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Tuesday Techniques: Ideas for Using Paper Scraps

Apr
2007

If you have been stamping or scrapbooking for any time at all, you are bound to have a box, folder or drawer full of paper scraps that you just couldn’t make yourself throw away. Well, get out your stash and try some of these great ideas.

Weaving
This is a great way to use all those long, thin strips of paper to make a beautiful woven border. Simply glue three or four strips down one side of your page, place a few more across the bottom, loosely weaving the strips together in the corner of the page.

Paper Knots
Use your scrap pieces of paper like you would ribbon. Paper can be tied in a knot, turned into a bow or laced to make pretty page accents or borders. Of course, paper isn’t as flexible and forgiving as ribbon so it must be handled gently as you form a knot or a bow. Push or pull lightly to form a knot, then flatten it. It is easier to tie longer strips of paper.

Paper Piecing
Instead of using new piece of cardstock to make your paper piece, go through your scraps and you are sure to find one or two pieces that will work on at least part of it.

Mosaics
Save all those tiny squares and rectangle because they are perfect for mosaic pieces. The possibilities are as endless as the colors of your scraps. Combine different colors and patterns for a crazy-quilt effect, or use varying shades of the same color for a subtle, monochromatic look. Don’t worry if your scraps aren’t all the same size because on the charms of mosaic is their uneven lines and variety of sizes and shapes.

Bargello
Find a variety of paper strips, all the same length. The widths can vary from 1/4″- wide to 1″-wide, depending on how large you want the completed piece to be.
Arrange the strips on a solid piece of paper; you can either line the strips to touch each other or leave a bit of space between them for accent. Trim the mat paper and you will have a beautiful design!

Punches
Unless you are punching a very large shape are making lots of smaller ones, sort through your paper scraps first. There just might be a piece in your stash that will be perfect for the punch.

Whether you are making cards, borders, letter squares or punches, look to your paper scraps first. You just might find the perfect piece of paper for your project and it won’t cost you anything!

How to Create a Crafting Space

By Laurie S.

Apr
2007

If you don’t have room for a designated or spot or the time to claim one, plan ahead and tote what you need with you. Whether making handmade cards or scrapbook pages,you can get a lot accomplished while waiting in the carpool line or for your kids to get out of after school practice. Just keep the necessities of your latest crafting project with you and work on it while you wait. Plan ahead of time and tote pre-planned pages. Stash photos, coordinating papers and embellishments in sheet protectors in a three-ring binder. Keep tools like scissors, glue and punches in a small plastic case.

Crafters with little storage space should consider Iris carts, the rolling organizers with drawers. Simply roll the cart into a closet after you are finished. Rolling carts come in a variety of sizes. Some are sized to fit just underneath a standard height table and have containers that keep your supplies organized and easy to find.

If you have limited space, you might consider converti ng a closet into a scrap station. Use existing shelves to hold paper supplies and a piece of wood laid across a few large 4 -drawer carts to make a desk.

Take advantage of your dining room table or add another small table to have room to spread out during your projects. If you seldom use your dining room it may be the perfect solution.

Even if you’re one of the lucky crafters who has an extra room to devote to your hobby, you might still have to share the space with other family members. For instance, if you have young children you might want to devote a space for them to play or craft with you. Create different zones in the room to keep it organized and to make sure you can keep track of your projects. For instance, divide the room into a ‘crafting zone’, a ‘computer zone’, and a ‘homework zone’. It gives each activity its own importance, and helps to keep all supplies in the right area.

Get the product you want without breaking the bank!

By Laurie

Apr
2007

There are so many great products that Close To My Heart© offers, that many of us have a wish list that is longer than our budgets will allow us to purchase at one time. So I offer several ways to earn free product!
***
CONNECTIONS CLUB (There is no need to register for Connections Club, I automatically start your membership with your first purchase)

The Connections Club is a customer loyalty program, and works very simply: every time you buy product from ME, I mark it off on your Connections Club card.
When you fill your card ($200US or $270CAN), you earn a reward. The cards are non-transferable, meaning you must buy from me in order to redeem your points with me.
***
I have also found a way for you to be able to purchase it all on a low monthly budget and receive rewards just for doing what you love. As an Independent Consultant, I have created several clubs that will allow you to do just that! Choose the one that fits your personal budget. **NOTE** You earn Connections Club points for all Club Purchases!

**Hostess Club** - 6 members for 6 months buy $25 or more each month. 6***

If you don’t have a new catalog and would like to purchase one, email me or call me. Catalogs are on special this month for only $5.00 including shipping!!!

I have Fall/Winter 2006, Spring 2007 and Summer 2007 books available! I am also taking pre-orders for Fall/Winter 2007 books that are scheduled to arrive to me August 15th!

Stamping & Scrapping in Canton- Art With Heart

By Laurie

Apr
2007

Are Scrapbooking & Stamping your passion? Then come meet other local individuals who enjoy rubber stamping, scrapbooking and card making. Share ideas and build friendships. Learn new techniques. Shop, create, crop and relax with Close To My Heart Independent Consultant, Laurie Stasiuk!

http://scrapbook.meetup.com/1440/

Charity Crop Scheduled for June 2, 2007

By Laurie S.

Apr
2007

Scrapping 4 Inclusion Charity Crop

100% of Tax Deductible Fees will go to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation grew out of the relationship between Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel and Diane’s, then 13-year-old son, Mike who had been diagnosed with autism. Clay met the Bubel family while pursuing a career in special education. The bond between Clay and the Bubel family grew strong as they shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. Both Clay and Diane had witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children. They knew with the right support system doors could be opened to these individuals that had thus far remained closed. An organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This shared goal grew into reality on July 28, 2003 when Clay officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation envisions a world where young people with developmental disabilities are totally immersed in all life has to offer. The desegregation of programs, jobs, services, and educational opportunities will benefit children with and without special needs. We will break down barriers that divide by helping families obtain the services, support and financial assistance that makes full inclusion possible. We will work to educate the public and motivate society to move toward full inclusion as a way of life.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has approved the nationwide Scrapping 4 Inclusion initiative. This is an awareness and fundraising campaign where Volunteer Sponsors across the USA and Canada will organize a full day Scrapbooking Crop in their own community for purposes of fundraising and creating awareness about inclusion for all children with and without special needs.

What? 12 Hours of fun filled scrapping!
When? June 2, 2007 10 am until 10 pm

Where? VFW #6695, Plymouth, MI
How Much? $50 per person ($30 of which is Tax Deductible)

What Do I Get?