Maybe you have a stash of scraps leftover from all your Valentine-card making.  Maybe your stash of supplies is an overflowing mess. Or maybe you just need some inspiration. Whatever the case, Ask the Masters: Making the Most of Your Scrapbook Supplies is a great resource overflowing with ideas for using your old supplies and tools in fresh, unique ways.

Get inspired by innovative uses for brads, eyelets, patterned papers, charms, ribbons, cardstock scraps, cutting templates, and much, much more. Check out ’07 Memory Makers Master Brooke Bartimioli's interesting take on using cursive letters:



Trust me, the Masters’ ideas and the step-by-step techniques will reinvigorate your papercrafting and inspire you to dig deep into your supply stash.

The Memory Makers Masters are always full of great ideas, and the class of 2008 is no exception. Check out their blog for some great project ideas like using heritage photos, making a mini book from tags, creating a glittery mini album, and lots of layouts. And visit to the forum to talk about using patterned paper and sifting through your stash.

I love patterned paper. I would even say that I’m addicted to it. I just can’t seem to get enough of it. And I also can’t bear to get rid of it, even the scraps. When I’m cleaning up a project, any leftover piece bigger than 2’’ gets saved because, well, you just ever know.

Needless to say, I am on the constant lookout for ways to use up my stash—especially the scraps—of patterned paper. And I would venture to guess there are many of you out there also looking for ways to justify the patterned paper hoarding. So, here goes. Check out these great and simple uses for patterned paper:

I recently finished this mini-album with honeymoon photos. At 4x4", the pages were perfect for using scraps of different green patterned papers. Plus, the eclectic nature of the pages allowed for using random, leftover stickers and embellishments, too.

Here's a birthday card full of love—and scraps.



To create shelf-liners, I used decoupage medium to glue whole pages to my wooden closet shelves. A great use for random, mismatched sheets.



Also check out design*sponge’s recent DIY posts to find out how to using patterned paper to create key racks and jewelry shadowboxes.


Want to talk all about patterned paper projects? Visit the forum! And don’t forget to check out the free project for the week.

So, I wasn’t among those lucky enough to enjoy the California sun during this year’s winter CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) show. (Although, a large photo of me did make it to the convention center....see below, top left.) But I’m still excited--and not the least bit bitter even though all I got to enjoy was an ice storm--to hear all about the trip, the show, the fun times and the hot new scrapbooking trends.

Visitors flocked to the F+W booth to visit and do make-and-takes with several of the 2008 Memory Makers Masters in attendance. They also enjoyed author signings with We Dare You co-author Genevieve Simmonds, Page Maps author Becky Fleck and Paper + Pixels authors May Flaum and Audrey Neal.

Memory Makers magazine executive editor Beth Williams reports that trends this season include zoo animal motifs; chipboard albums in various shapes; motifs of owls, birds and mushrooms; embellished papers (varnished, flocked, glittered); papers using the fresh, modern quilt fabric look; and complete lines of party items. Jessica Strawser, the managing editor of North Light Craft and Memory Makers Books, says plastic is also a hot item this year, everything from Plexiglas hanging displays to printed transparency overlays and plastic embellishments.

Visit the Memory Makers magazine editors' blog and the Memory Makers book editors' blog for more news from the show. And check out the forum to discuss all things CHA.


Happy crafting!
Kristin

Today is one of my favorite days of the year: Valentine’s Day. Because I love all things pink, red and all-around girly, this holiday always fulfills my lingering craving to purchase all the pretty eye-candy I see in the scrapbook aisles of my craft store (and, yes, I confess I love real Valentine’s Day candy, too!).

This year I decided to craft some greeting card sentiments to send to friends and loved ones. My style usually leans on the simple side, but I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and include some fun embellishments. Of course, embellishments are available in every size, color and theme imaginable so I went looking for a little dose of inspiration.

As luck would have it, I stumbled upon the perfect resource: Creating Cards with Scrapbook Embellishments by MaryJo McGraw. On one of the opening pages, she features a gorgeous Valentine’s Day card accented with hearts and buttons. I went with the button idea and included a small cluster of pink buttons on the lower right of my card. A waterfall of paper hearts flows down the front, and a simple rub-on sums up my sentiment.

I encourage you to check out this little gem of a book next time you’d like some fun ideas for creating cards and using embellishments in fresh ways. MaryJo features 26 cards, plus 42 variations, using a collection of trinkets and treasures such as bottle caps, metal tags, dried botanicals and more. She shows you just how easy it is to create one-of-a-kind cards using a few basic tools, some fabulous paper and, of course, embellishments! Click here to find more information about the book.

And go to our project gallery to upload your own Valentine’s Day cards or layouts. We’d love to see your unique creations.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Amy