Editors’ Pick: Top 10 Tips and Techniques from 2011

Thanks for stopping by! We’ve had so much fun spending this past year with all of you. As editors and scrapbookers, we’ve worked hard to inspire you and offer you solutions for scrapbooking the memories that mean the most to you.  We hope you’ve enjoyed the tips and techniques we’ve highlighted in our columns and features in 2011. We’ve had a blast sharing them with you!

We wanted to take this time to spotlight and share with you 10 of our favorite tips and techniques from 2011.

1. Create a Colorful Bottle-Cap Banner

Use the bottle caps from your party to create a banner that’s colorful, fun, and serves as a reminder of the tasty beverages you drank. Your banner is both an accent and a snazy way to present memorabilia!

Pirate Party by Kim Watson, as seen in the January 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

2. Set the Scene: Supply Tip

Try this sweet idea. Cut candy jars from patterned paper and use them as journaling spots.

Worlds Longest Candy Counter by Megan Hoeppner, as seen in the February 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

3. Build Baker’s Twine Accents
Take your baker’s twine for a spin and creae handmade flower accents with this twisty technique.

Destination Bali by Piradee Talvanna, as seen in the February 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

1. Punch out scallop circle. Tie knot in twine, and adhere to center of circle using liquid adhesive.

2. Wrap twine around knot, moving from center out. Apply more adhesive as needed.

3. Attach brad to center to complete flower.

4. Create a Unique Photo Background

Ninety Pages in Ninety Days by April Foster, as seen in the March/April 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

If you can’t find the perfect background for your story, create your own backdrop! April Foster photographed her husband reading a book about babies in front of a clothesline filled with her yet-to-be baby’s colorful wardrobe. These simple, subtle additions to the background help reinforce April’s story about her husband’s preparation for parenthood.

Try adding your own favorite items to the background of your photos to make an understated point. For example, a beautiful quilt behind your subject for a touch of cozy color that will emphasize the warm feelings of being home.

5. Scrapbooking Off the Grid: Use a Misted Grid

Take an idyllic approach to your summer layout by creating a pretty grid using spray ink and square masks slightly larger than your photos.

Summer Fun by Maggie Holmes, as seen in the July/August 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

Try This!

1. Punch squares from paper. Adhere to layout in grid pattern using removable adhesive.

2. Mist layout using spray ink.

3. Remove squares to reveal grid design.

6. Family Trivia: Collect Random Family Facts on One Layout

Include details about family members, family trips, and family favorites.

Family Trivia by Kathlkeen Summers, as seen in the July/August 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

7. Stamp Transparency Accents

Create your own decorative transparencies using your stamps and basic office-supply transparency sheets. The trick is solvent ink, which won’t smudge on the transparency  sheet’s slick surface.

Backyard Harvest by Davinie Fiero, as seen in the September 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

Follow this Accent Equation:

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8. Make an Ice Cream Accent by Kelly Purkey, as seen in the October 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

Start by punching patterned paper using two sizes of cloud punches. You can also hand cut a similar shape. Layer the pieces ro create several scoops of adorableness!

Try This!

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9. Make Button Candy Accents

Sweeten up layouts about trick-or-treating or any candy themed page by using faux candy accents that will add the realistic look and feel of candy to your layout.

Candy Lovin’ Girls by Suzy Plantamura, as seen in the October 2011 issue of Creating Keespsakes.

Try This!

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10. Create a Memory Book Using a Composition Book

If you are looking for an inexpesive way to scrapbook your hobbies, then a composition book is definitely a durable option. They’re perfect for storing design sketches, patterns, and inspiration pieces.

 

I [Heart] Creativity Book by Megan Hoeppner, as seen in the October 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine.

We look forward to bringing you another year of tips and techniques that will help to inspire your scrapbooking in 2012!

Joannie McBride, associate editor