2. Framed Chalkboard in the “Tips & Tricks” column. Love the pretty, pink frame below? We picked it up from Ikea, and it was originally black. While we loved the shape, we thought the color made it look a little gothic, so we recolored it with spray paint. If you try this coloring style, be sure to buy spray paint specially formulated to work on plastic, such as the Fusion for Plastic paint from Krylon. You might also buy a primer for plastic to cover the frame before you paint. If you look closely at ours, you can see some of the black through the pink paint (luckily, it works and makes the frame look like it’s straight out of a chic boutique). We decided to leave it with just one coat of paint because we loved the look. If the pink is a little too bold for you, try painting it white, antique white, or turquoise.
3. Hot Spot Trend: Gray-Based Pastels. We’re always on the lookout for trends that translate well to scrapbook pages and deliver a cool, current look. This month’s trend is particularly appealing because even though the main focus is color, it’s also very much about texture.
Notice the soft, sheer, and shiny materials in the above images (a snippet of our research) and how Deena Wuest’s gorgeous layout incorporates both color and texture.
"In the Stillness" by Deena Wuest, as seen in the February 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes
Giveaway Time
What were your favorite items in the February issue? Leave a comment on this post by Friday, January 15, 2010, and you could be one of three lucky winners to receive a sampling of some of love-themed scrapbooking products. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue.
—Lori Fairbanks, product editor
I loved the article – Beating the Winter Doldrums..very inspirational! Also love the cover this month..love the color combo…will use it forsure!
My fav is always Tips & Tricks.
the embossing technique looks like fun!
I’m still waiting for my issue! I thought it might come today but no such luck.
I’m still waiting for my issue! I thought it might come today but no such luck.
I thought the 4 bonus techniques were excellent this month and I love the tips and tricks! Thanks for the chance to win!
just got my issue today- was getting worried the postman wanted to read it first! I absolutely LOVE the new magazine– to keep me in line with my new years resolution to be healthy, I only “let” myself read the new issue while Im on my treadmill– I have never been so excited to work out!
What is my fave besides everything? Hmmm…tough call since I just love the whole mag.
What is my fave besides everything? Hmmm…tough call since I just love the whole mag.
The technique on blurring the background of a photo was my favorite.
I love all the “fresh faces”!
Tips + tricks!
Tips + tricks!
Everything! FRont to back, you never disappoint!!!
Loved the new use for leftovers article. I can never seem to want to throw away any bits and pieces.
Loved it all! Loved the altered frame to make the chalkboard! I am definitely going to try that, with the one from IKEA too b/c I love it! I love the column on photo effects too!
Loved it all! Loved the altered frame to make the chalkboard! I am definitely going to try that, with the one from IKEA too b/c I love it! I love the column on photo effects too!
Oh…there are so many things that I enjoyed about this issue, but one of my favorites is the Fire adn Ice Technique… simply awesome!
Boo-hoo, I too am still waiting for my monthly Christmas present to arrive over the sea, it’s my favourite time of the month when I get home and the gift that keeps on giving is waiting patiently for me to ravish it from cover to end! Thank you so much though Lori for the littly sneek peaks, it looks tantalising and it’s making me even more excited to get my copy!!! Now only if I lived in the US to get to Ikea for that frame, pink is after all my favourite colour
Thanks for the fabulous hearty giveaway xxx Bella (Cape Town, SA – bellaq@legalinteract.co.za)
I always look forward to the Creative Spaces article, love seeing everyone’s craft studios and picking up some great storage ideas, thanks.
I love Valentine’s day LOs but I have not found a Feb issue in stores to buy yet in KY. I am going hunting at lunch again.
I love Valentine’s day LOs but I have not found a Feb issue in stores to buy yet in KY. I am going hunting at lunch again.
I have to say the sketches this month! Wow! And the layouts in this issue are just crazy, inspiring!!!!! Yay, CK! Thanks for nailing another issue right on the head! =)
Jen
Everything!!! I can’t pick just one!
I loved the Fire and Ice column and all the techniques included
I love the “Fill Up Your Heart” page. I am going to use the ideas for a page I have started working on for a heritage album. I also enjoy the free tag download. The magazine is great keep up the good work.
TEACH ME MORE!!!!!
TEACH ME MORE!!!!!
Love the whole magazine!
I really liked the tips & tricks. I would like to try making the chalkboard since I am always trying to find something to write on.
I liked this issue…I think CK has improved a lot in the last year, and I am enjoying the more techniques and tips that are being included. There were several great ideas in this issue.
My favorite is the fast pages w/ 4 x 6 photos for sure! Love that mirror, awesome!
I love the tips and techniques. Your magazine is always full of the newest and latest ideas. Thank You for your dedication.
I love the tips and techniques. Your magazine is always full of the newest and latest ideas. Thank You for your dedication.
I am enjoying the 4 bonus techniques that you have added to each issue. It is so cool that you a zooming in on some of the details of the layouts. The crinkled title letters and spiral flowers we my two favorite techniques.
my favorite is the fast pages with 4 x 6 photos – big time saver!!!
my favorite is the fast pages with 4 x 6 photos – big time saver!!!
I’m disappointed! My issue hasn’t come yet.
Great issue! I love the tips and tricks, also the wonderful techniques! Thanks CK!
As usual I love it all! I turn page by page quickly and then go back and READ the whole thing. Every month is excitement just waiting to happen for me. THanks everyone!!
The metal embossing was cool. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I enjoy the showcasing of the “hot” new products/lines that CK loves.
I enjoy the showcasing of the “hot” new products/lines that CK loves.
I really like the tips and tricks and my favorite one being the chalk board, oh so cute!!
I love the tips and techniques and also the Fire and Ice section!!!
I love the Tips & Tricks section. I especially loved the framed chalkboard and when I showed it to my 7yro daughter, she loved it too so we’re on the look out for a funky frame.
love any new techniquesm but I really liked the metal dry embossing
love any new techniquesm but I really liked the metal dry embossing
I absolutely adore Becky Olsen’s scraproom on pages 54-55. I’d love to know more about the large metal shelf unit in the center of the picture on page 54. She has some wonderful storage ideas!!
I haven’t received mine yet, but love the frames on the post.