I’m part of that number, are you?

Now I don’t know if that statistic is 100% true or not, but I can’t imagine it’s completely wrong.

Like I mentioned the other day, I scrap because I love taking pictures and don’t want them to sit in memory card/on my computer.  Sure, I have all sorts of memory cards hanging out in my purse/camera bag and I don’t like to delete photos until I know they’re backed up somewhere.  But I definitely have way more fun working on a scrapbook layout than I do clicking a button on my computer to look through pictures.  I also scrap to preserve my memories for my future kids and grandkids, so they’ll know what crazy shenanigans (or maybe boring shenanigans) their mom/grandma was up to when she was young.  My grandpa is 90 years old and he has tons of old photos hanging out in his apartment.  Next week, I’ve made a date for dinner and to go through all of his photos (well maybe not all of them, he’s got tons!) so that I can start putting them in books and jot down the events that accompany the photos.

Have you seen the latest video from Archiver’s?

It’s pretty inspiring…and you can watch it HERE.

And you really don’t want to miss it.

Like it says above, this weekend only on the Annex, we’ve got great deals on dies and embossing folders!

ALL border and alphabet dies are 15% off!

ALL embossing folders are 20% off!

ALL shape dies are 25% off!

There are so many great dies and embossing folders – plus some items you won’t find in stores!  Diecutting is a great way to add embellishments, textures, a little something extra to scrapbook layouts, trays, cards, journals, etc.  My favorite thing about it is that I can make just about anything I want to match any project I’m working on.  I love using alphabet stickers on layouts, but sometimes I just can’t find the right color to match a page.  So I bust out my Typeset Alphabet die from Sizzix and Tim Holtz (it’s my absolute favorite right now) and find some paper or cardstock that matches my layout and bam.  Layout done.

How do you use diecutting on your projects?

Happy Friday!

Or at least they appear to be – I’m not too savvy when it comes to trends…

The following layouts are my Pinspiration today and my Pins of the Week:

Amy Tan layout (left)

Jillibean Soup layout (center)

October Afternoon layout (right)

Not gonna lie, it was kind of a happy accident that I ended up with a grid layout.  I printed just the right amount of photos (using the collage feature I LOVE on the Sony machine at my local Archiver’s) and needed a little somethin’ extra for my layout.  Check it out:

I started by adhering my photos in the grid pattern and then just used a needle to poke holes and add my twine.  I tied a knot and added some gems, and that was it!  Super easy and a great way to display a bunch of photos from an event.

Don’t forget – copies and photo prints are 50% off on Tuesdays in stores!  If you haven’t tried the collage feature, you HAVE to.  Stop by your local Archiver’s and they’ll be more than happy to show you the fun features of the Sony machine or the Canon copier!

Happy Scrapping!

Grab some patterned papers, some burlap or canvas for some cool texture, letter stickers, a journal pen, and some cute embellishments, a binding tool (I love the Cinch!), adhesive, and you’re set.

Oh you’ll need some photos too…that’s the whole point of this project! 

Check it out:

This album took no time at all.  It’s a cool collection of textures and papers the really show off some black and white photos.  They don’t have to be professional photos, just a few of your favorites, or maybe the funniest ones.

It’s probably easiest to get your pages arranged before you add photos and embellishments.  Get them in order and then punch holes so everything matches up.  Then go to town adding photos, journaling, and embellishments.

Easy, and adorable, Mother’s Day gift!

It’s the FIRST EVER, Archiver’s Monthly Kit: Designer Favorites Kit – Volume 1!  All of the products in the kit were chosen by the Archiver’s Design Team.  It’s fantastic and you’ll only find this kit at Archiver’s and Archivers Annex.

It’s available in VERY LIMITED quantities in stores and on the Annex, so don’t miss out!  Get a kit (or two or three) before they’re gone.

This kit comes with cardstock, patterned paper, a whole set of Hardcover Thickers (my favorite font!), embellishments galore (including a roll of tape, which I can’t get enough of), a sheet with directions for an adorable layout and even more amazing inspiration, and so much more.  Here’s one of the layouts (click on the image to see it larger):

Seriously.

Don’t miss out.

I scrap because I can.

I scrap because I want to.

I scrap as an outlet.

I scrap because I have way too much paper and embellishments and need to use them.

I scrap to tell a story.

I scrap because I love taking pictures and don’t want them to sit in a memory card/on my computer.

I scrap because I like to be crafty.

I scrap because it challenges me to think outside the box.

I scrap to preserve my memories, adventures, photos, quotes, boring every-day things, etc. for my future children.

I scrap because I love staring at layouts for hours (or day) until they’re just right.

I scrap because I love it.

That’s why.

I think these layouts sum up everything I’ve just listed.  Enjoy.

That’s why.

The colors are fantastic.

The quote is just wonderful.

And there are so many ways you could use it.

I copied it almost to a T:

My stripes are a bit closer together, and I added photos, but you get the idea.  I LOVE the framed look and that it still is a nice, clean layout.  AND it’s a great way to use up some cardstock.

At first, it looks like I just popped a piece of white cardstock on some patterned paper.  But I really made my own using some extra cardstock.

I started by drawing a square on my 12″ x 12″ piece of cardstock that was 9″ x 9″ (so I measured in 1 1/2″ on each side).  I trimmed a bunch of different colored cardstocks to strips that are 1/2″ wide.  I then drew a diagonal line from the upper left corner to lower right corner to use as a guide line.  The purple piece in the upper left corner was the first I added, and I only adhered enough to cover the square I drew first.  From there, I used my ruler to draw lines (I just eyeballed the space between the strips) to use as guidelines so my strips would match up.

Hopefully the pictures below help explain this a bit better:

Happy Scrappin’!

It’s the brand new, first ever, Archiver’s Exclusive monthly kit!

Seriously.

I love every single item in this kit.  It’s everything you need to make cards, layouts, paper-crafting projects, you name it.  Amazing products and endless possibilities.

We’re going to have limited quantities available on the Annex, so be sure to watch your email for all the details.  And definitely don’t wait to get one (or two or three), because once it’s gone, it’s gone.  Plus, we’ve got free shipping on the Annex for orders $75 or more.

National Scrapbooking Day is just around the corner!

Are you as excited as I am?

My sister and I used to make my mom coupon books for Mother’s Day.  One free room cleaning, we’d vacuum something, do the dishes, empty the dishwater, etc…I’m pretty sure she never cashed them in though.  It was the thought that counted and that we had taken the time to make something for her.

Today’s blog post is short and sweet, and I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking:

This is the cutest little accordion book.  Probably ever.  Or at least tied for the top.  It would be a really great, HANDMADE, gift for a new mom, a grandma, even a dad or cousin or brother.  Anyone.

What are you making your mom (or grandma, or mother-in-law, or dad, or whoever) for Mother’s Day this year?

We’ve got:

20 boards with themes like Baby, Wedding, Graduation, Home Decor, and Travel (with much cuter names, of course)…

Over 1500 pins that are sure to inspire…

And we’re always adding new, fun, creative ideas that are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

The creativity is endless.