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!!!

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
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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 everyone!  LuAnn here with your March Getting Hybrid Challenge!

This month we’re going to be decorating candles, votive holders, jar candles and more with beautiful decorative wraps. They are the perfect way to add color or a personal touch to tables, shelves, centerpieces and more.

But most importantly….
**These candles are for decorative purposes only – please do not ever light a candle that has paper and other flammables on/or near it**

Here is my candle sporting a gorgeous new wrap using Jady Day Studio’s collab kit with KimB’s Designs called What Matters Most.

and a close up of the details:

So let’s get started with how to make your own candle wrap!
Supplies:

• Candle

• Epson Matte Presentation Paper

• digital kit of choice

• embellishments of choice – buttons, ribbon, brads, punches, flowers, dies, ink, pop dots, 3D foam squares, etc.

• double sided tape (or other adhesives of choice)

1.  Measure around your candle – allow for an overlap.  Determine how tall you want your candle wrap to be.

(My candle is a 6 inch pillar – my wrap is going to be 9 1/2 inches wide by about 3 1/2 inches tall)

2.  Create your candle wrap using a photo editing program of choice.  I’m using Jady Day Studio’s What Matters Most digital kit.

3.  Determine if you want your candle wrap to be all digital including shadows or if you want to print each layer of your wrap and then assemble true “hybrid” style.
(I decided to print my paper layers separately.)

4.  Determine how you want to decorate your candle wrap – now don’t panic!  Just think of it as a long narrow layout that you will print out and wrap around a candle. 

5.  Print your wrapper and/or the pieces to your wrapper on matte presentation or matte photo paper using your printer’s best print option.

6.  I distressed the edge of my patterned paper and used a lacey border punch on the cream colored plain paper and inked the edges. I adhered the lacey punched papers to the back of the edge of the patterned paper.  After wrapping my papers around my candle, I used double sided tape on the overlapping area to secure the wrap.

7.  To create the flowers, I printed some square blocks of the solid pink and solid cream digital papers in the kit.  Using my Big Shot, I die cut some Cherry Blossom flowers.  I also die cut a butterfly from the solid pink digital paper and added two small crystals to the center of the butterfly.

8.  After inking the edges, I punched two small holes in one petal of each of the pink flowers and two small holes in opposite sides of the cream colored petal.   I used twine to create a cross stitch to attach the flowers together.  Then I added a flat back pearl to the center of each flower.  The pearls were a little too white in the middle so I lightly dabbed the pearl with the same ink that I used on the edges of the flower.

9  The flowers and butterfly are attached to the candle with 3D foam squares.
And there you have it – a beautiful candle perfect to display or give as a gift!

How about some inspiration from the team?

Cathy (Scrappycath) created this beautiful jar candle wrap using Thankful for you by Mye De Leon:

Jewelle (jubeejewels) created this fun candle wrap using So Silly by Amy Stoffel:

Amanda (Abhall76) created this gorgeous wineglass lamp shade which uses a battery operated tea light – she used Zen Garden by Inspirations from Day:

**Again…This candle is for decorative purposes only – please do not ever light a candle that has paper and other flammables on it**

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 March 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!

I can’t wait to see what you create so be sure to link me up so I can leave you some luvin’!!!

LuAnn

Hey there!  It’s Cathy (Scrappycath) here with the October Getting Hybrid. This month we are going to continue what we started in the September ScrapMatters Newsletter…. getting organized! {Need to sign up to receive the newsletter?  Click HERE}  In particular, getting organized for the holidays!  You can feel the change in the weather coming, and before you know it, the holidays will be here. It’s never too early to get started on all that you want to accomplish for the holiday season.

So our Getting Hybrid project this month will be a Holiday Organizer.  Now you’re probably wondering, what is a Holiday Organizer?  Well, really it is anything that helps you to keep yourself organized and on track for this busy time of year.  Maybe you want to make use of the Jr. Legal Pad Wrap Template by Krisi’s Kreations to make a stylish pad for keeping a gift list or menu.  Maybe you’d like to follow the tutorial in the Newsletter by Cristina to create a pocketed organizer like she did using a file folder.  Anything that helps you stay sane (or close to it) through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Cristina’s Holiday Organizer using Cotton Candy Christmas by Stolen Moments:

For me I thought a 3 ring binder with pockets would work best.  I had one of those binders with a clear pocket on the front left over from recent school supply shopping.  There are some great organizing tips and guides available at The Organized Christmas. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I’m making use of some of the print-outs available in the sections of my organizer.

I used One More Sleep by Graham Like the Cracker and Stolen Moments for the cover.

I created tabs using a journal spot in the  One More Sleep kit.  I used a pack of pocket dividers that I dressed up with papers from the kit for each of my sections.

I’ve got sections for Calendars, Cards and Gifts.  I used elements from various kits to make up the calendars including 2010 Calendar Grid Overlays by Geeky Diva Designs, With Thankful Hearts by Chelle’s Creations, A Spooktacular Evening by Wimpychompers, and more items from the One More Sleep Bundle.  You can see the rest of my calendars in my gallery.

Here’s an organizer that LuAnn (Wildblueyez) made that will serve a dual purpose, she can keep track of her scrappy tools and easily provide a wish-list to people looking to get her special gifts at the holidays.  I just love this idea as I never know what to say when ask “what do you want for Christmas?”  The Design Team Collab Queen of Scrap kit and the EZ Date Edgers by Erica Zane made EZ work of it for her!  Hmmm… I think I’ve got some items for my wish-list now!

Ami (steami) made an organizer for an upcoming holiday trip.  She is going to Disney at the holidays (I am so jealous!) and created this awesome take along that will keep her organized on the trip and make easy work of recording her memories when she returns! She used the My Magical Place kit by Haynay Designs

Are you ready to have a more relaxed holiday season? Then let’s get it started with a little organizer to keep you focused on enjoying the season!  Some other ideas that you could create an organizer for are:

• A holiday card list
• A holiday menu list
• a journal that organizes your holiday memories
• A gift ideas/purchase list
• Birthday list organizer
• This can be for any holiday

Here are the ScrapMatters challenge guidelines:
- Entries must be posted in the Getting Hybrid challenge gallery, and linked to the challenge thread
- You will have until the end of the month (October) 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. If you want some pointers about photographing your hybrid projects, see this thread here. You will get a bonus point if you used a new release within one week of it’s release to complete your project.  Just remember to let me know if you used something new when you post it in the forum thread. Plus, I’ll select one entry at random for a bonus challenge point.

Don’t forget – you get double points during October as we celebrate our 2nd anniversary!!! So that’s 2 points for your project, 4 points if you use a new release!

OK, let’s get organized!  I can’t wait to see your creations!

Heather K. (interstitchal) here with June’s Get Hybrid! With June here, the weather is starting to warm up (or I hope/dream of it) and that makes me want to eat outside. So this month, we’ll be focusing on making some fun decorations for picnics or outdoor parties! This could also be easily adapted for indoor festivities in case the weather is not cooperating.

I made some fun table decorations for a wild party using the kit Wild Things by Man in the Moon Designs. Those animals are irresistible!

I created a placemat and printed onto an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. It’s a little smaller than the placemats you might buy, but the size is easy and definitely works! If you are planning on using the placemats more than once or you have messy party guests, think about laminating the placemats. I used one sheet of cold laminate (it’s like clear sticker paper) on the back and one sheet on the front of each placemat to make it nice and sturdy. Hint for laminating – lay your paper slowly from one end to the other and smooth as you go to avoid bubbles. You could also use a hot laminator if you have access to a machine.

For the placecards, I created each with a different animal with a base size of 4×4 inches folding to 2 inches tall and 4 inches wide. To give it a little pop, I had the top of the animal reach over the fold of the placecard. You could use an X-acto type knife to cut the part that will stick out above the fold and use one piece of paper. Or if you want to use scissors, I cut the card in half and around the top of the animal’s head with scissors

Then I pasted the front onto a folded 4×4 square to finish my placecard.

For the napkin ring, I created a rectangular design 6 inches wide and 1.5 inches tall. Then I cut out the rectangle. You can glue the ends of the ring together to secure it. I used another way to fasten the napkin ring into a circle by cutting two slits halfway into the ring about 1 inch from the center.

Then I tucked the ring together using the slits to create the circle. You can secure this with adhesive or leave it as is. With the slits you can make them in advance and then slip them together when you are ready for the party or store them flat after the party and reuse them.

Then add a fun dimensional piece to the front of the napkin ring. You can see what the final ring looks like in the first photo. Another great idea would be to use Cristina’s tutorial from the April 2010 ScrapMatters’ newsletter to create some dimensional handmade flowers.

Some tips I have for making multiple hybrid decorations for an event:

- Work on one project at a time. With party planning, it’s easy to run out of time. It’s better to have one decoration with enough for every person attending than one set of decorations (and then you can’t use it). That way, if you only have time to make napkin rings for everyone – you’ll have a fun addition for all and you can run out and purchase anything you didn’t have time for.

- If you are making multiple projects, keep each individual project simple. It’s easy to get carried away at the beginning. It’s not too bad creating one complicated project. But multiply that by the number of people in a large party, and you can burn out!

- The most important part is to have fun! If it’s too stressful, step back!

- You don’t have to have a big event to decorate. If you need a pick-me-up or you want to do a project with your children, plan a surprise party for a small reason or no reason at all. Small decorations can really brighten up a day! Try it and see!

The challenge for this month is to create any project that you could use for a picnic or outdoor party. It could be an adaptation of any of the items I made (napkins rings, placemats, placecards) or anything you can dream of! You could also do a centerpiece, invitations, a party favor(boxes,bags), drink labels…

There are some great hybrid helps in the shop to get your inspiration rolling too, here’s just a small sample!

Krisi also released these cute party banners last week -

And here is a party set Krisi created using Fresh Squeezed and Just Smile Alpha by Jennifer Barrette (hint, hint- there might be a fun new release on Fri June 4th also!)

And here is a party setup by Melissa (profiler_mar) using Krisi’s Kreations- Let’s Party Hybrid Templates, Jenn Barrette-Summer Girls, and Font-DJB NeeNee by Darcy Baldwin. Isn’t it darling?

Join us for the month of June in creating a project that you could use for a picnic or outdoor party.  Post your creation in the hybrid challenges section of the Matter of Scrap forum here!