Scrapper's Edge Blog

Ready for Week 3 of our "All About Me" Challenge?

This week's "All About Me" Challenge is to create something that reflects what is on your Bucket List.
Whether you choose to create a collage, journal page, scrapbook page, or something else entirely is up to you!
Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start by brainstorming ideas. Write down the things you'd like to do before you "kick the bucket."
  
  
• Once you have your list, decide how you would like to present them. Would a collage or scrapbook page work best? Maybe a journal page? Or perhaps something else entirely? 
  
  
• Gather your supplies and get creative! Choose images, colors, and other elements that express what you would like to do. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

When you're done, take a picture and post it in the comments here. And, if you'd like, you can also post it over on our Paper Crafter's Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/453238438430237

We hope these tips have been helpful in getting you started on your Week 3 Challenge. We can't wait to see what you create!

Our Second All About Me Challenge - What do you need more of?

Take some time to think about what you need more of in your life. Consider what would make you feel more fulfilled and content.

Make a list of the things you need more of. This could be more time with friends, more time to yourself, more rest, more travel, more learning opportunities, more money, etc.

Once you have your list, decide how you want to record it. You could create a list, a journal page, a scrapbook page, or something else.

If you'd like to share, post a picture in the comments below. If you're a member of our Paper Crafters Facebook Group, you're encouraged to post it there as well. Click here to go to our Facebook Group.

We can't wait to see what you create. Have fun!

Finally, find ways to make time for the things you need more of. You'll find that having more of the things you need makes life more fulfilling and enjoyable.

 

ZOOM Game - Never Have I Ever

As part of our Virtual Crop, yesterday we had a ZOOM Conference Call where we played the "Never Have I Ever" game. It was a kick!

Participants were instructed to hold up 15 objects, such as pens, pencils, paint brushes or straws. Sondra read a series of statements that started with "Never Have I Ever" and if a participant HAD done that item, they discarded one of their items.

We thought we'd share the fun, craft-inspired statements:

"NEVER HAVE I EVER . . ."

• ". . . taken price tags off items I purchased at the Craft Store so I could pretend I already had them."
  
  
• ". . . purchased a craft item that I already had but forgot I had."
  
  
• ". . . pretend that I won a craft item so I didn't have to admit I spent more money at the Craft Store."
  
  
• ". . . purchased something at the Craft Store that I've never ever used."
  
  
• ". . . given something away because I thought I'd never use it only to discover I wish I still had it for a craft project."
  
  
• ". . . left craft purchases hidden in my trunk until nobody was home so I could sneak them in the house undetected."
  
  
• ". . . told friends or family members I couldn't attend an event because I wanted to stay home and craft."
  
  
• ". . . spent more time on Pinterest in a day than I actually spent crafting."
  
  
• ". . . bought clothing because it matched scrapbook paper I wanted to use."
  
  
• ". . . snapped a picture with a scrapbook layout in mind."
  
  
• ". . . loved a project I made for a gift so much that I kept it for myself."
  
  
• ". . . told a crafting buddy that her project looked great when I really thought it looked awful."
  
  
• ". . . called into work sick because I wanted to spend tie crafting."
  
  
• ". . . disliked an older scrapbook page I created so much that I tore it apart and re-designed it."
  
  
• ". . . received a craft supply order in the mail that I forgot I had ordered."

As you can imagine, there were lots of giggles during this game.

How many of these can you admit to doing? And, which do you relate to the most? Share in the COMMENTS below!

Get ready for our ZOOM Call + Save + Win Prizes

Hi everyone!

We just sent an email to everyone who registered for our Virtual Crop. In case you're not checking your email, we're posting the information here as well.

 

Thanks, again, for everyone who registered for our first-ever Virtual Crop in honor of National Scrapbook Day. It's been fun to host this and connect with everyone. And, we appreciate all the kind comments. We can tell you're having fun!

For our ZOOM call at 2 pm today, please prepare a little bit . . . gather 15 pens, pencils, craft sticks, straws, or something similar. We're going to play a crafty edition of "Never Have I Ever." Lots of laughter will result!

As a reminder, you have until Midnight to complete ANY of the challenges on our Blog. Everyone who participates will be entered into drawings AND will also get a free little goody bag!

Another reminder . . . you can use coupon code MAYDAYS to receive 20% OFF no-sale merchandise on our website. (www.ScrappersEdge.net) And, for every $25 you spend on merchandise, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $10 Gift Card. We're giving away TEN gift cards. And, there haven't been very many orders so your odds are pretty good. All online orders made Friday through today will count. So . . . shop, save, and possibly win gift cards. Sounds like a win, win, win!

We really appreciate all your support during this crazy time. We hope to see you soon at The Edge! And, we will definitely see you later on the Blog and during our Zoom call!

Happy Crafting!

Sondra
Scrapper's Edge
sondra@scrappersedge.net
www.ScrappersEdge.net

Zoom-Inspired BONUS CHALLENGE

 

During today's ZOOM Video Conference we had a SCAVENGER HUNT. Those who participated were asked to find these items:

• Brads
• Vellum
• Ink Spray
• Photo Corners
• Tags
• Corner Rounder
• Purple Cardstock
• Gel Pen
• Alphabet Stickers
• Paint Brush

Those attending included Britteny, Deb, Diane, Fran, Gerrie, Hilda, Jana, Judy, Kathy, Katrina, Kim, Kristi, Laura, Raven, RoAnna, Sherrill and Tabitha. Did I miss anyone? If so, let me know in the comments below. Everyone who participated will automatically receive entries into the Drawings!!!

OKAY . . .  now for the BONUS CHALLENGE . . . create something with any of the items listed above. When you post the picture, also list the items you used. You'll get ONE ENTRY FOR EACH ITEM ON THE LIST that you use!  Oh yea, you read that correctly. The more items you use, the more drawing entries you'll get!!!

 

Thanks for having fun with us!!!  Happy Crafting!

 

--Sondra

Having trouble posting pictures using iPhone or iPad?

I've received messages that some of you are having trouble posting pictures to our BLOG using an iPhone or iPad.

It may because the pictures need to be one of the following file formats:  JPG, JPEG, PNG, or GIF.

So, you may need to change your PICTURE SETTINGS so your camera is taking pictures as JPG.

On some Apple devices, this involves:

1. Go to iOS Settings and swipe down to Camera. 
2. Tap Formats
3. Tap Most Compatible to set the default photo format to JPG. See the screenshot.

I hope this helps!

If anyone else has suggestions, please list them in the COMMENTS below!

--Sondra

Letters from Santa from the North Pole

 

Did you know you can get a letter postmarked from the North Pole? Fun, right?!?!?! Surprise your little one with a special, personalized letter from Santa. There are companies that offer this service for a fee, but with the help of the United States Postal Service and a little time it will cost you just a little time and postage.

1. Have a child write a letter to Santa and place it in a envelope addressed to:
       Santa Claus
       North Pole
   
   
2. Next, get into the spirit of jolly St. Nick and write a letter to your little one as Santa. Don't forget to sign it from Santa!
   
   
3. Insert your letter from Santa into an envelope and address the envelope to the child. Write the return address as:
       Santa Claus
       North Pole
   Don't forget to put a First-Class postage stamp to the envelope!!!!
   
   
4. Place the complete, stamped, addressed envelope from Step 3 above into a larger envelope with appropriate postage and address it to:
       North Pole Postmark
       Postmaster
       4141 Postmark Drive
       Anchorage, AK  99530-9998
   
   

The United States Postal Service recommends that you send your letters by December 7th so Santa's helpers at the North Pole can have plenty of time to process them!

You can download and print these blank letters to Santa to use:

Or CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THREE BLANK LETTER TEMPLATES!

 

Here's a few tips that USPS shares on their website:

• To save paper, write on the back of your child’s letter. If you keep them together, your child will also be able to recall what he or she wrote.
• When responding as Santa, make letter from Santa as personal as possible by highlighting your child’s accomplishments over the past year. For example, helping around the house, receiving good grades in a particular subject at school or participating in community service activities.
• This is a great activity for Thanksgiving that the whole family can enjoy, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other caregivers.

And, if you want to check out sample letters from Santa, CLICK HERE!

Here's hoping the greeting from the North Pole Post Office will add to the excitement of Christmas and also get your little ones interested in writing letters, stamps and penmanship!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday is National Scrapbook Day

 

We're excited to be hosting our 14th National Scrapbook Day Celebration! Wow, how time flies!  

National Scrapbook Day is always the first Saturday of May and since it falls on May 5th this year we're having a FIESTA!

Every single item in the store will be ON SALE 15%-75% OFF. Plus, most purchases will qualify for entries into our special prize drawings! 

We're even hosting a special Open Craft (often called a "Crop") in our Classroom and are having pizza for lunch and mexican food for dinner catered. Those attending will receive special totes with FREE products and other goodies. And, there will be games and other fun things in store for them.

This day is dedicated to the joys of the hottest hobby in the crafts industry, scrapbooking.  Many of the nation's 4,000+ scrapbooking specialty stores help to celebrate scrapbooking: there are special sales, all day scrapbooking parties (called crops) and classes.   All these events are focused not only on the photographs, but also on sharing techniques and time with family and friends.

Preserving memories is important. Being creative is a wonderful outlet. Combining these things on this day of national celebration is rewarding.

If you're local, stop by Saturday 11am-4pm!

 

Scrapbooking: Getting Started!

The main difference between a photo album and a scrapbook is that you get to be creative when creating a scrapbook. You can not only enhance your photos with colored and patterned paper and embellishments but you can also tell the story behind the pictures. Journaling the who, what & where of the photos helps preserve those memories for future generations.

 Once you decide that you want to start scrapbooking that first page can be a little daunting. Choosing an album, gathering supplies, and getting out your photos are just the beginning of a hobby that will preserve your most treasured moments for years to come.

Basic Tools & Supplies that you’ll need to get started:

• Adhesives.  This is what mounts the elements to the page.  Whether you choose wet or dry, permanent or temporary, or a runner or tab dispenser, the most important thing is that it is acid-free and photo-safe!
• Paper Trimmer.  This is the key tool to achieve a straight line.  Pick a trimmer that is portable and can accommodate 12x12” paper.
• Pens.  From journaling to creating titles and borders, pens are integral to personalizing scrapbook pages.  To prevent photo and page damage, look for acid-free, archival quality, lightfast, non-bleeding, waterproof pens.
• Scissors.  Choose a pair that is compact and features precision ground tips so you can cut the tiniest of areas, turn corners and make sharp accents.
• Cardstock/Paper.  Although you typically select your papers when you’ve decided your theme and colors, having a few sheets of basic colors and patterns can save constant, last minute trips to the store.

Now that you have the supplies, this is the basic process:

1. Sort your photos into themes or topics and select a set to work on.
2. Select 2-3 colors of cardstock and/or patterned papers that will work well with your photos.
3. Pick the photos you want to use on the page page.
4. If needed, crop your photos.
5. Select photos to mat. This is a good way to highlight the focal point photo.
6. Add journaling.
7. Add a few extras (such as stickers and embellishments).
8. Arrange all items on your pages and adhere.

The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Don't worry about doing everything perfect or "right." They're your scrapbooks .. .  you can be as creative (or not) as you want! Looking at ideas online (Pinterest, etc) helps. But gathering with others helps even more.  Attend classes or scrapbooking events or get together with friends at your homes. 

For our class and event schedule, visit https://www.scrappersedge.net/content/Classes

Remember, there's not a right or wrong way to create pages. The important thing is that you take the time to preserve your memories.

Happy scrapping!

 

'Tis the Season to Scrapbook!

As we gather with family and friends this time a year it's important to capture memories to share for years to come. Don't forget to include yourself when you take pictures and when you create your scrapbook pages.

This week we offered a "Thankful for Us" scrapbooking workshop. Here's one of the pages with a picture that was taken last Christmas. I'm actually going to substitute this picture for one from this Thanksgiving but I just wanted to share the page with an actual picture on it.

The papers we used in this workshop are from the Bo Bunny "Garden Party" collection. I love these papers because they are so versatile. They could be used for so many occasions including wedding, spring, summer, holiday and more! Other products featured in this class include Bazzzill cardstock, EK border punch, Doodlebug sticker letters and doilies, Spellbinders "Scalloped Label One die and the Tim Holtz "Garden Greens" die.

If you're interested in creating similar layouts, here's both pages along with the sizes of the papers that need to be cut:

I hope you have a healthy and happy holiday season filled with precious times and memories. Don't forget to take pictures!!!

                                                                                                                        --Sondra