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!

Hey scrappers! Wow, can you believe it’s almost April? I sure can’t! Welcome to the last GTL for March, and, technically, the first for April, since the challenge will carry over through the whole month! I’m Becca (becca372), here to bring you one of my favorite challenges.

This week, I am bringing you the gallery of one of my favorite scrappers, and someone I’ve been scrapping with since (to be honest) we both barely knew what a layer was! Sarah Bennett is an amazing scrapper, has been a great digi-designer, and then…well…her internet went POOF for several months. Just recently, she got it back, and I was SO happy…I didn’t realize how much I had missed seeing her pages in the galleries!!

Anyway…her gallery, from old to new, is full of fabulousness, and I’m sure you will find something there to spark your creativity! Check it out here, scrap away, and then show me your layout in the Grand Theft Layout thread in our challenge forum!

Here’s the layout I chose to lift:

and here is the layout I created, using Embrace the Day by the ScrapMatters Design Team

and here is some more inspiration from Sarah and the SM Creative Team

Amy chose this layout:

and used My Life and Story: An Autobiography Kit by Jady Day Studio, and Many Thanks: An SM Design Team Collab to create this:

Sandra chose this:

and created this, using Drift Away: The Sweet Deal by Graham Like the Cracker and By Becca

Fiona lifted this layout:

and used Totally 80′s by the ScrapMatters Design Team to create this fun layout:

tsmspt lifted this recent layout of Sarah’s:

and her lift, using Erica Zane’s First Time Ever

and, last but not least, Fran lifted:

and used (look out!) Back 2 Skool, Handwritten Dates, My Magical Place: Add-On Alpha, My Magical Place Add-On and My Magical Place Clusters, all by Haynay Designs to make this fun layout

So, are you feeling inspired? I know I’m ready to lift Sarah over and over again!

Challenge reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting in the Grand Theft Layout thread & in the Grand Theft Layout 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 for March MOS points or wait to post in April for April 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 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!

It’s time for another edition of Grand Theft Layout! This week we are going to be lifting the awesome Haynay.  You can find her inspiring gallery here. For your challenge, you’ll need to browse through her gallery and choose a layout or hybrid project to inspire a page of your own. Make sure to come back here and post your layout along with a link to the layout you chose from her gallery.

I lifted this layout by Heather.

And came up with this page using Easter Joys and Easter Joys Wordart by Andilynn Designs and Layers of Paper by Haynay Designs.

Here is what the CT was inspired to create while perusing her gallery.

Heidi lifted this layout…

and came up with this great layout.

Jenn decided to lift this one.

And created this sweet page using Sassafras by Amy Stoffel.

LeeAndra chose to lift this layout.

She was inspired to create this cute page using using Spring Is Here by WM Squared.

Jenn chose this layout…

and created this great page using A Time to Learn by Stolen Moments.

Kairyn decided to go with this layout…

and was inspired to create this using If You Give a Girl a Castle by Erica Zane.

Sandra chose to lift this page.

She created this adorable page using Wanted – Hugs and Kisses by KimB’s Designs and Jen Reed and Great Escape – Alpha by WM[Squared].

Here’s the rules:

*Pick one of Heather’s layouts or projects, and lift it! Feel free to twist, turn, etc. Post your layout into the Grand Theft Layout Gallery AND to this post to get one point for completing this challenge!
*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!
*Your layout MUST be unique to this challenge, no double-dipping!
*You will have until the end of March to complete this challenge.
*You do not have to use ScrapMatters products, but we certainly 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

Happy Monday before Thanksgiving!  It’s Kat {ktanker} here with your Monday Home Matters post.  This post is a newer feature on the ScrapMatters blog.  Our goal is to give you new ideas on how to incorporate your scrapbooking talents into your home.  Of course, you can always print and frame your layouts.  I would guess that is the most common why to bring your scrapbooking into your home, but let’s explore some other ideas too!

Ornaments are a really unique way to bring scrapbooking style into your home.  Each year, I look for something I can add to my Christmas tree or use as a nice display around the house to remind me of the season.  Traditional ornaments are sometimes too expensive, too similar, or too “insert your line here”.  For me, they are usually too glittery.  I love a bit of sparkle but I hate picking up an ornament and getting covered in glitter flakes and the flakes stick like glue to my tile floors.  As a child, my mom made a lot of ornaments.  Those have now been retired and live in a nice box of older Christmas decorations but the photos and memories last forever.  They are also some of my best Christmas memories.  Take some time with your kids and make a few ornaments for your tree.  It’s a great way to spend time with the family.  Here’s an ornament template that would be easy to use.

What I love about this template is that while it is not a traditional project for hybrid crafting, it is a simple way to make and print an ornament.  To use this template, all you need to do is open the file, add your papers and text, then drag the ornament to an 8.5×11 page.  Once on the page, you can re-size and print.  Just cut out the ornament, add some ribbon to hang it or some other embellishments or a dab of glitter glue here and there.  Write on the ornament (front or back) the date and who made it so years down the line when you pull it out of your ornament box, you can remember that special time making ornaments together.

Here’s another great idea!  Next time you visit your local craft store, pick up some clear ornament balls.  They usually come in a package of 6 or 12.  Print out a few different sheets of your favorite scrapbook paper and tear it into strips.  Roll the strips around a pencil and put them inside the ornament.  Add anything you’d like to spruce it up.  I chose a different type of hook, added a ribbon around the top and tied a snowflake embellishment to hang off the side.

There is a great Hybrid challenge for creating ornaments in the forum.  Be sure and check it out and show us how you (and your family) made your own ornaments .

Kat

Welcome to the June edition of Hybrid Highlights!

Have you visited the Hybrid Gallery lately?  As always, it is absolutely SMOKIN’ with projects!    Here are a few that I just adore:

First up is this fantastic teacher appreciation box by scrappycath – who wouldn’t give her kid an “A+” after receiving this gift??

Next, I just adore this clever “You’re so Sweet” card by tiffanydimples:

And how fun is majula76′s “My Journey Tumbler” – I want to go on a trip just so I can make and use one of these!!

and an end of the year Teacher gift by Inkspots:

and last but not least, while this was meant to be use as bank, I’d love to use leightheo’s Beach savings jar to put shells in as I walk along the beach!

I hope you were inspired by this month’s hybrid highlights.  All of the images are linked, so feel free to take a closer look and leave some love while you’re there.

See you again soon!!

LuAnn

Hey everyone! LuAnn here with our next It’s in the Cards challenge!

Before we get to the template – have you checked out the Hybrid Bootcamp put together by the ScrapMatters’ Hybrid Team?  It’s never too late to stop by and pick up some tips and techniques to take your hybrid projects to the next level!!!

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 March – yepp, you get more time since it’s just about the end of February.   Then come back here and post it in this thread as well. 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!*

Here’s our template:

Download HERE

Here’s my card using Man in the Moon Designs’ Carousel Ride kit

And check out this wickedly cool card by Julie:

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

Hello Henriette here with this months photo challenge:

No real techniques this month but tips on how to make photo’s for a photo a day or 365 project.

I see a lot of 365 projects going on in the gallery and eventhough I never participated I am a bit jealous of those who do.
I do envy your commitment to take that one photo a day and though it sounds so easy, I am sure it is not!
Where to find that photo opportunity every day and every time a new subject too!

So here are some tips for improving (if needed) or just to start your own project.

From an article by Jim Goldstein.
Whether you call it a Photo 365 or a Photo A Day (PAD) project the net result is the same, a photo for every day of the year. These types of photo projects are menacing at first thought, but provide a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn not just photography, but creative seeing and post-productions skills. Here are 11 tips to get the most out of any future Photo365 / Photo A Day project you undertake this year.

1. Maintain A Heightened Awareness
At every moment of the day keep your eye open with a photo in mind. Look for the obscure moments or observations that you might otherwise let go by with out a second glance. Training your eye and brain in this way is where a Photo365 / Photo A Day project can help you improve as a photographer the most. Taking great photography can’t happen if you never see or never know when to react.

2. Always Have Your Camera With You
Always have your camera with you through out the day. Don’t feel self conscious. Don’t get lazy. Don’t ever take a break. The one time you don’t have your camera with you is the one time you’ll wish you never left it behind. While Murphy’s Law is something you normally encounter from time to time, the frequency of taking photos every day means you’ll have many more opportunities to experience it. With a little discipline you can easily avoid Murphy’s Law moments.

3. There Is No Time Like the Present
Never say, ‘I’ll take a photo of that later.” or “I’ll take a photo of that on my way back.” Take the photo while the idea is in your head and the light is right. Moments of inspiration seldom come at convenient times and light conditions are seldom ever exactly the same twice in a day.

4. Train Your Eye To See Light
Learn how to get the most out of the light whether sunny, overcast, or any thing in between. Learning how to get the most out of high contrast and low contrast lighting situations is a great way to broaden your photographic opportunities. In addition experiment and make use of off camera lighting to supplement the available light to you. I learned a lot forcing myself to take photos in all different lighting environments during my Photo365 / Photo A Day project several years ago and it helped make me a stronger photographer.

5. Experiment! Don’t Stay In Your Comfort Zone
Break out and risk the bad shot to learn something new. Taking the same photos over and over again because you’re comfortable taking them will not improve your photography and it won’t increase interest in your work. Step out of your comfort zone to try new things. Doing this is not dependent on buying new equipment rather opening your eyes to new styles and new subjects.

6. Make Use of Weekly Themes
365 unique photos is a sizable goal. If you’re running thin on ideas think in terms of weekly themes. Take photos of a particular location, a color, portraits of family & friends, pet photos, macros, hidden letters, etc. Sometimes an infinite number of subjects are more easily pared down when thought of in terms of themes. Themes offer a sense of order and predictability providing incremental steps bringing you closer to your end goal.

7. Plan Ahead & Write Down Ideas
Rather than wait for inspiration to find you plan ahead and write down ideas for future photos in a notebook. This is great practice for normal photo shoots and will reinforce creative thinking. Reviewing previously documented photo ideas will prove to be a great resource when spontaneous ideas are few and far between.

8. Edit & Post-Process Every Week
In order to avoid backlogs edit & post-process you photos weekly if not daily. Getting into a rhythm on editing & post-processing is key to completing your Photo365 / Photo A Day project. For many taking photos is the easy part, but editing & processing the photos is the challenge. For every photo you publish you’re likely to have many others that don’t make the cut. Getting into a rhythm to select your final photos and processing them in a timely fashion will make the difference between success and failure.

9. Add Notes to Your Photos
When posting daily photos online add notes as to what you thought worked or didn’t from your days photos. Post general photo shoot and camera setting info from your EXIF data, you’ll look back on this later to refresh your memory or to see how far you’ve come. Anecdotal stories are also great information to look back on. Understanding how, why and when you photographed your subject provides insight to your creative thinking that you can’t get from EXIF data.

10. Get Into A Rhythm & Have Fun
Make sure to have fun during your year long photo project. The moment it becomes work the more challenging completing a Photo365 / Photo A Day project becomes. Getting into a rhythm can help a great deal in lowering the perceived level of effort to get your daily photos in. Whether you’re heading out to explore during your lunch break, taking a 10 minute detour in your commute or even taking 365 self-portraits, knowing that you have time dedicated to get your photo(s) in takes a lot of stress out of the process. If you’re the more spontaneous type then build in an extra 10-20 minutes into your appointment schedule to stop and explore with your camera. As with life ones destination is often far less interesting than the journey.

11. Start Today
Here is the best thing about a Photo365 / Photo A Day project, you can start ANY day of the year. Most frequently people associate these projects with New Years, but there is no rule as to when you have to start a project such as this. While it may seem overwhelming take the plunge and start your Photo365 / Photo A Day project today.

Please read the posting rules too, especially about posting in the right gallery, thank you!!

1. Upload your photo (and LO if you have one) to the appropriate gallery, then please link it back to the challenge in the forum
2. Just one entry per person will be eligible for a point, one extra point can be earned for doing a LO with the picture and if you win the challenge you also gain one extra point
3. The pictures must be especially made for this months challenge
4. No double dipping with other challenges please

Here is my go on the challenge I saw these geese a couple of days ago when walking with Meike (my youngest daughter). They were afraid of us and luckily just before they swam away I could take this picture. I took tip 2 in consideration, always take your camera with you and also tip 3 there is no time like the present!!

Hi everyone,

Sylvia here to show you some hybrid treasures I found recently in the gallery

Our hybrid gallery is growing fast and you can find tons of gorgeous cards and other projects in it. I highly recommend to take the time and take a look at all the gorgeousness you can find there.

Here are only a few of many wonderful goodies…

Look at this stunning explosion box neenee created… absolutely FANTASTIC work, isn’t it?!

And here’s another fantastic project I found in our hybrid gallery. A wrapped candle, created by bellbird

One more to let your mouths waters – a super cute and fabulous christmas take-out box made by profiler_mar:

Ok.. I’m sure you want to see more gorgeousness… so here’s one more from dbrprc:

And *wow* look what ‘notes4theheart‘ created – a ‘wooden house’ -isn’t this an amazing project?

There are many more fantastic projects in our hybrid gallery, so be sure to check it out and don’t forget to leave some love. *smile*

And now I hope you are enthusiastic about the hybrid projects and you will try do do some yourself?!
It’s not that difficult as it sometimes looks like! We have some GREAT hybrid goodies and templates in our shop to get you easily startet. I will list a few of them here.. but there are loooots more, just check out the hybrid section of our shop

I hope you have had the very same fun to gaze at all the hybrid goodies as I had and always have and hope to see some hybrid work from YOU, soon HAVE FUN!

Sylvia