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Sunday, May 31, 2009

Title Tips & Techniques

Today's tip/technique is simple, but something that adds a special touch to your projects!

I like to make my titles stand out... and I seem to not be able to leave the letters alone.

Here are a few ways I embellish my titles:

-Color your chipboard letters with colored pencils & glitter.


-Sand the edges of chipboard:

-Layer the chipboard letters on top of each other (and heck, add a few distress Stickles!):


-Glue on a few rhinestones:



-Draw some simple lines...
-Or add dots and trace around the letters!
What ways do you like to alter your titles?

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Quick & Easy Gifts with Templates

Sometimes you need something quick and easy to say THANK YOU to a friend, neighbor or colleague . . . but you still want it to be cute!

Here's an idea for you.

First, start with few Kit Kat bars (I used the JUMBO bars, but I think the regular ones would fit in much better).



Next, find a FRY BOX TEMPLATE online and print it. You can copy and paste it into a word processing program to size it if you need to.



Now, use the template to cut the shape from a piece of cardstock. Decorate as desired. I added some patterned paper to the inside of mine and then made a simple band of patterned paper with a label for the outside (papers from the Rise & Shine kit). "Thanks" is spelled out with Jenni Bowlin rubons.



Fill with broken Kit Kat candy to look like "french fries."



Place in a cellophane bag and tie with a cute bow! Done!!!
Hint: if your cellophane bag is too tall, just cut it shorter with a pair of pinking scissors. CUTE!

This would be fun for a teacher, friend, neighbor . . . or how about using this idea for Dad or Grampa for Father's Day.



For more fun templates check out the links below:
(if you know of any others, please tell us about them in our comment box and I will add them up here.)

Stampington & Co. Templates
Mirkwood Designs - Templates
Mel Stampz Blog - Templates
Jan Donavan Templates
Chia's Rubberstamp Art (House of Stir Fry) Templates
Jers Girls' Free Templates
Lori's Templates
Scor-Pal Projects (click on the different Volumes and E-zines -- some of these would be easier to do with a Scor Pal, but I'm sure some of them can be accomplished without one)

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BONUS TIP:

If you are like me and love to use buttons, you are constantly changing your thread color to match the layout you are working on.

Instead of rethreading your needle everytime, buy an entire package of embroidery needles (they have a larger eye and are easier to thread) and keep a length of each of your favorite colors on its own needle. Black on one, brown on another, white on the next, etc.

I keep mine in my tool drawer and they are ready to go whenever I need them.



Friday, May 22, 2009

Discover Your Scrap Style Class

Have you ever wondered why it is that some scrapbookers' layouts are identifiable a mile away?

Do you have trouble deciding what purchases to make or what supplies you want to pull out because you're overwhelmed by it all- or just love it all?

Have you ever thought, "I wish I could figure out what my scrapbooking style is?"

Then this class is for you!

Join me, from the comfort of your own home & at your own pace, at noelmignon.com for an online workshop style class; June 1-3, cost $8.

The nitty gritty:

I don't claim to know everything about style and design, but I do know that I have grown from doing scrapbook pages like this:

to ones like this one, that better reflect my personal style and design sensibilities:


(We'll even discover how those early projects had clues to our personal style!)

This is going to be an interactive/discussion style class- not focusing on projects; however, I will be teaching you how to make a Design Workbook and producing a layout that features "your style." I'll also be including lots of visuals and printables (hey we're scrapbookers- we are visual creatures!). We'll be discussing what factors can go into helping you discover your scrapping style, key things to look at in that process, and some practical steps for pinpointing those elements.

What you get:
-my research and discussion on style elements
-my workshop guiding you through at least 3 different hands-on activities that help you define your style
-a completed Design Workbook - made with materials you already have on hand (with printables you can include within)
-a layout that represents your style (using supplies you already have on hand)
-a discount during the time of the class to the Noelmignon.com store

Please feel free to email me at 2blackflipflops at gmail dot com if you have any questions concerning this class; once you sign up, I will send you a "supply list" (don't worry, it's all basic stuff that you will already have available).

Looking forward to chatting with you all in June!

CLICK BELOW TO BUY!




Friday, May 15, 2009

Using journaling cards

I confess I love to use journaling spots/cards. They are easy, quick and usually cute and also adds a bit of variety to my layout. SO, I decided to make a little freebie that you all could download (please let me know if it isn't working).

Here are the 2 cards. They are PSD files and 300dpi. Should be nice and clear. I used the oh so cute Noel "girl" and a little saying that can be used for any layout or even a card! Have fun and enjoy! Please if you use these link us up and show us what you make - I wanna see!



CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD