Lynda's Den

I love to make cards that are in fun colors...such as the bright pink and green combination to the left.  I used a very simple Sizzix flower die cut, buttons for the middle, a bit of ribbon and the paper adds to the card itself.  The hardest part of the cards themselves is coming up with the ideas.  In this example, I made a simple notecard, to be able to customize the inside of the card by writing a long note if you'd rather!   Fun card to make in different colors, or 4 of the same cards to give to someone as a small token of appreciation!  Easy and cheap to do for gifts , or just because you want to!       In the example to the right, another simple notecard, I used pink and purple Sizzix flower die cuts, and white buttons in the middle of the flowers.  I cut a piece of green paper for the stems of the flowers, and used a heart punch that was cut in half for the leaves on the flowers.  Again, I used patterned pape...

 Back 20 years ago, I started making cards with rubber stamps.  I would shop at Xpedex and purchase a box of envelopes, and then a ream of white cardstock in 8.5 x 11 size.  This would give me more than enough bases and envelpes for the cards I wanted to send.  Purchasing like that allowed me to be able to make cards and use for swaps...where you make 'so many' of the same cards, send them to a hostess who will exchange them and sends the ones she exchanges back to you.  Great way to get other ideas from people and to get fun color schemes to try!  I love to make friendship cards....haven't sent them out for a long time, but this next year...well, the people that have been there for me, will certainly know how much I appreciate their kind thoughts, deeds and actions.   Cards are not hard to make...plus can be made very cheap.  I use my computer at times, stamps at times, a lot of punches...die cuts....ribbon and buttons!  I add a bit ...

Until the end of the year, I will be focusing on making cards.  Making cards can save you a ton of money, especially if you use scraps.  If you look at the month ahead for the upcoming events you have, then you can have a few onhand when you need them, instead of having to spend the time running out and finding the perfect one.  Basic card making is really easy, especially if you scrapbook anyway, you already have alot of supplies that you can use!  I started learning with card making, and then found scrapbooking and what it was used for, which helped me save money!  Cards can be a great way to just make someone's day by saying "thinking of you"...or "thank you" in a way that is unexpected.....  Customize the cards to fit someones personality with their favorite colors and things!     Supplies needed:   Card and envelope (can be found at any craft store in packages) Stamps or die cuts/computer Ribbon and but...

One layout that is very easy to create is a monochromatic color scheme layout, which is different shades of one color.  In this layout, I used a lot of paper tearing and a mosaic effect to recreate this darling layout titled Teenage Attitude.....with pictures of all 5 of the teenagers we had at the time.   In the top left layout, top picture is my son Ryan, next is Del's daughter Megan, and on the bottom is Del's son Jesse...  On the right picture is Del's son Cody, and my daughter Terra...  by that next August we added another "teen", but the older ones turned 20, so we didn't have as many "teens"!  The layout itself can be recreated in just about any color, or any type of pictures and theme you would like.  The hardest part in it was the paper tearing for each of the embellishments I used, but it also was a lot of fun to do too.    Directions:   Step one:   Starting with the colors you have chose, decide what color will be ...

I have scrapbooked for around 12 years now, my first project was my wedding album for my 2nd marriage...one that did not last (the marriage, not the album)!  From that point till now, I have been hooked!  I love how you are able to take your memories, add photos, journalling, and embellishments to create your own one of a kind album.  The one thing about scrapbooking that I really like the most, is you will never find someone else who will have the same photos as you do, unless it is a function where multiple people have taken photos.  This is where everyone's personal taste will come into affect.    We are going to be working on a monthly album this next year....January through December.  A way to showcase YOUR memories of the month, the things you do, the places you go...things like that!    Your challenge is to look at how YOU want to showcase your memories...  I am using a kit that was purchased at Walmart a few years ago ...

Christmas is just around the corner...whether you celebrate IT or not, there are still huge specials going on right now that will help you with your crafting needs!  Most companies will assure delivery before Christmas if you order by 12/17...  If you don't care whether you get it or not, check out these specials that are starting..you are sure to get something that you have been wanting!   So, lets get started!   Oh my.....I will start with  Oh My Crafts  where deadline for first class shipping to arrive by Christmas is today!  They have got really great specials folks, let me tell you, make sure you use code HOLIDAY10 to save an additional 10% off your order!  Priority mail orders need to be placed by Dec 17th, and for express mail shipments order by Dec 20th.  Plus get free shipping on all orders over $50 or more, so make sure you get your orders placed!   One place I have not talked about a lot is Dick Blick  but this Frid...

Doing things on a budget.....  As you read my posts, please keep in mind I have been able to scrapbook on what I have at home and available to me for almost 8 years now...  I do not believe in spending money, especially when you CAN'T spend money!  However, there are plenty of reasons TO create...  Your photos, your memories, your stories...they are the reasons to get it done!    Look at ways you CAN save money, I have an article on Ezine Articles  all about ways to save money...make sure you take a look at that!  Look at purchases a bit differently, get basic supplies such as adhesive and cardstock when they are on sale....  Learn to shop at home first...then shop at the stores with a list of what you need.  Oftentimes I make an exact list, and then switch it up when I get to the stores because I have found something I can use in place of!   One way to save money is by asking for things as a gift...  Holidays, birthday...

This post is all about the supplies you can start to look at if you have been scrapbooking for a while.  The supplies here are a bit more costly (in some aspect), but as normal, there are all kinds of things that you can do if you need to....or are on a budget!  I will add...for those of you who think things are expensive... you do not need each and every piece of equipment out on the market today, look at what you are buying first, and utilize those 40% off coupons to make things a bit cheaper...and get it out of your head that she who dies with the most scrapbook supplies wins!   Yes, some of the things on the list are a bit more expensive, just remember that you can tweak things and add what you want, or research other products that might have more of the features you are wanting!   It's all about the FABS...Features, Advantages and Benefits of that product... you will need to look at what your FABS need to be in order to make sure you are getting the biggest ...

If you have been scrapbooking for a while...you want to kick it up a bit, add a few more supplies to what you have already !  We will start to look at fun things you can add to what you have started out with...things that will help you create YOUR style of things!  I like to give you the basic ideas, it is up to you to look at others' styles, to see what you are attracted to!  So, lets get started on a few additions to the beginner supplies to add to your toolbox!   One of the first things I would add to your supplies is  flowers  especially these by Prima!  Flowers are an easy way to add a bit of "something" to your projects.  There are many things you can do to the middle part of the flowers to make it look like a flower...get a different color button for the middle, or use a brad..put a few different colors and sizes together to make a really unique look for your pages.   The one thing that you can add so much to...stickers, flower...

Wow, there are so many fun products, sites and shopping stuff that I want to share with you, so lets get started on the weekday edition of shopping alert/site alerts!   One of my favorites right now, not only for their  blog ideas , but also for their shopping is  Oh My Crafts ...check out their darling I-rock apron, their specials for the season, and much, much more!   On their blog, great ideas using the Cricut machine and vinyl for projects for your home!  Check out their Best Gifts for great prices on crafts...their clearance section for even better prices, adhesives, $10 deals and more!  This is a fun site that you should check in with often, and make sure you get their newsletter too!   Use code Holiday10 to get an extra 10% off your order...valid through 12/31/10!   One place that is sure to have fun products no matter what craft you do is  Joann's , make sure you check them out by Thursday 12/9, use code EAD343B for free shi...

Scrapbooking is so overwhelming ...there is just too much out there to start out with, you give up before you begin!  This post is all about what you NEED to start out with, to be able to create a wonderful album for your family!  So, lets get started on Memories in Tyme's Beginner picks!   Paper Trimmer:  The first thing I would tell anyone they need is a  paper trimmer  and the one I would recommend is by EK Success called the Cutterpede.  I like how you can extend the bars so you can trim a 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock...and how you can exchange the blades into different styles like deckle, wave or scoring blades, thus saving the need for decorative scissors!  Add the blades down the line as you have a bit of extra money, or purchase the trimmer with a few blades as a great gift!   Scissors:   My next must have for your toolbox is going to be a pair of scissors...  I am going to tell you about a few different styles...each will ...