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
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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 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!!

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!

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!

Hi!  Welcome to The Hybrid Corner.  I’m Ami and I’m going to be walking you through a quick and easy chore chart.  Thanks to Mom’s Little Helper by Amy Stoffel creating my daughter’s chore chart really wasn’t a chore at all.

My first step was to design the chart.  Being that there is already a chart in the kit, I didn’t have to worry about lines or squares.  My daughter is only 4 so I chose a couple of elements to be visual aids and to add a little flair to the daily grind of chores.  To minimize cutting, I placed all elements for the chart in my computer program; I also felt that it would provide more durability to have a flat chart.  Once I was satisfied with my design, I sent it to the printer and gathered the rest of my supplies.

Pictured above: chore chart, check marks, matte mod podge, a repurposed magnet and scissors. For me, I enjoy hybrid creations because you can make it as specialized or as basic as you need- my scissors are everyday paper scissors and I used them because they feel good in my hand- my magnet was repurposed cause that’s what I had on the fridge.  You don’t need mod podge- a general purpose white glue would also do.

First I cut the check marks out.  Then because the magnet was repurposed, I pulled of the current advertising to better adhere the check mark.  Take the magnet, apply mod podge, stick down the check marks and apply another coat of mod podge.  You can add multiple coats if you wish, further protecting the check marks.

Care does need to be taken when handling the wet mod podge as a misplaced finger can cause damage.

This project was completed in maybe one hour (including dry time).  With a few simple digital items and a few household items, you too can create this quick chore chart.

Now lets get excited about our chores!

Hi everyone!  Its Amanda (Abhall76) here to kick of the day with my first “it’s in the cards” template.   I decided to do a template for a pocket card that I have always loved.  There are so many possibilities with this one as I am sure you will see by some of the great samples that the Creative Team have come up with!

I will start off with my sample using Pebbles and Butterflies by Haynay Designs,  Create It Yourself: Flowers v. 1 and Create It Yourself: Leaves & Stems by Krisi’s Kreations

Next we have this gorgeous birthday invitation by Melanie (scrappymelly) using Main Street Magic by Connie Prince.

And now here is lovely one by Carina (cinna) using That’s Not My Clover by Erica Zane

Karen (bydelstorp) came up with this great birthday card using Cupcakes & Candles and You Say It’s Your Birthday mega collabs by the ScrapMatters Design Team.

Here is the fantastic way Cathy (Scrappycath) came up with to let someone know you love them.  She used Orange Crush by Jennifer Labre Designs.

And here is a fantastic one that Jewelle (jubeejewels) came up with using Erica Zane’s What’s Cooking? {the whole batch}.

So now that you have seen some fantastic samples I hope the template doesn’t scare you too much.  It really is easier (and far more fun) than it looks!  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

You can grab the template here!

Some reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your card in the It’s in the Cards 3/10 thread & 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 March to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.
-Remember no double dipping…your photo 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

Hello, Cathy here with today’s Hybrid Corner.  It’s a New Year and that means a fresh start.  In my house I’ve been cleaning out, donating unused items and trashing the junk.  What’s left is being re-organized and straightened up!  So today I thought I would share with you how to alter a wooden container.  This way when you get organized, you can put things away in attractive containers.

For this project I used a round wooden chipwood box with a lid.  I found a set of 3 nesting ones at my craft store.  I’m going to use my box to store hot cocoa packets, so the digital kit I used for this is Frosty by WM [squared] Designs. Aren’t the colors great? And those elements are so cute!

This is my finished project

Other items you will need:

• wooden container
• lite sandpaper
• adhesive/sealer
• trimmer, scissors, craft knife
• ink, paint (if desired)
• glitter (if desired)
• edge punch (if desired)
• ribbon (if desired)

Let me start out by apologizing for the messy craft table in the background of my photos. Let’s just say my clean-up efforts have not yet gotten to that area of the house!  OK, Start by lightly sanding and cleaning the surface of the box.  I painted my box with acrylic paint in a light beige shade and allowed it to dry.

Next I applied crackle paint medium.  This stuff is kind of gooey and thick.  The thicker you apply it, the bigger the cracks you get.  I didn’t want too much texture to my surface so I went with a moderate coat.  As it dries, you’ll see the surface start to crack.

When the cracks start to appear, you can hasten the process using your heat embossing tool or a hair dryer.  It’s really cool to watch the cracks form.  Here’s a closer picture of the cracks:

Once the crackle paint was dry, I rubbed some distressing ink into the surface and gave it time to dry.

While it was drying, I created my design in Photoshop. I wanted a nice wintry scene with rolling hills.  I used Bend in the Road Curved Templates by Stolen Moments to create the hills. I printed this out and cut out the shapes.

To add some sparkle to the snowy hills, I painted on a bit of Glossy Accents and coated them with fine glitter.  I also applied the glitter to the snowflakes, snowman and penguin that I cut out.

I used Mod Podge paper adhesive to adhere the scene and snowflakes to the box. Once that was dry, I used Mod Podge Hard Coat to seal the project.  I like to use the hard coat as it dries non-tacky and will eventually become water-resistant. This is really nice for projects that you will want to be able to wipe with a damp cloth to clean.  I apply several coats of the sealant (4 to 5).  Allow plenty of time for drying and sand lightly between coats.

For the lid, I created a decorative edge using an edge punch, then covered the lid in papers.  I then applied the sealant coats of Mod Podge. Then I trimmed it with some ribbon. I used my ATG gun to adhere the ribbon.

Now I’ve got this really darling container for storing our hot cocoa packets.  Hope this inspires you to alter a container for your self or as a gift.  For me, I’d best be getting back to my clean-up!

Hey there!  Welcome back!  It’s been a while!  How are ya?

LuAnn here – hosting the 12/9 It’s in the Cards challenge – one of my most favorite challenges on the ‘net!

Ready to get started?  Here we go….

Here’s my card using Erica Zane’s Itty Bitty {collab with Britt-ish Designs} kit

Download the template here

And as always, how about some fabulous inspiration from the team:

Carina made this super cute card using the collab Believe by Graham Like the Cracker designs and Wm{squared} designs:

Rebecca was inspired to create this beautiful card using Serenity by Happy Scrap Girl:

Tanya created this really fun card using Merry Christmas, Deer by Sir Scrapalot (I love how I can see the words figgy pudding in the background! it just makes me giggle):

How’s THAT for some inspiration?!?

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 December – then come back here and post it as a reply to this post.   Make sure to let your hostess know if you use a new product within a week of it’s release – if you do, you get an extra point!  One random winner will be chosen to receive an extra point!*

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