Fussy Cutting elements

Hi there!

This week, we have asked the DT to showcase the beautiful Pink Paislee’s “Auburn Lane” collection in their projects.   This collection has a fall color palette, modern designs, and some beautiful floral illustrations that are perfect to embellish a page.   The secret is to fussy cut each of the floral images so that they can be used as decorations in your page.

 

The floral images on  paper #3 and #6 of the collection were carefully cut (fussy cut) so that they can be used as layered embellishments that form a large cluster of flowers in the  page.

 

 

 

The secret to creating this embellishments is to detail cut the images from the paper.   In this case, paper #3  has a dark background, so each image was cut around its edge, so that none of the dark background shows in the image.  At the same time, paper #6 has a white background, so a very small white border was left around the image – this just helps to separate the images when layering them on the layout.  The following process video will showcase how this page came together:

 

 

All those fussy cut florals are the focal point of this page, and bring plenty of interest to the layout that minimizes the use of other embellishments.

 

 

Really love how this page turned out using the large fussy cut floral elements.   All the florals create the perfect background for this cherished memory of my family.

I hope this inspires you to create your own embellishments by fussy cutting embellishments off your patterned papers.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions on how this came together,  Remember to check all the materials used in this page at Scrapbook Nerd.

Take care,

 

Auburn Lane collection – Papers #3, 6, 9, 10, labels, Alphas, 6×8 paper pad, puffy stickers, sequin mix

Distress Oxides – Spun sugar, Tattered Rose, Tea Dyed, Fossilized Amber, Crushed  Olive, Peeled Paint

Heidi Swapp – Gold Lame color shine

Nuvo  drops –  crystal drops – Pink Bubble gum

Vicki Boutin – Gesso

 

Silhouette Savvy Series – Back to Basics

 

Hello everyone!

How is your Summer going?   We hope you are relaxing and enjoying the  wonderful weather.   Today’s tutorial is a bit of a  refresher / learning on a few basics on the Silhouette Software basics. The new updates to the Silhouette Software have made it easier to import and design cut files in their platform.

 

 

Just in case you missed any of the commands, here is small list of them:

To import cut files into the Silhouette Library

• Import and open the zipfile containing the cut file
• open your Silhouette Software, and set it on the Library tab ( you can easily create a new  file by right clicking  your mouse on the library file, under your user name account)
• open your recently unzipped cut file (you will have three images to chose from)
• click on the image that does not have a watermark on it, and use your mouse to drag it to the Silhouette library.   The software will automatically make a copy of the cut file in their library

To trace cut files in the Silhouette Software

• Open the cut file you want to use in the Silhouette Design window
• click on the Trace menu in the Design window (fifth image on the right hand side pannel)
• select trace an image on the menu
• use your mouse to select the are of the cut file you want to use
• on the trace menu click on “trace”,  the red lines will show behind the cut file once you have properly traced it.
• If there are part of another image you do not want to use, then highlight the entire image, right click on the mouse, and chose “release path” on the menu.   Delete all the unwanted lines  in the cut file, and then highlight all the image you want to cut (make sure you highlight all the little details inside the cut), right click on the mouse and select “create compound path”
• send to the Silhouette software to cut.

 

Once you have seen the video, you will realize how easy you can import and trace a cut file in the SIlhouette Software.  The one that was used for the tutorial comes from the Let Sunshine in and it  is featured in this Traveler’s Notebook along with  Doodlebug Designs’ Hello Collection.

 

As always please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions related to this tutorial.  I will be more than happy to walk you through the steps.

Take care,

 

Doodlebug Design – Hello Collection kit, Chit chat die cuts, cardstock stickers

Pinkfresh Studio – The Mix 1 collection – Gold shapes foam stickers

Simple Stories – Hello Summer Collection – Cardstock Stickers, collection kit

Webster’s Pages – Traveler’s Notebook insert

 

Let The Sunshine in Cut file

 

 

 

 

This week’s tutorial… sketches!!

Hey scrappy nerds, Gisele here with a tutorial about sketches, yup, I love them and use them all the time! I use them as my starting point and sometimes the page does not even look like the sketch, but I get pages done and that is what it’s all about! I often use Pinterest and have loads of them in a board there. I also like to use Kristine Davidson, Creative Scrappers, or one of our design team, Milena  or even some from Scrapbook and Cards Today. I also like Laura Whitaker sketches as well. After a while, you have your favs and often use those as your jump off point.

I almost always use sketches as my jumping off point to my layouts. I look at the pictures I want to use and then search for a sketch that inspires me. My complete layout is often time not exactly as the sketch, but I love to start with one. The sketches also give me ideas of where to embellish and size of embellishments I need to balance my page. When I first started scrapbooking I was always lost, but sketches are a very important part of my scrapbooking! Maybe the most important part! 

So in the following examples, I will show you what I have  created using some sketches. Do not feel you need to use the number of pictures that are in a sketch. You can adapt it to your needs ie: two 3×4 pictures can be a 4×6 picture. the embellishments are just ideas, you adapt those as well. Let’s look at some sketches now and what I did with them.

First up is a sketch from Milena, our Scrapbook Nerd sketch designer:

This is what I created from it: I followed the placement of patterned papers but added my twist to embellishments, ie not all circles. The circles are there to give you an idea where to possibly make clusters and sizes of embellishments.

In this sketch from Scrapbook and Cards Today I flipped the sketch (Page maps):

So flipping the sketch allowed me to get 2 portrait pictures and some papers as fillers. I also used a cut file from Silhouette and cut it in half to mimic the balloons in sketch.

This next sketch, a card one from Creative Scrappers: 

My version of the sketch using odds and ends in the collection hello from Doodlebug Designs. Also flipped this one, but only the direction of the card.

Lets see if I can give you another sketch and my design of it. Here’s one from Creative Scrappers, Kristine Davidson.  

I flipped this one too, by moving from left to right. Remember a sketch is helping you in your creativity. I did add more embellishments but it was a great starting point for this page using some Crate Paper.  I did not put any journaling in the top left corner, instead opted to add a banner. I put in more journaling next to picture instead.

So there you have it a quick overview of how I do my scrappy work. Hopefully you will try a sketch, either for a page or card. Remember, it helps you start or you can scrap lift the whole sketch. I have several sketches on my Pinterest board, you are welcomed to check me out. Or try out any of our own Scrapbook Nerd designer in our Facebook group.

Thanks for visiting my tutorial today, visit our online store for all your scrapbooking needs and wants. The shipping is really fast 🙂 Join our Facebook group, we would love to have you. PS: we are having an online crop very soon and we have prizes too 🙂 

All for now, until the next time, Gisele signing out 🙂

 

 

 

 

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT…

REPEATING shapes, colours, die cuts…

Hello everyone, Gisele here for a little tutorial on making your pages cohesive. Making your eye travel around the page, more visually appealing. This technique is similar to the visual triangle but goes beyond, it’s a continuity to help your card or LO.

In this example, I repeated the colour orange/coral and the 3 leaf shapes of same colour.

In this example the colour aqua/green was repeated around the card and also the circles are repeated with the die cut, the wooden buttons and the enamel dots.

The colour purple was the main repeating element in this page and the floral elements.

Here I repeated the cork elements and the brown in the mating of photos and the strip up top. The adding of the twine also continues the rustic feel of the page.

This next one, orange was my repeating element in the words, puffy heart and die cuts.

 

This LO, the  repeated stitching, the flairs and the yellow throughout are what makes this page unity.

 

This next example, the white from die cut, the title and enamel dots are the repeated elements. Also, the chipboard nature elements are repeated: butterflies and bird. You can also see I repeated some words or small phrases too.

 

In this last example, I have repeated the tags, florals and butterflies.

So when I am designing my pages or cards, I keep repeating either shapes, same colours , die cuts… It brings a cohesiveness to your page or card and more eye pleasing too. If you add all different elements they do not create unity as there is too many variables. I hope this short tutorial has helped you to create your next page or card.

Signing off for now, but visit our store as they have wonderful new items there and such quick delivery. And yes we are Canadian, so that is fantastic, supporting Canada. Have a great Canada Day to our Canadian scrappy nerds 🙂

Reinvent Patterned Paper Background

Hi there!

It is that time of the year when flip flops and sandals become our best friends, and the sun shines longer during the day.  YES!  Summer is here, and with that comes lots of new adventures and moments to document.  So it is fitting that this week’s theme for the DT is “Summer Days are Here”.

 

Well with that being said, let me show you how to work a quick and clever way to create a focal point in a layout just by reinventing/reworking a piece of patterned paper.

 

For this layout i chose to rework the Vista paper from the Wander collection from My Mind’s Eye.  The paper has a very geometric and visual pattern, but can be a bit hard to work with since the lines draw your eye in different directions.  So my choice was to cut each of the sections, and  reattach them onto white cardstock so that the vertices of all the triangles meet ( at their best) in one single point, thus creating the focal point of this page.

 

 

Once the paper triangles were in place, i decided to add some stitching around the edges of each triangle so that they secure the pieces together, but also so create the small arrows that guide your eye to the center of the page.  By working with the coordinating embroidery floss, the stitching also helps to harmonize the entire page.

 

 

Since there is a focal point set on the page, the rest of the page comes together easily.   Just a few clusters of ephemera and stickers from the collection around the picture frame the image.

 

 

 

Once again the lines in the background also help  with the positioning of the title .  For this i chose to create a large title using a JustNick studio cut file that was altered to fit in this page.

 

 

Finally to balance the page, a small cluster was added to the bottom right of the page.  This just  not only balances the page, but also helps to accent the directional lines of the page.

I hope you try this techique, which can easily be reworked with pieces of patterned paper or the both sides of a single sheet of patterned paper &/or one single sheet of patterned paper and cardstock.  If hand stitching is not your thing, then replace it by machine stitching or just leave it out completely.  The trick here is to create contrast in the triangles so that they define a focal point in the page.

As always let me know if you have questions on how this came together, and don’t forget to stop by Scrapbook Nerd to check all the materials used in this page, and all the new goodies arriving!

XO

 

My Mind’s Eye –  Wander kit collection

My Mind’s Eye – Wander collection – Die cuts 

My Mind’s Eye – Wander collection – Puffy Stickers

My Mind’s Eye – Wander collection – Chipboard stickers

My Mind’s Eye – Wander collection – Enamel Dots

Pinkfresh Studio – Let Your Heart Decide – Enamel heart stickers

Pinkfresh studio – Let Your Hear Decided  – Cardstock Stickers

Pinkfresh Studio – Life Noted – Epoxy stickers

Just Nick cut file – GO SEE DO

 

WISHI WASHI, which one are you? LOL

Hello scrappy nerds, Gisele here with a little tutorial. Let’s talk washi. Do you hoard all of your washi tapes like they are gold or never buy them or not sure what to do with them?? Well I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas that might make you think twice about washi tapes.

• in this first example washi tapes were used to cover a frame, isn’t gorgeous?

• next up, cover some clothes pins that you could use to put up a banner, you could mix and match or have them all in one colour.

• we all have electronics and cords, so why not colour code them to distinguish who’s cord or for what electronic device.

• use washi on a background and then punch up some shapes. Flowers are all the rage, so here is an easy way way to create some unique ones.

• you might have containers that are not matching or you would like them another colour. Why not customize them to match your decor!

• making cards, covering small notebooks or pencils, so cute and personalized.

• your plain binder clips could use some colour or pattern, your washi to the rescue !

• you are using agendas or traveler’s notebooks, washi is great for these.

• how about journaling cards or Project Life cards, washi adds a splash of colour and enhances your card.

• feathers are quite popular and here’s a way of making your own. Using a toothpick in-between the layers of wash and making some slits, rounding off the top and bottom and voila, you have feathers.

• die cutting is also versatile with washi, in this picture, several washi of the same colours and using a heart die cut to make a customized heart or whatever die you are using.

• we all have storage containers and why not colour code the fronts of the drawers? to match your decor or to use as filing papers or embellishments of that colour?

• making your own paperclip flags, so cute and easy. Ideal for your agendas and traveler’s notebooks, a Project Life card or even a scrapbook page. So sweet.

• in this last example, I changed an old round night table by covering it with washi tape  a couple of years ago. I should have put a coating of modge podge or something on it, procrastination on my part LOL.  So why not try washi on your next project, you can find some in the store  here.  Good luck and why not show us your washi uses in our Facebook group. All for now, so until next time, happy scrapping 🙂

Weekly Creative Team Digest

 

 

Hello Nerds!

Another week has come to an end, and the Nerd Girls have been showing projects all this week inspired on the “Strawberry Social” theme.

Let’s have a look at what they have been sharing on social media, and in the Scrapbook Nerd Frinds and Fans Facebook page.

First up is Gisele with a beautiful and very colorful project featuring Phtotoplay’s Paprika collection.

 

She used a cut file from the SIlhouette store to create the background of this page, and then used the collection paper, designs and colors to embellish and tell the story of her family at Turkey Dinner.

 

 

Just love how she mixed all the colors and patterns together in one single page,   Beautiful work, Gisele!

Next up is Mari, with this gorgeous page that features Paige Evans, Pick Me Up collection, and a bit of mixed media on the background.

Mari started by using VIcki Boutin’s Art crayons and a brayer to create the soft yellow watercolor background for her page,  and then addd simple layers to behind the picture to create this gorgeous page.

Such sweet way to document a sweet family moment  Thanks, Mari!

Next up is Nathalie with this week’s Tuesday Tutorial,  Reworking  Backgrounds. In this tutorial she shared with us two process videos on how to transform a not so loved page into two beautifu new projects using the elements of the page,

The first page features Pebbles’ Patio Party collection, and a bit of mixed media to accent the  colorful picture of her family at the Strawberry Farm.

 

Lastly Nathalie also created this page using parts of the background of the not so loved layout.  She used Vicki Boutin’s products to create this new striking page.

Both fun ideas on how to repurpose an old layout.

 

That is all for this week!   Lots of inspiration being created and shared by our Creative team.   Remember you can see more of the projects on our Facebook Friends and Fans page.

Til next time!

 

THE RULE OF 3 AND THE VISUAL TRIANGLE

Hello scrappy nerds, Gisele here bringing you a tutorial: the rule of 3 and the visual triangle.

Let’s start with the rule of 3. In decor and other the rule of 3 is used quite a lot. Meaning use 3 of the same thing example: 3 flowers, or usually an odd number things as embellishments.  

In the photo below you can see I have used clusters of enamel dots. There are 3 in each cluster as well. It does not mean they need to be the same colour or size, Just a repetition. Here, in each cluster I have the same colours repeated. It is more pleasing to to look at the LO.

In the next example I have 3 butterflies in descending sizes as they are flying away. This also gives depth.  I also repeated the flower clusters by 3. You have likely noticed I clustered 3 tags in the top left. I added twine to 2 and the other ribbon, just to change it up a bit. Also if you noticed, the brown tag, the word Family and the right brown bottom tag also helps in the rule of 3.

In the next example, the rule of 3 is also evident: the 3 plus signs, the 3 red hearts, the 3 yellow tags. The colour green is repeated as well.

 

Now lets talk about the visual triangle and this also has the rule of 3 but in a way that makes your eye go around the page. Let’s look at some examples.

First up visual triangle is the repetition of hearts, yes, but the blue ones or the 3 gold hearts. They all form a visual triangle. So your eye travels around the page.

Let’s look at another example. In this one: the pink enamel dots that make you go around the page. The repetition of pink in the tags also help the visual triangle.

How about another example? This time, spots of red: bow, title, circle or the red gift, the bow and the title or large circle. If you look closely the rule of 3 is also evident: the 3 white pompoms, or the 3 clusters of blue enamel dots with the pompoms.

The visual triangle here is the repetition of the brown: 2 brown tags and the title is brown.

In this last example, my visual triangle is the clusters of the yellow, the green and the red.

 Hope this helps you in your creations of LOs or cards. Until next time, happy scrapping 🙂

PS: check out the store. There are amazing products coming almost daily and the delivery is super quick. Check it out here.

Tuesday Tutorial: Use a Grid for the Background

 

Hello friends!

Nathalie with you today, and if you have a lot of 2x2in cut apart cards (like the ones included in so many of the latest collections), then this is a way that you can use up to create a fun background for your next project.  It all started with a piece of cardstock, a pencil, ruler and some stitching material

 

Since i know the size of the cards, i chose to pencil a grid on my cardstock.  As you see in the picture i left about a 1 in from the top and sides of the page, and then created boxes that measure 2.5in per side

 

Next using a paper piercing tool, and a hook needle mat ( “the secret to creating straight lines and even spaced holes”) i proceeded to just punture the holes along the inside lines of the square (think of it as the lines in a TIC-TAC-TOE game)

 

The mat will help you to create straight even spaced holes for stitching.   Just line the mat to the line you will stitch, then use the piercing tool to create the pattern.  Remember to create holes at the same position inside the respective square

 

 

Once you have the holes in the lines created, then it is time to use some backstitching to create the ‘division’ lines in the background.   Since I am using Pebbles’  new collection -Patio Party- to finish this page, i chose to stitch the lines in 3 different embroidery thread colors that match the papers in the collection.

 

 

Once the stitching was done, I played with the location of the cards.  I placed the cards with the busiest or most  irrelevant pattern  where the picture will be placed, this way just a hint of the pattern will show up.   This is now the new background, and all it was left to do was to embellish.

 

The picture was backed with some papers from the collection, and then attached with some foam adhesive.  I took advantage of the dimensional layered stickers to create clusters at opposite corner of the photograph.

 

To add to the flower motiff of the page, i chose to fussy cut some from papers in the collection, and layered them between the papers behind the picture.

 

To complete my visual triangle, I added a third cluster at the corner of the page.  I chose to set the large sentiment cards at the side of  this square, so that the eye will be pulled to this stop.  Here is the completed layout:

 

 

This page took no time to put together, and i love how all thise small cards fused together to create the perfect background for the page,

 

Remembert to stop by Scrapbook Nerd to check all the materials used in this post.

see you all around!

 

Patio Party collection: 12×12 paper pad, layered stickers, layered acetate butterflies, cardstock stickers, wood veneer stickers

Hello Love collection: resin hearts

 

 

Creative Team Weekly Round Up

Hi There!

Hope you all are ready for the weekend.

This week the Scrapbook Nerd Creative Team has been rather busy sharing some inspiration with you all.   So how about we see what they have been up to:

Firts up is Gisele with this beautiful and colorful layout.  She used Jillibean’s Shades of Colour Soup to create the layers of this page.

She is a master a layering pieces, and in this page she also has combined the super trendy pom pom trim to create a super fun page.   Beautiful work, Gisele

 

Next up is Milena with her take on this week’s sketch.   She has created a very geometrical and colorful background using Dear Lizzy’s Star Gazer collection to document a picture of her daughter’s milestone.  Her large title across the top of the page is balanced with the small alpha stickers.   Such a lovely layout!

 

 

Here is the sketch Milena ( she is our Sketch Maker) has used in her page.   This is Milena’s last sketch as part of the Creative team.  But do not worry, she is not going far, she will be back every other week with a new sketch inspiration.  We are so lucky to have Milena in our team!

 

 

Finally is Nathalie with her new entry to the Silhouette Savvy Series.   She shared with us how to create the background cut out of her page by welding simple images together.

 

 

You can check her technique and process video in the previous post.   She shows you from start to finish how she incorporated mixed  media and Dear Lizzy’s collection in this  page.   Plus the cut file is available for free at Scrapbook Nerd.

 

That is all for us for this week!   Remember to stop by the Scrapbook Nerd Store to check all the new goodies arriving at their shelves.

See you next week!!!