Can you believe that it is June already? Where is this year going? Hey there everyone, Cathy here to host the June 2011 Getting Hybrid Challenge. This month I thought it would be fun to help get people involved in hybrid crafting by challenging you to make flowers. You can make any type of flower that you want, from simple to extravagant.

There are so many options for how to make hybrid flowers to go with your scrapbook pages, cards and other crafts. With the use of digital papers, the possibilities are endless! You can simply print out some digi papers and use your flower punches to create blossoms. You can make use of some of the hybrid helpers we have in the shop as templates for fussy cutting or cutting with your electronic cutter.

These flower templates by Krisi’s Kreations are a great place to start. The set includes files types that you can use right in your digital designs, or for cutting with a machine or by hand!

I’m going to share a tutorial for creating some beautiful paper roses. For my project I’m using Summer Lovin’ Prints by Kim B and Summer Breeze by Jennifer Labre. They are both part of the June Mix-a-Kit which is on sale through June 7!!

You’ll need to cut 3 6-petal flowers for each rose that you are making. The Sizzix Flower Layer #5 die works great for this. It includes a large and small flower die so you can make 2 different sized roses.

You will need to snip between each petal to allow for curling the petals into shape. You will also need to cut the first flower one time, straight between 2 petals all the way to the center. The second flower you will cut on either side of one petal into the center and separate that petal. Save it, you will be using it. With the third flower, you will cut to the center on either side of 2 petals and separate the double petal. Save this too, you’ll be using it.

You should have what is pictured above for each rose that you are going to create.

Once you have your flower parts cut, ink the edges. Since I am using digital papers that I printed, I also inked the backs.

With the first flower (slit cut to center), place some Glossy Accents glue on one petal at the slit that was cut to the center. Manipulate the petal on the other side of the slit to cover over the glued petal, creating a cone shape with the flower as you do this. Use a paper clip to hold this in place to allow the glue to dry. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 flowers, creating a cone shape and gluing the overlapping petals. Secure with paper clips while you wait for the glue to dry.

Take the double petal cut from flower #3. Curl the petal to the left toward the back of the flower piece. Carefully curl the flat side in toward the curled petal. Curl it tightly creating a center petal for the rose. Pinch it together with your fingers and glue. Hold it together to allow the glue to set momentarily. Sticky fingers are a good sign of hybrid crafty goodness!

Take the single petal that was cut from flower #2. Curl each side of the petal in towards the center as shown above.

Curl the petals back on each of the cone shaped flower pieces. I like to use the handle of a small paint brush to do this. For the larger petals I can use the thicker part of the handle, and for the smaller petals, I can use the thinner part. You can also snip a small piece from the tip of each cone. You may need to snip slightly more on the 2 smaller cone pieces to help them set into the rose as you assemble it.

After you’ve curled your petals, begin to assemble the rose. Start with the largest cone piece and then insert the medium one inside it. I turn it so that the petals are a bit offset. Place some Glossy Accents into the center of the cone to glue in place. Repeat with the third cone piece nesting it inside the rose and gluing in place. Then take your 2 center petal pieces and set as the center of your rose. I have no magic suggestions here, I play with it until I like the way it looks. Sometimes I have to snip a bit more off the bottom of these pieces in order for them to sit down in the rose the way I want them.

Now comes even more fun! You can dress up your flowers. I sprayed mine with some Tatter Angels Bronze Mist. Then I added some glitter to the edges of the petals for extra bling. Some Stickles glitter glue in the center of one of the roses added a little pizazz!

I used the roses on a picture frame that I had covered in paper from the Summer Lovin Prints pack. Here is a closer look at the flowers:

I’m showing these flowers on a finished project, but you don’t have to for this challenge. You can just make some flowers and share them!

Here are some wonderful samples that our talented Creative Team made for you:

Look at this stunning cake that LeAnn made. I think the cake is gorgeous on it’s own! Then she added a beautiful rolled rose bouquet, amazing! She used Kim Brodelet’s Roche kit. The little white flowers are simply cut-outs of elements from Kim’s kit. (Special thank you to Mari Koegelenberg for the rolled flower template).

Tracy made these brilliant flowers by printing out a bunch of the digi flowers from Jennifer Labre’s Sunkissed: Sunset. She then layers them to create these beauties!

She used them to decorate a card. Isn’t that sweet?

Melanie created this bouquet using papers and flowers from It’s Midnight by WM[squared] and GeniaBeana Scraps. I see a few different types of flowers in there, some print and cut from the kit, some rolled and some using the scrunch technique. She adhered them to the lid for a mason jar. Would that make a super cute gift package?

Tamara made this flower using the April Mix a Kit, a paper flower and some ribbon. The perfect addition to her super sweet project!

This flower by Karen is just so cute! She combined a few techniques to create it from the Mix a Kit April: Footloose and Fancy Papers by Graham Like The Cracker, Springy – the Elements by Wm squared, Carefree Solids paperpack by Kim B, Sprung patterns by Stolen Moments

Wow, that’s a whole bouquet of blooming creation!!! I hope we’ve planted the seeds and have you wanting to let your hybrid skills blossom! (you saw all those puns coming, didn’t you??

OK so here’s the scoop on the challenge:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your finished flower/s in the Getting Hybrid Gallery and then linking it up to the Getting Hybrid Forum thread HERE . You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your forum post to help me give you the correct credits. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!
-You have until the end of June to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.
-Remember no double dipping…your project must be unique to this challenge.
-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

And don’t forget, you don’t have to use your flowers on a completed project, but we would sure love to see it if you do!

So, let’s fill the gallery with some beautiful flowers!!!

I am really excited to host this months last hybrid challenge. It is my very first template and I hope you like it.

I am giving you two download links. One will be for a 5×7 inch template and the second one for the international A6 format that I made my sample with.

Here’s the template:

Download 5×7 template from 4shared

Download A6 template from 4 shared

I made my card using My History, My History – Extras, and My History – Bonus Alpha from WMsquared. My dad is a big fan of old cars, so I thought this might be perfect.

Our wonderful CT ladies have been really busy, so I have loads of wonderful inspiration to show you.

Sarah (sporte91) made this gorgeous card using  A Little Sunset by Jeanine DeOre.

Isn’t this flower just fabulous?

Sylvia (SylviaB) used the May Mix a Kit sets ‘Shabby Elegance Alpha’ by Whimpy Chompers Design and ‘Silver Lining ~ The Papers’ by Jeannine DeOre for her lovely card. That patterned paper is so beautiful and when I grow up I want my bows to look like hers.

Ami (steami) wanted to get a head start on her christmas post and made this totally cute card. LOVE that snowman and her idea of getting started early. Maybe my cards would actually get sent out if I had them done in  time.

She used Doodle Me Christmas by Erica Zane.

I love the folded flower and fun elements in Tamara’s (tsmspt) card. She used What’s Cooking? from Erica Zane

Tracy’s (sunshinetk) card is pure elegance, so beautiful. I love the colors and patterns she used and that big layered flower. She used Timeless Elegance by KimB.

LuAnn (wildblueeyez) used Haynay Designs’ Into Spring kit for her totally cute card. The sweet sentiment in that whimsical font is just perfect with that fun little bug with its shimmering wings.

Amanda (Abhall76) used Bug Catcher by Chelle’s Creations for her cute card. I love that big glittery firefly – perfect for the sentiment.

Just look at the fun scene quietangelsb created  and the fun sentiment. I am a sucker for blue and all things maritime. I love to go sailing, but I get awfully seasick pretty often – I guess you could call me slightly masochistic. *lol*

She used Harbor Bay and SOS- Harbor Bay Add -on by Dream Big Designs as well as Stampy Alpha v1 by Geniabeana Designs.

And last, but absolutely not least, Cathy (scrappycath) made this awesome pick-me-up card. Just look at that ribbon flower! And I love how she used Oh Snap and the coordinating Wordart from WM Squared Designs for her sentiment.

Wow, that was a long post, and I hope you’re feeling inspired enough to join us here in the forum. I can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with using  my template!

And here’s the fine print:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your completed card in this thread and in the It’s in the Cards gallery. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of May to complete this challenge for May’s MOS points or wait to post in June for June’s MOS points!

-Remember no double dipping…your photo and/or card must be unique to this challenge.

-You don’t have to use ScrapMatters products, but we love it when you do!

Hi! Krisi here with a little hybrid tutorial for you. Today we are going to create a really simple but impressive and personalized gift. Wedding season (if there is such a thing) is approaching – and this would make the perfect gift item.

Start by getting the picture frame you want to use. The frame I chose is from IKEA and actually was to hold 3 smaller pictures – all matted together. I simply removed the matting for my project.

Image courtesy of IKEA

Now that you have the frame you can start working in the program you use to scrapbook. Measure the frame so can create in your program a work area the same size that you ned. Don’t worry about getting it printed just yet.  My frame would hold something 19.75″x9″ so that is what I created for my workspace. For the background color choose a color you would like to use as the base background color.

Once you have your image to create on you will use various brushes to give the paper a little bit of texture. I used three shades of the blue to create mine.  I brush the different colors on different layers so if necessary you can adjust the opacity to create the look you want.

{NOTE: If your image will be 12×12 or less you can just use an already created paper from a digital scrapbooking kit.}

Next we are going to add the text to the background, again play around with the opacity of the text.  This item is for my daughter’s teacher who was recently married.

Once you have created your masterpeice digitally now you want to create a file that is the same size as getting something printed from Staples or Kinkos (for example I did a 20″x16″).  I had extra room around where the image was and adding some other items waiting to be printed.

I chose to get mine printed at Costco – and it was ready that afternoon!

Once you have your project printed (home or professional lab) simply trim it down to the size she will need.  Then put your image in the frame, tie a big bow around it and let the gift giving begin!

I hope this has inspired you to create a fun, unique and personalized gift for someone you know in the upcoming months.

Hey there!  LuAnn here with this month’s Home Matters project.  But first, an update on the Home Matters postings.

Starting in May, there will be only one Home Matters post monthly – these will occur on the 2nd Monday of the month.  Our goal is to give you some new ideas on how to incorporate your scrapbooking talents (and digital supplies!) into your home.

Let’s get started with this month’s Home Matters project!  This project is one of the easiest projects to do if you are wanting to give Hybrid a shot!  I know, I know… I’ve said it before in my postings, but this one is really easy!!!!

Today, I’m going to show you how to create some decor that is perfect for a nursery or young child’s room.

My niece just recently had her first baby.  He was two months early and his nursery isn’t quite ready for his homecoming.  Erin sent me a photo of the bedding that she had for the nursery.

I decided to create some wall decorations for the nursery as my gift.  And Chelle’s Creations’ kit Zoo-pendous – combo was a perfect match with both theme and colors!

And here’s what I created to match the nursery bedding:

To create the wall art, I picked up three 8 x 10″ brown photo frames from a local discount store.

Next, I opened my photo editing program and created an 8.5 x 11″ blank canvas – this is the size of regular paper/cardstock.

note:  I always create my own “template” whenever creating a project.  After I create my template, I then go about filling the template much like a scrapbook page layout until I have the results that I want.  You could print full sheets of the paper of your choice, cut an 8 x 10 piece of from the patterned paper and then a 5 x 7 piece with the focal element centered, layer them and be done!

Using the rectangular marquee tool, I drew an 8 x 10″ shape on my canvas.  After adding a new layer, I flood filled the 8 x 10 shape with black.

Next, I drew a 5 x 7 shape, added a new layer and then flood filled the 5 x 7 shape with white.  Center on the black layer.   This will be my template.

After adding the giraffe element from the kit to the center, I picked out the background paper for the matting of my pictures.

I decided to leave the 5 x 7 area white as I had special paper I wanted to print the giraffe.

Before printing, I added some slight contrast and saturation to each layer. This helps tweak the printed color a little.  I then added a shadow to the giraffe.

I printed the background patterned paper on Epson Matte presentation paper and the giraffe element on a piece of Red River paper canvas paper.  Below, you can see the texture of the paper.

After trimming my papers, I adhered the paper canvas with the giraffe in the center of the background paper to create my picture before slipping it into the frame.

note:  you could also add a shadow the the giraffe element and also to the white 5 x 7 area before printing and then print as a flattened digital image to slip into the frame.

I designed the elephant and lion pictures in the same way as described above except that after creating my template, I rotated my canvas to the left so that those pictures were landscape.

Here are all three of them individually:

Didn’t they turn out darling? And I have to say they match the bedding nicely!!!  I’m totally stoked about how they turned out and can’t wait to mail them to Erin.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to use your digital supplies to create something beautiful!

Hi everyone, Karen here with the Getting Hybrid Challenge for May. This is the very first time that I am hosting a challenge so I am very excited and also a bit nervous.

This month’s challenge is about gift wrapping ideas. These can be as simple as decorating a paper wrapped package with a hybrid flower or some cut out element, or using printed wrapping paper etc. Or you can make something more elaborate like a box for example.

Our hybrid designers have some beautiful box templates in their store that can be used to put small or even larger gifts inside.

I gave one of these Big & Tall gable boxes to my mother in law for easter stuffed to the brim with her favourite and hard to get easter eggs. She’ll probably just have finished her stash when the Christmas candy hits the stores.

Or look at this fun Popcorn Box Template
<

And this pretty Jewelry Box

I decided to decorate a recycled soup can that I opened at the bottom.

and took the paper off to measure it

I then created a Photoshop document in that size and decorated it using some April Mix A Kit items: Sprung: Patterns from Stolen Moments Designs, Footloose and Fancy Papers from Graham Like The Cracker, Carefree Tags & Metal Wordarts from Jady Day Studio, and Springy – the elements from WM[squared].

I then created a new document in my printer paper size (in my case A4) and printed. As you can see I printed some more paper than just the cover for the can. I do not like to waste my good inkjet cardstock and that way I can always make and add some more embellishments. I was not sure what I wanted to add to the design later so I printed a little more of the pretty papers. After printing I gave it a little protective cover with acrylic sealant spray.

I then cut the cover out, put some strong sticky tape around the edges and glued it to the outside of my can

And here’s my embellished can ready to be filled. I intend to fill it with some seed packets and a gift card to our local flower store.

Just remember to put the gifts in upside down, because you are filling the can from the bottom. After the gift is put inside the can bottom needs to be sealed and I found that the glue gun works best. It may need a few tries to get the bottom on straight before the glue gets hard (wonder how I know? ), but the result is worth it.

And here’s what our amazing Creative Team came up with for this challenge:

I was totally blown away by this stunning gift set Jaime from Simply J Studio made using the ScrapMatters Collab Up, Up and Away and Krisi’s Kreations’ Big and Tall Gable Box.

Aren’t those Paper Pom Poms darling? Jaime got the idea from Nicepackageblog.com

And just look what Ami (steami) came up with. She put her gifts in a package that is a gift in itself and sure to be treasured even after the gift inside is taken out.

She used Boxed Up: Templates (hybrid) by Stolen Moments and Only The Sky Is The Limit by Amy Stoffel

Sharon (quietangelsb) used the Fry box template and Simply Labeled Vol 2 from Simply J Studios and Serenity by Andilynn Designs  to create this lovely gift box.

Isn’t this lovely? So much prettier than just putting the gifts in a simple bag. I just love the center medallion on top of the ribbon.

I hope we got you inspired. So get out your scissors and glue and join us in the forum.

And here’s the fine print, the ScrapMatters Challenge Guidelines:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your finished project in this thread & in the Getting Hybrid gallery. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of May to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.

-Remember no double dipping…your photo and/or layout must be unique to this challenge.

-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

Hey there! Cathy here to host the April 28, 2011 It’s In the Cards Challenge. With the warmer weather approaching (at least in my part of the world it is supposed to be getting warmer!), and our thoughts heading towards summer and swimsuits, I was thinking about getting fit. And that inspired me to create a card template that is long and slender! Hehehehe!!!

The image is linked for the template download, or you can click HERE.

Here is the sample card I made using the new design team collaboration kit “Up, Up and Away”

Now to help get you motivated, here are some samples from our amazing creative team!

Tracy (sunshintk) made this bright colorful birthday card using Celebrate! (bold) by Chelle’s Creations

Ami (steami) used Cover It Up: Invitation – Krisi’s Kreations and Month By Month: Pregnancy – WM Squared to make this wonderful card to welcome a new baby! Check out the quilling she did too!

Tamara is really getting us ready for summer with her card featuring Beach Bum By WM Squared Designs

Heather used Seize the Day by LDrag and KimB to create this great all occasion card. I really like the way she photographed it, really shows off the tall and slender look. I think I’ve got a new angle for when I’m being photographed! LOL

This one by Bonnie is so striking with the bright poppy on the black background!  She used The Poppies Collection by Jeanine DeOre.

And this one by Jewelle Using:
Oh Boy! by geniaBeana Scraps and Nikki Epperson Designs
BIG! Chip Alpha by geniaBeana Scraps

Reminder of the challenge rules:
-Upload your photographed card into the Hybrid Gallery (It’s in the Cards Challenge). Then link it to the It’s in The Cards Challenge forum thread, this will get you one point. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products that you used in your thread post. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of May 2011 (yep you get some extra time since this challenge falls so close to the end of the month!) to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.

-Remember no double dipping…your photo and/or layout must be unique to this challenge.

-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

OK – let’s see your tall slender cards!!

Hey all!  Jewelle {jubeejewels} here with the Hybrid Corner!

A few years {yes I said years} ago I picked up some chipboard coasters at my local craft store.  I was tired of scrubbing water rings off of my coffee table on a daily basis and thought these would solve the problem.  I thought that I would decorate the coasters with scrap paper so I wouldn’t have to look at the very “blah” color of the chipboard.  The coasters got thrown into my to do pile of crafts and have sat there ever since.  I am now finally getting around to making them pretty and I have no idea why it took me so long.  It was a super easy project!  With that I want to show  you how easy it would be for you to make a set for your own home!  First let’s take a look at my coasters:

From my digi stash I used Girlfriends by wm[squared] Designs and Eva Kipler Designs.  I also used Girlfriends – Word Art Bits by wm[squared] Designs.

Let’s get started on how I made my coasters.

SUPPLIES

• Printed mini scrapbook pages
• Coasters
• Mod podge
• Foam brush
• Paper trimmer
• Craft knife
• Scissors
• Spray sealant
• Ink Pad {optional}
• Emory Board {optional}
• Black pen {not pictured}
• Felt {not pictured}

Step 1 – In Photoshop or other equivalent program create mini scrapbook pages that are the size of your coasters.  When finished my four pages fit on a 8.5 x 11 canvas with each mini scrapbook page being 4 in x 4 in.

Step 2 – Print.  Cut out mini scrapbook pages using a paper cutter.

Step 3 – Using mod podge and foam brush glue mini scrapbook page to a coaster.

Step 4 – Trim any excess paper using craft knife or scissors.  Use a Emory board to file down and smooth the edges  of the paper if needed.

Step 5 – Using the ink pad drag it across the edges of your coaster.  Not only does this add a bit of distressing on the mini scrapbook pages, but it also hides the chipboard color.  In the picture you can see that I have used a dark brown ink to cover part of the chipboard.  This step is optional but I think it gives the whole project a nice finished look.

Step 7 – Using a black pen trace the shape of your coasters onto felt.  Cut shapes from felt.

Step 8 – Apply a thick coat of mod podge to the back of your coasters.  Carefully line up the felt on the back.  Using scissors trim of any excess felt.

Step 9 — Use a spray sealant to seal the whole project.

Step 10 — Enjoy your finished project!

I would love know what you think of my project!  If this inspires you to create your coasters be sure and link me up in the comments so I can see what you come up with!  If you need any questions answered concerning this project be sure and ask.

It’s once again time for another fun filled “It’s in the Cards” challenge!!!

Let’s get right to it!  Here is our template:

You can download the template here

My card was made using Plum Dumpling Designs’ Easter Sunday kit – I printed out the bunny silhouette in the kit and traced it onto felt.  His tail is the cut off end of a Qtip 

Here is a close-up of the details:

How about some inspiration from the team???

Hybrid Team Guest Tracy (Sunshinetk) created this fun one using Monkeying Around by Jenn Labre & Kate Hadfield :

Ami (Steami) came up with this gorgeous card using Mr & Mrs by WM [squared] & Haynay:

Jewelle (jubeejewels) did two cards with the template – one using For the Love of Girls by Stolen Moments and JadyDay Studios:

and another using For the Love of Boys by Stolen Moments and JadyDay Studios:

I just love the hot air balloon that Sarah (sporte91) used on her card – it’s from the ScrapMatters Design team collab kit Up, Up & Away:

Remember: the rules of the challenge are:
*To earn your Matter of Scrap point for the month you need to photograph and upload your card to the Hybrid Challenge gallery by the end of [COLOR="Red"]April[/COLOR] – then come back here and post it in the comment section of this post as well. Make sure to let me know if you use a new product within a week of it’s release – if you do, you get an extra point!*

I can’t wait to see what you come up with using my template!

For this month’s Getting Hybrid challenge, let’s tackle mini books! Whether they’re chipboard books, badge albums, or something entirely unique, let’s create a sweet collection of pages in a small size.

Here’s the mini book I made. Our beloved neighbors recently moved, so I collected photographs of us together over the years and gifted this to them after we’d helped them load their moving truck.

Creating this 6″x6″ book was really easy. Let me show you how!

STEP ONE – Design Your Pages
I wanted to include a lot of photos in my book, but I also wanted to keep the pages clean and simple so they didn’t feel too cluttered with elements. To make it really easy, I used the “Create Photo Collage” feature in Picasa. I simply selected the photos I wanted on each page and clicked the “create” button. A minute later, Picasa spit out a .jpeg file with my photos arranged neatly. Once my collage pages were done, I opened those .jpeg files in Photoshop and layered on a select few digital elements. On a few pages, I just used one large photo. I also designed a front and back cover – a total of 20 sides. You could have more or less in your book, but remember to create an even number of pages.

I used All Hallow’s Eve by Chelles Creations, Jack’s Track by Erica Zane, and Cupcakes and Candles by the ScrapMatters Design Team on the pages you see here.

STEP TWO – Print Your Pages
You can print your pages right at home if you like, but I prefer to have mine printed by a photo lab. The lab I was using didn’t make 6′x6′ prints, so I put four of my page designs onto one 12″x12″ canvas and trimmed them down myself. With a trip to the local scrapbooking store to grab a package of 6″x6″ page protectors, I had everything I needed to begin assembling my book.

STEP THREE – Assemble Your Book
Insert your pages into the page protectors (I also cut two 6″x6″ pieces of chipboard and slipped them behind the front and back covers for some extra stability), then staple the left edge of your page protectors together. Be sure your pages are all lined up neatly, and that your staples don’t overlap the holes.

STEP FOUR – Create a Spine
Cut a strip of coordinating cardstock to be 6.5″ x 2.5″. Score it 1″ from each edge on the long side, then fold in along those scored lines.

STEP FIVE – Tie It All Together
Line up your cardstock spine and mark where the holes from your page protectors will line up. Now punch holes in your cardstock, right where your marks are.

(and now you know I’m a lefty!)

Slip a length of ribbon through the holes, and finish it off with a bow.

Hooray! Your’re done!!

I used Get A Move On by the ScrapMatters Design Team for my book’s cover.

Here’s some inspiration from the Hybrid team…

Tamara followed my tutorial and created this super cute mini using the Quentin and Emma: The Quentin Quick Page Album from Graham Like The Cracker.

Karen created this yummy little meander mini book using Cotton Candy Christmas by Stolen Moments Designs. Meander albums are made by cutting and folding just one sheet of 12×12 paper. Here’s a great video tutorial that will walk you through the steps.

Ami made this cute album with the Matchbook Template by Krisi’s Kreations and Play All Day by Stolen Moments and Girl Boy Girl Designs:

Tiff used School Days by WM[squared] to make this adorable mini. She laminated photos of all the cousins back to back, then cut out the heads of all the cousins and laminated them separately. Now her little guy can mix/match all of the heads with Velcro, So clever!

Krisi made this matchbook album using products from Chelle’s Creations:

And finally, take a look at this amazing board book from Amanda, using Just My Luck by Jady Day Studio.

I love that there are so many different kinds of mini albums you can craft to house your memories! Now it’s your turn – go plug in your glue gun and get those scissors warmed up. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Here are the ScrapMatters challenge guidelines:
- Entries must be posted in the Getting Hybrid challenge gallery HERE and also linked up in the comments section of this post.
- You will have until the end of April to complete your project
- You’ll get 1 point for designing, printing and putting together your project, and then posting the photo of it in the gallery. You will get a bonus point if you use a new release within one week of it’s release to complete your project. You must mention that you used a new product in the comment section of this post to get the bonus point!

-Sarah (sporte91)

Hey everyone – LuAnn here with your March Home Matters post.

When I brainstorm ideas for my projects, I often take a look at what I have stashed away in my hybrid supplies.  I’m the type of person that will buy things in the clearance sections of stores and at yard sales with the intent of using them for a project.  Sometimes I use them right away and other times I tuck them away for a rainy day.  Even my kids will stop and ask, “Mom – can you use this for one of your projects?” before they throw something away.  How’s that for training??? 

Anyway, while going through my supplies I realized that I have quite a few things that have been in my stash for a while now.   It was at that point I decided that I was not going to buy ANYTHING for today’s project.  I was only going to use stuff that I had already in my house.

So, the hunt was on…. What all did I have and what could I use to create a project?

Well, here’s what I came up with for today’s Home Matters post – I spent no money at all on this project!!!  Everything used was found in my stash!

The frame was from a Stampin’ Up! project that I didn’t really like when we made them at the party a year ago but I loved the frame so I kept it!   It originally came from the big box store that sounds like Mal-Wart and was only $3.

The chipboard letters are from 2 different, but same sized alphabets.  The background was a left over piece of 12 x 12 neutral, canvas textured cardstock.

I even used a paper pack in my digital stash that I had downloaded before Christmas and never used!  It is a paper pack by Inspirations from Day called Zen Garden.

Aren’t those papers swoon-worthy? 

Additional supplies used: thin matte presentation paper, my Tombow adhesive tape runner, an exacto knife, a sanding block, ink for edges, scissors.

But again, use what you have!  No adhesive tape runner?  Use mod podge or even white glue or a craft stick.

Let’s get started on how I made my framed chipboard welcome sign.

1.  First, I figured out what paper I wanted to use for each letter.

2.  Since my letters are about 3 inches, I resized the papers 4 inch x 4 inch squares.   I printed the squares on presentation paper using my printer’s best print option.  Next, I cut apart my squares.

3.  I didn’t want the gray sides of the chipboard letters showing in my project so I inked the edges of my letters with Tim Holtz’ Distress Ink.  I used Q-tips for the hard to reach spots on the letters – like on the inner edge of the “c”

4.  I applied my tape runner adhesive to the front of each letter and placed one face down on each of the backs of the printed squares of patterned paper.

5.  Using an exacto knife, I carefully cut around each letter and in the center of the “e’s” and the “o”.

This is what all of the letters looked like covered with the papers:

They are very rough looking from being cut out with the exacto knife, but we’re going to take care of that next.

6.  Using a sanding block, I sanded all the edges of the letters (you can also used a piece of fine grit sandpaper, a flat nail file or metal nail file).  This not only removed any excess paper from where I didn’t trim close enough but it also smoothed and distressed the edges.

tip:  always sand in a downward motion.  If you sand up and down, you’ll pull the paper up from the letter.

7.  I then used brown ink and a small piece of sponge to ink all of the edges of the letters and then set them off to the side to dry.

8.  While my letters were drying, I measured the inside opening of the frame.  It was 5 inches x 12 inches.  I chose a light cream colored, canvas textured cardstock that went with the colors of the printed papers.

tip:  if your frame opening is larger than 8.5 x 11, I recommend taking the finished chipboard letters, along with the frame you are going to use, to pick out a coordinating 12 x 12 background scrapbook paper.  Most papers will run between $.59 and $1.99 a sheet but it will save you from having to try to paper piece your background.

9.  I centered my letters on the background cardstock piece.  After I was happy with the alignment and centering, I picked up one letter at a time, applied adhesive using my Tombow adhesive tape runner and replaced the letter on the background.

tip:  you could use a ruler and lightly pencil a line across your background paper to assure your letters are on straight. 

10.  Insert in the frame behind the glass and there you go!

This project would make a perfect housewarming gift, wedding gift or  Christmas gift!  It’s never too early to start crafting those Christmas gifts!!!

There are many different ways you could re-create this project and make it your own:

• Use letters to spell out the recipient’s last name instead of “Welcome”.

• Add those trendy rolled roses in a cluster in a corner on the outside of the frame.

• Add a little bling to your letters with a few glued on crystals.

• Spell out a new baby’s name and use colors that coordinate with the nursery as a unique baby shower gift.

The possibilities are endless – you are only limited by your imagination!

I’d love to know what you think about my project!  And if my project inspires you to create your own project, I’d LOVE to see it so please post a link in the comments section of this post!!!

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!