A Quick Little Card

Made with our April Kit of the Month before we welcome the brand new May kit on Friday(which you will not want to miss!).

You know, one of the things I love most about the April kit are the shape of the pages of the chipboard mini-album that came with. While I was lacking for inspiration on an entire mini-album to put together this month (not to mention time, doesn't that happen to us all!), they are so easily made into journaling blocks or embellishments. They add great pop and shape to any project you wish to add them too. Just cover in paper, ink, paint, or even leave them bare. Get creative with how you hide the hole for the chain... using buttons, flowers, or just tuck it underneath a different embellishment.

So easy, and you get 6!

I hope you've had a wonderful month. We have welcomed so many new community members at AC Bailey over the past few weeks, so many new friends to get to know and chat with. Don't forget the Stimulus Challenge is taking place right now with tons of fun prizes.

And PSSSST! Between you and me (ok and the entire Blogosphere), you are definitely going to want to be here tomorrow for a very special and fun announcement of our weekend NSD (National Scrapbooking Day) fun. Spread the word!

Have a great weekend and please do join us. Looking forward to seeing you in the forum.

All the best,

Jess

Hello and Happy Bird Day to me!!

Ok, so my Birthday was yesterday it was so much fun..I won't share my crazy pictures but I will share with you the Paper I got to work with for April, It is Called Happy Bird Day and It was so much fun the colors and the silly birds on the paper made every project playful. From the pictures of my Granmas 70th Birthday


to my daughters growing up as friends


this paper really added fun to my memories. I also did a joint venture with one of my fellow Disign team member and I think you will recognize the sweet faces on this project. My version of an exploding box Happy Bird Day Style.



(Thanks Becky for letting me work with your girls photos, they are all so sweet.)

Happy Bird Day was so perfect for this project. I have to say I give this paper two thumbs up..

In all the projects I posted I used the Happy Bird Day Paper set, Bazzill Card Stock, Kaisers Pearls, Thicker Alphas and the Bleached Chip Board from Bo Bunny Fancy Frills.

Check out the Store at AC bailey... you will find so many wonderful Products including all the items I use on my projects!!

Thanks, Auntie Em.

Summertime Blues?!

I'm not really "blue" and it's not quite summer, but I kind of got a slight case of "summertime blues" the other day when I took my first, sweet, delicious taste of watermelon this year! The moment it hit my tongue I realized I was beyond ready for summer to be here, and it saddened me (a tiny bit) that it's not! However, I reminded myself that one of my two favorite things to do is spend time by the pool, and if I do that, I can't scrap (my other favorite thing to do), so I should be enjoying the weeks until the pool opens! And I enjoyed the heck out of creating my two projects for this month!Both of them use the same set of pictures and the same paper line (Basic Grey's "Marrakech"), but they are totally different. What made them so much fun for me is that I live in a house with three males and since my family is the subject of most of my scrapbooking, I don't get to do a lot of "girlie" stuff. These pictures are all girl, though, and were taken by the husband of one of my best friends for their daughter's 9th Birthday party! The theme was based on the television show "America's Next Top Model," and we did a pretty realistic photo shoot for them.


This two-page layout simply called "America's Next Top Models" features the girls individually and together, using the "Marrakech" paper set, American Crafts "Dolce" Thickers in Apricot, Bazzill card stock, Kaiser Craft rhinestones, miscellaneous velvet ric-rac and Doodlebug alphabet rub-ons.

The next project is a mini-album using Basic Grey's "Capital" chocolate chipboard album, the Marrakech paper set, Bazzill card stock, Cat's Eye chalk, and a plethora of scraps I had laying around my scrap room! The first picture is the album closed, showing only the front cover:


The second picture shows the inside cover and the opposite page. I folded a piece of Bazzill card stock to do double-duty as both a photo mat and a pocket for tag that has the journaling. I also used card stock scraps and journaled on the computer to make the title, "The Making of A... Supermodel."

The next picture is of pages 4-5 and was also created using mostly scraps! A few rhinestones, some leftover ric-rac, small pieces of card stock, and some sticker letters created "Swimsuit Edition."


Pages 6 and 7, entitled "Catwalk," were created using pieces of chipboard and rub-ons that were actually mostly destroyed... however, by using an American Crafts black Slick Writer, I traced over them and thereby covered the parts that had been ruined!


Pages 8 and 9:


Pages 10 and 11:

Pages 12 and 13:


Pages 14 and 15 have another double-duty photo mat housing a tag with journaling:

See you next month!

Kaiser Craft "Squadron"

I absolutely LOVE this line. I have a 10 year old boy and it worked perfect for so many layouts! All the stars and colors make it not only patriotic line, but a great masculine line to work with as well. For one of my layouts I used pictures of my son driving a Rhino 4 wheeler, and I loved how well it complimented my pictures. If you have guy in your life at any age this collection will make a great addition to your scrap stash!

Member Spotlight-Tam Harper

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
Hi, I’m Tammie Sue Harper, but I prefer “Tam”. Tammie Sue reminds me of a 3rd grader and I changed my name to Tam as soon as I entered my first job. I’m married to Rick, my Jr. High sweetheart. We started dating when I was 14 and I married him 1 month after my high school graduation. We’ve been together for 30 years now. We have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Our daughter Ashley married Jeff 3 years ago and blessed us with Cody and Laila. Goodness, do those grandbabies have my heart. Our son Cameron is 19 and works full time in the train repair industry. He has played soccer since he was 4 and had to give up a college soccer scholarship – blew out one knee 2 times and decided he wanted to walk instead of hobble the rest of his life. We recently moved into the next phase of our lives, we are taking care of my dad, who was widowed last year. It is interesting to be taking care of a parent and we feel blessed to be able to be there for him.
2. How and when did you start scrap booking?
I remember my first scrap booking party – it was back in the early 90’s and was a CM party. Driving there, I remember thinking, why in the world would anyone want to scrap book. I went to the party to support the hostess. Well, a couple hundred dollars later, I was hooked and have been loving this craft ever since.
3. How would you describe your scrap booking style?
My email is simplescrapper@hotmail.com and it totally describes my style. Simple. I don’t like cluttered, busy, fluffed up pages. I want the pictures to be the showcase. Now I love to do cards and altered projects with everything on them, but my scrap book pages – clean lines, simple layouts and lots of journaling.
4. How often do you journal? Is it important to you?
Journaling is critical to me. The pictures only show – the words, they tell the story, the history, and the emotions. I look back at some of my grandmother’s pictures and really wish I knew the story behind them. What made it so important to save that picture? What was life like then, who are those people and what was happening in the world? It makes me sad to see scrap book pages with just pictures and embellishments and no journaling – there is a story and it is trapped in the person. Future generations will never know that story.
Do you have a dedicated scrap space ( room )?
In my previous house, I had a 2,000 sq ft room that I used for my scrap booking paradise. I hosted crops and classes there and when creating alone, could and would trash out that room so fast…hehehe. We recently moved and now I have a corner of our family room. It is small and I had to purge a lot of my stash but you know what. I think I like it better. Everything is in arms reach and I can focus on creating and not finding.
What does it look like right now?

6. What are your "go to " tools or supplies when you scrap?
My MM cutter, my ATG gun, Xyron 150, stickles and sand paper.
7. Where do you start when you get ready to create- sketches, supplies, photos...?
If I am scrap booking, I always start with the photos. Since I have been scrap booking for so long, I am pretty much caught up. I still have some old photo’s that are to difficult to scrap – isn’t it funny how some pictures bring back emotions and memories. I have a small stash that I know one day I’ll deal with, but right now, they are tucked away, safe and sound.

If I am making cards – which I love to do, I will start with sketches. I love finding new ideas and taking them to the next level. I make custom invitations and cards for weddings, showers, parties and am quite successful with that aspect of my business.

8. Are you a scrapper or an artist? Oh, I’m a scrapper. I’ll never have a scrap book page published and that is not my goal. I like to say I can copy anything, but original scrapping ideas are hard to come by. I admire people who are published and in awe of their talent, but that isn’t me.

by: C. Mercer

U Bug ME...

..by Bo Bunny is so much fun!
I have so enjoyed scrapping with this paperset.
I like it...and although I always like papers appropriate for boys, I am not usually a big lover of themed scrap stuff. But this is a VERY cute and VERY versatile set.
I scrapped a Two-page layout using this paper set.Seen here:
The layout I did was actually my example for the #1 Challenge of the Scrap Stimulus Challenge (if you do not know what I am talking about then you HAVE to log into the forum and check out all the fun we are having). There is a Scrap Stimulus Contest going on and the challenges are posted every few days from 4/15-5/15 and they are SO fun- and you can win some yummy prizes too!
The first challenge encouraged you to stimulate the senses of touch, smell, sight, sound. So I focused on the use of different materials and textures on my layout. Can you see them all? Besides the obvious-paper, glue, stickers...there are 7 other things. For a complete list go to the ACBailey Stimulus Challenge thread #1(link above) and see the whole list there. These pics are not new. I have had them a few years, Mike was altering the driveway getting it ready for the building of the shed and Hunter was so happy to play in the dirt with his trucks, that is until Grandpa showed up to play with HIS! Hunter was attached to him like GLUE that day, did not even want to stop to eat lunch. The day these pics were taken Hunter gave me rocks and branches he had found out there and put in his pockets. Yes, those are pieces of the branches-didn't have a glue strong enough to bond the rocks though, hahaha:)...
Anyway, Bo Bunny really outdid themselves with this paper line. The paper is thick and rich and double sided. Most sheets have a bold print on the front and a more subtle print on the back. It features circles, stars, stripes and arrows as well as camping, dirt and bug themed stuff. I LOVE the combo stickers too. I used some letters and some of the stars on this layout. I have a few more pages I can scrap with this paper pack as well, and the bold matching brads are a must-have. As usual, you can get this product at AC Bailey my suggestion is to get TWO cause you will definitely want to use all the designs, front AND back of each paper!

Have fun scrapping~
Gail

This time I think it really is Spring!

Happy Saturday everyone, Elisabeth here in sunny New Jersey wishing you all a wonderful weekend! I just came in from the yard where my son and I got such much needed spring cleaning started..the lawn actually needed mowing! Today I wanted to share a few projects I made using the "Butterfly Kisses" paper set by 3 Bugs in a Rug. What I really liked about this paper was the fact that even though one side was bright with bold designs, the back side had more subdued color schemes and a nice small repeating print. First is a layout sof my father in law, circa 1955. I just love this thickers font!!
Next is a layout of some random pics of my daughter, Magda. She went through a phase of some serious hair dye exploration! Gosh, I just love my Bazzill "In Stitchez" templates..they just add that extra special touch that gives a layout zing!

And here's a flip book I made; now I just have to decide what my favorites are and finish it up. The book folds up and measures 61/4 x 6 1/4 and the pages flip when you open it. A fun, different design to play with. I'll post directions in the forum!

Thanks for looking everyone!!!

A Little More Spring

From me to you with the gorgeous April Kit! These papers from SEI just make for such an easy color scheme to work with. I love the rich greens, purples, and blues - so royal! They immediately made me think of the growing collection of nature photos I have on my hard drive.

Do you find yourself taking more photos this time of year of the flora and fauna in your neighborhood? These were actually taken last Summer (I could only WISH that we had this much color already!), but they make me so happy to look at. A reminder that though it's still 30 degrees here in the Midwest, Spring has got to be coming!

Any day now would be just fine by me.

The next warm day you have, grab your camera and go for a nature walk snapping as many pics as your heart desires. We'd love for you to come share them in a layout in the gallery so we can all enjoy. Happy memories definitely apply to times of year too. ;)

P.S. - last I checked there were only THREE April kits left - if you haven't snagged one, hurry!

Thanks for visiting with us today, and come back again soon.

All the best,

Jess

Happy Easter to you and some 3 Bugs

Today is a special day for my family, as it probably is for many of you. While we love the fun that surrounds religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter we also take time to remember the real reason we celebrate these days. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful day today.

Now for some scrapbooking fun! For my assignments this month I got to play with the "Happy Bird-Day" collection from 3 Bugs in a Rug, some fun trims, brads from the Crate Paper Prudence collection, some Glossy Accents and some Bazzill flowers and chipboard.

Before making this page I'd never used the Glossy Accents but had heard lots about it, mainly raves from other girls in the AC Bailey community about how much they liked it. Besides using the product to make shiny page accents, did you know that it can also be used as an adhesive? Yep. And, it works great for applying ribbon, tiny embellishments or anything else you want to add to your project with a very short drying time. I love it.

On this page I used the Glossy Accents to make some raindrops on the flower and also to give the polka dots a little more POP! What have you used this product for? Leave a little comment and share your tips with us.

Happy Easter to all of you and thanks for stopping by the AC Bailey blog!


Happy scrapping!

Becky

Kaiser/Thrill Seeker

This paper set could not have been more perfect for little " thrill seeker" boys! The bright primary colors were fun to work with. The card is called a stair step card. It can be as exciting as you want to make it. The card stock size is 10.5x5.0. Score at 1.25", 2.5", 4.25", 6" and 8.25". Fold hills and valleys ( smallest being front of card). I used all the Kaiser/Thrill Seeker embellishments. Decorate using tall and big elements in the back. The card is very fun to make. A fine tribute to any "thrill seeker".
This paper set was very easy to work with and I loved the bright colors. The Bazzill chipboard stars were covered and added that extra pop to the page. Red and white ric rac added some texture to the page, which I love!!
American Crafts Thickers/Poolside were used for the title.
The bright red Bazzill card stock was the perfect choice to use for this layout. I stitched a border around the card stock giving the layout a handmade feel to it. I used the Thrill Seeker embellishments and added some ric rac. Stop by AC Bailey and visit the store. Great stuff!!!
by: C. Mercer

Not *just* for girls...

Most of you probably already know that my husband and I only have boys, so when I opened this gorgeous, gorgeous kit for April, I was a little bit at a loss as to how to use it. I don't have a lot of access to photos of my grandmother, or the other ladies in my family - most of my photos are of our little family. As I worked away on this, I realized that I didn't have to have something pretty and feminine - that these papers suit all kinds of outdoor activities as well!

To make my photos pop a little more, I started by doing a selective recolor, turning everything black and white except for the boys with their dad, and the bubbles floating in the air. Since gray is a strong color in the kit as well, it worked perfectly! One of the other things I noticed along the way as I created this: the varnish on the papers makes it really easy to bend and shape {notice how my butterflies are curved up and out from my layout?}



Happy Hump Day! And I hope this gives you a little inspiration for using the kit!

A Tale using Snips and Snails

The "Snip & Snails" paper line from 3 Bugs was just adorable and fun to work with. I used it when creating samples for the sketches this month too! As scrappers and women I think we tend to go for the more feminine line, but this line is a must have for anyone who has little boys in her life. The colors, muted blues, lime green, and yellow, along with a soft cocoa brown go so nicely together with Kraft paper, which is one of my favorites for a background! This layout is of my grandson Aidan with the first fist he ever caught. I inked the edges of the craft paper with ColorBox Chalk Ink - I love this stuff because it dries in a flash. After layering the patterned papers and double matting the photo with Bazzill cardstock, I painted a BoBunny chipboard buckle with Ranger Distress Paint and took some thin bracelet hemp and wound it though and knotted it in spots to look like rope. My favorite "go to" for titles is Thickers and these felt ones were perfect in color and added some nice texture. I added a few Sassafrass Lass Buttons and journaled in a square around my layout.

With the weekend approaching, wishing you some time to scrap!
Dee

No Foolin' - These Sketches are fun!

March went by in a blur!! I love April - I love the sound of the word and love that there is evidence of Spring all around - and although it's chilly where I live, the crocus and daffodils are blooming and the grass in greening up. And to kick off the month scrappin', here's a few sketches to get you going! These samples were done with 3Bugs Snips and Snails - an adorable line of papers in blues, greens, yellow and a creamy brown.
This card sketch can be done two ways - either with a single opening or as a tri-fold!! Can you guess which my sample is?

Here's a really easily adaptable sketch for you too! I love the linear feel to this and the ability to add some wonderful elements which makes it a versatile sketch - special thanks to DT member Ginnifer for making the sketch all pretty in Photoshop for me :)

Hoping your April Fool's Day is full of laughs!!
Dee