Workshop Fun with Babycakes!

Why I totally and completely LOVE Workshops on the Go:

• Great Design ... all the hard work is done for me!
• Instructions ... because I like learning new tricks!
• Fabulous Product .... coordinated papers and accessories galore!
• Exclusive Stamp Set ....  makes me feel special!
• Savings! .... I can be a little thrifty
• Leftovers .... I love having leftovers at the Tator Patch!

Let me show you what happens when I open a Workshop on the Go. I'll demonstrate with the new Babycakes Workshop.




The Instruction Guide is a large, full color fold out.

Even when you're done using it to create your workshop layouts,

you'll be able to refer back to it for future projects and inspiration.

You know, I'm not a fashion designer but if I absolutely had to, I could pick up a pattern and fabric supplies to sew a piece of clothing. (Dear Lord .... I hope that NEVER happens).

Our workshop guides are much the same. Your pattern and cutting instructions are all laid out for you. Follow along and before you know it ...... 

..... all your papers are cut!

 

Next, gather up your ink pads, and blocks ....

(check out that stamp set!)



...... it's time to do your stamping!

Now before I get the adhesives out, I sort of piece the layout together and double check my cuts and paper placement. At this stage of the game I can play around with things a little. I haven't used any adhesives yet so anything can be moved or changed.

For instance, I might decide to put those hearts in a different location.  Sometimes, depending on the pattern, pages can be turned or "flipped" for a whole new perspective.

 

Once I've decided on the final placement of page components ....

The fun begins! Shimmer tape, jeweled buttons, porcelain and wood badges, and foam tape,

all go to work and add just the right amount of magic to the layout.

 

Before I know it, I have two lovely layouts all ready for photos and story telling!

Here's a few more fun facts about Workshops on the Go:

 

• There is a Scrapbook Workshop for each of the TEN paper packs in the new Idea Book
•  
• There are TWO Card Workshops in the Laughing Lola and Frosted lines
•  
• There is a Frame Workshop that features an awesome home décor piece
•  
• There's even a Base & Bling Workshop to create a fab and trendy wearable piece!

 

How's that for variety? You can see all these workshops and more by visiting my website at margvp.ctmh.com  Shop and be inspired 24/7

 

Thanks for scrolling through today!

Always happy to have you stop by the Tator Patch!

 

 



 

Page Ready Layouts

Several years ago I joined a monthly scrapbook club. The lovely and talented Brenda Rose would teach two 2-page layouts. I never knew what papers or patterns she'd be using or what new technique she was about to lay on us. Tons of fun!

I learned a lot in those months. I learned to enjoy working outside my comfort zone and I added new techniques to my "can-do" list.  I also discovered that I do not need photos in order to enjoy the process of creating beautiful layouts. If I really love a paper line and believe that I'll use it for scrapbooking someday, I go right ahead and make layouts. The photos will eventually come and when they do, my pages are photo-ready and I get the job done while the memories are fresh. 

So, rather than a huge stash of paper and coordinating embellies, I have a stash of photo ready pages! Yes, I  have a small stash of unused product but not nearly as much as I used to!

Here's a few tips on making layouts for your photo-ready stash:

This is my most recent addition to the stash. Let's take a look at the page on the right side.

"Buzz and Bumble" Workshop on the Go

1. Lay in and firmly attach all your base pieces.

2. Determine which embellishments, clusters, or other components can be attached permanently without interfering with photo placement. Attach those pieces with your permanent adhesives.

3. Attach photo mats or temporary place cards using a small strip of removable adhesive. 

5. Keep in mind that you can change your photo sizes and orientations if you wish. For now though, stick with the original plan and get the job done.

6. For embellishments that extend over the top of photos, place your adhesive off to one side. Carefully place the piece so the adhesive won't interfere with adding your photos later.

See? That's not so bad! As you can see, there's plenty of room to add more embellishment after you've place your actual photos. The point here is that most of the work is done and anything you want to do after this is bonus fun!

Don't let the lack of the "right" photos stop you from creating beautiful pages and layouts. Create with products you instinctively love. Trust me, the photos will happen and you'll be ready to preserve the memories and tell the story!

Creativity happens when you keep an open mind. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from others. Leave your comfort zone, try something new. You won't regret it!

Spring Training 2012: Customizing Accents

Day 11 at Ella's Spring Training was all about altering or customizing embelishments, letters, and stickers. Nichol Magouirk demo'd a few inking and distressing techniques that I fully intend on trying out sometime.

I was reminded today that the best thing I ever did to advance my papercrafting skills was adding stamps and inks to my tool box. For my assignment, I altered three Milepost Shapes stars:

The stars on the left are straight out of the bag.
I mixed up a little dab of paint using my Outdoor Denim re-inker.
While the paint was damp, I sprinkled each blue star with a touch of glitter.
I stamped out the Sunny Yellow stars, cut them out and attached them to the dried blue stars.
Then I tied that cute little bow with some Baker's Twine!
Very easy .... I promise!



I'll be using them on this work-in-progress!
(My new Grandson's first layout!)

Here's a great little article with more on customizing accents:

http://www.ellapublishing.com/blog/kelly-vandermolen/embellished-embellishments-day-11

Thanks for stopping the Tator Patch. Now ... go be creative! :)
As always, comments are welcome and appreciated!

Spring Training 2012: Spring Cleaning

Loving Spring Training at Ella so far .... really, I didn't expect to not love it!
The last three days have focused on organizing our craft space. I actually did a major league stash bust last year and you can read about that here:
http://ididnthavepotatoes.blogspot.com/2011/06/lol-say-yes-to-stash-busting.html

Nearly a year later, I'm still free of excess stash and can move through projects without the fuss and bother of not being able to find something. Like most all of us, I have a busy work and family schedule. My craft time is somewhat limited. In order to make the most of my time, I need to be organized. I don't work well in clutter. I like  putting my hands on supplies quickly and if I don't have exactly what I'm looking for, I make use of what I already have. It's that whole "Gitt 'er Done" method.

I am fortunate in that I've moved from "scrappin' in the cellar" to "crafting in the loft". In other words, I moved my workspace from the basement to a vacated upper level bedroom. {empty nests have their advantages} My craft room didn't appear overnight. I've spent the last few years adding things here and there, shopping the sales, and paying attention to "how" I craft.

This is what I've got so far and it's working our pretty darn good:

This hand-me-down computer desk works perfectly as a cutting table. My Cricut resides on top and my HP printer is set-up in the cabinet along with office supplies.

While I'd love to shop Ikea someday, these utility shelves have served me well for at least eight years!

I keep my solid cardstock handy in these snap lid containers. These can be found at  any craft store and are very affordable if you shop the sales and use your coupons.

If I was a carpenter this would be my tool belt. My "Spinnie" contains all my top tools ... adhesives, scissors, pokers, blades, pens, microfibers, clips, and .... you know the stuff!

Just last week I decided to replace my six foot banquet table with this four foot table. By down sizing my work surface I don't have the space to create a clutter pile and I work on one project at a time. Loving my OttLites and magnetic board. Again, shop the sales because the deals are out there.

This small utility unit serves as storage for my most-used inks and stamps.

My ink daubers are handy in this container I found online.

I like using a paper shredder when I'm mass producing make 'n takes, page kits, or party favors. No overflowing wastebasket here!
{Office Max}

I'm an ITSO girl all day long! These cubes can be customized with a variety of bins, drawers, shelves, and doors. I started off with four of these about three years ago. These go on sale at Target Stores at least twice a year. I added cubes and bins until I finally arrived at this configuration in January. This system not only keeps me organized, it also helps me control my stash. See that row of bins on the bottom? That's where I store my printed paper packs, mini album supplies, and pre-cut page kits. If I need more storage space than that, its time to stash bust!

Love my labeler!

Paper towels and baby wipes are life savers for this messy inker!

Now this is the fun part! I need happy things sitting around.
Like this colorful jar ....

.... these piggy banks .....

 .... or doggy banks!
{Target}
Yes. That's a real tag.

I display cards on this wall hanger.
{from my friend Brenda Rose}

How about this adorable apron from Etsy? This was a gift from my daughter so its cute and special!

This watercolor tissue piece inspires me.
I purchased this while on vacation in Grand Marais a few years ago.
Good memories of time spent with my little sister.

And who doesn't need a little reminder ....

How about you? Have you photographed or blogged about your craft space or favorite room? What tricks or tips do you have up your sleeve for staying organized?

Thanks for stopping by!
Comments, ideas, and questions are always welcome!

Spring Training 2012: Organization 3

Day 3 at Ella's Spring Training and WOW! Wendy Smedley did a 20 minute presentation on storage solutions. She is just bursting with practical, affordable ideas using everyday items around the house. Everything from glass jars to baskets to loaf pans. I'll share some of these ideas as I incorporate them into my own craft space or .... use the ideas to create gifts for fellow scrappers!

In the previous two posts, I shared my ribbon and button stashes. Today, I'm showing you how they are stored:

My ribbon is in this ITSO bin. I can just pull it out and all my ribbon is laid out. No digging. When I travel to crops, I can easily grab what I'll need, place it in a ziploc and throw it in my crop bag.

My button jars and packs are stored in a deep ITSO bin. This bin fits nicely in the bottom of one of my crop bags. Makes packing for those retreat weekends easy. Even better .... unpacking is a cinch!

My "Stash Rule" : If it's full to the top, it's time to stop!

In other words, I need to take a good look at what I really need, and take charge of my stash .... and my shopping habits!

Here are more storage words of wisdom from Grace Tolman:
http://www.ellapublishing.com/blog/grace-tolman/storage-options-day-3
Thanks for stopping by the Tator Patch!
Your comments and ideas are always welcome here!

Spring Training 2012: Organization 2

Day 2 of Spring Training at Ella Publishing! Today is all about taking the next step in organizing. Wendy Smedley gave tips on how to sort your supplies according to your needs. For instance, you might choose to sort your papers by color, manufacturer, size, or theme. It just all depends on what works best for you.

Here's what works for me when it comes to my buttons:

Most of my buttons are sorted by color because that's how I "work".

Just a couple of exceptions:

I know I'll be using these for a boy-themed pages so
I'll keep them together and coordinate my papers with these colors.

Adorable or what? I'm keeping these together for birthday projects.
 Besides, they're already contained in that really cute tin!

Look at these lovely gems. I won these from Charlene's Button Box and
 I'm just plain hording them! Can you blame me?

Here's today's post at Ella with some advice from Shemaine Smith:
http://www.ellapublishing.com/blog/shemaine-smith/organizing-supplies-day-2

Thanks for visiting the Tator Patch!
Comments and ideas are encouraged, welcomed, and appreciated!

Spring Training 2012: Organization 1

For the second year in a row I'm participating in Ella Publishing's Spring Training Camp. These first few days will be spent working out with Wendy Smedley. She's offering up tips and tricks on how to get and stay organized. {a subject near and dear to me}.

Wendy says it best: "Organization is not storage. It's not putting something in a cute container and putting it on a shelf" How true. We can have totes and bins stacked to the ceiling but that doesn't mean we can find what we need. We may not even remember we have certain papers. embellies, or tools. Making matters worse, we shop our favorite craft store, buy more, store more, and still can't find what we need when we're working on a specific project. How frustrating ... not to mention costly.

For my Organization 1 Exercise, I'm sharing my ribbon stash with you today:

Oh believe me, at one time I had a pile of ribbon that could have stuffed a pillow! These days, I'm happy with the basics:

Grosgrain: White Daisy, Colonial White, Cranberry, Black and Chocolate
Color group ribbon packs
Lacy trims: White and Ivory
Baker's Twine: assorted
Twill (my all time fav)
Specialty wide ribbons: Sweet Leaf and Dark Choc Striped
Jute twine: Neutral and Brown
Waxy Flax; asst colors
and .... the best ever ....
Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon: I can easily dye this and match it perfectly to any project!

Really, for me, less is more. Fewer choices of ribbon, and products that can be altered, save me time and money.

Here's a blog bit from Missy Gener. She shares some of her stash-busting techniques:
http://www.ellapublishing.com/blog/missy-gener/sorting-and-purging-tips-day-1

Thanks for stopping by the Tator Patch!
As always ... ideas and comments are welcome and appreciated!

The Golden Scrapbooking Rule

I workshop it
I learn it.
I watch it.
I blog, crop, and hop it.
I work it.
I love it.
I need it.
I gift it.
I teach it.
It inspires.
It pleases.
It heals.

So why on Earth would I take a chance of loosing it all?

************************
Here's the Golden Scrapbooking Rule:
Save and Store your photos and artwork using multiple resources.

I was reminded of this rule recently when I went to a favorite printing website to upload my latest Studio J files and found they were no longer in business. Bummer! I really loved their quality and price. I had hundreds of photos and 5 years worth of digital layouts uploaded to the site.

But you know what? ..... No "panic mode" here! I took the lessons I learned a long time ago about sorting, saving, and uploading my photos and digi work very seriously. It really paid off this time in a BIG way.

I have back-ups. Lots of them. Over the course of time, they've changed as new, and affordable technology comes along but they all serve the same purpose: I'll never have to panic, or break down in tears because I lost photos or digital artwork. Even if something disastrous happened to my physical collection, I'll always be able to reprint the photos, and recreate the pages because I have back-up.

For on-site photo and artwork storage I've used these:

Burn your files onto a CD. Make sure to label the CD with a general description, date, and how many photos are on the CD. This is a good, inexpensive way to store and share photo files. I had all my photo negatives scanned and burned onto cd's a few years ago and its so easy to find them when I'm planning a project.

Use a flashdrive for quick and portable saves. Flashdrives vary in price and capacity. They can be used in most photo kiosks for fast and easy printing. Again, be sure to label the flashdrive if you will be using it for permanent storage.

External hardrives have become more affordable (especially the 500GB models) and offer a mega-ton of storage space. Create files on your ehd to keep your work organized and easily accessible. EHDs are also a popular way to store files and put them in a safe deposit box for super-saving!

For online photo and artwork storage these are my favorites:

Persnickety Prints

Persnickety became my digital page printer after the unexpected demise of my previous vendor. So far, I've uploaded my Studio J j.peg files and have had 8x8 pages printed. Excellent print quality and paper. The prices are very reasonable and the sale prices are incredible! They will print individual photos, digital pages, and bound scrapbooks. They come highly recommended and promoted by some of the biggest names in scrapbooking. Ali Edwards and Renee Pearson to name just two.

Shutterfly

Shutterfly is a catch all site for me. I have all of my photos and digital artwork uploaded here. They offer unlimited photo storage and allow the creation of sorting albums to help you stay organized. The print quality is as good as my local photo processor. They do not print individual digital scrapbook pages. But let me tell you, Shutterfly rocks when it comes to digital books! I've had 12x12 books printed using my digi layouts and smaller photo books made using individual photos. Shutterfly has an ongoing sales campaign with offers that help you save on products and shipping. Once you've created an account with Shutterfly and do some uploading, you'll receive special offers. Just last month I received a free 8x8 photo book and 101 free 4x6 prints! Can't beat that!

Kodak Gallery

This is my go-to for all my photos. Its second nature for me to just pop on over to Kodak and upload my photos right after I've sorted and edited them. They also just came on board with a free app for my smart phone that allows me to upload on-the-go. Love it. With Kodak, I can either take advantage of ordering my prints online, or placing an order for same day pick-up at my nearest Target store. Photo storage is unlimited, they offer photo share sites, and you can create photo books. Aside from good quality prints, I love their selection of photo cards and gifts. Kodak has been around a very long time and I feel confident that my photos are safely stored and accessible like, forever! {I hope}

So that's my ramble for the day. Can you tell that I am extremely passionate about the Golden Scrapbooking Rule? No fears, no tears for this scrapbooker ..... I always have a back-up and I highly recommend that you do too!

Thanks for stopping by the Tator Patch ...
... where photos are never lost!

Easter Blessings to one and all.

How To: Set Up a Layout

Just thought I'd do a quick post on how I go about setting up my layouts. This "mock-up" method works especially well for me when:
1. there are multiple photos to arrange.
2. there are certain elements required for a challenge entry
3. I'm using a sketch or page map
4. I want to "play" before I actually cut paper or handle photos

For this example I'm using this sketch from Crop & Create:

I keep a stash of "place mats" on hand. You can get the skinny on these by popping over to THIS POST

I decided to make a 2-page 12x24 layout with the sketch. I'm going to use Desert Sand cardstock for my background, 5-2x3 photos, and 1-4x6 photo on top of a 5x7 mat:

I place additional papers and start playing around with borders and tags:

Things start coming together fairly quickly and pretty soon I have a really good idea of what I want to use for embellishments.

There will be a few more adjustments I make during the final assembly process, but all the foundation pieces are in place and now .... it's time to have fun placing the photos, maybe a stamped image, a little bling here and there ....

I'll be posting the finished layout in a separate post because I'll be using it as a challenge entry at Heart 2 Heart and Lasting Memories.

The papers you see me using in this tutorial are from the new, lovely Pemberley Level 2 pack from Close To My Heart.

Other Helpful Tools:

1766 Dotto Dots Dispenser  margvp.myctmh.com

This convenient glue dispenser allows you to lay down Dotto glue dots in any length. Your material may be repositioned without causing damage. Glue can be removed with gentle rubbing and is archival safe. Acid free. EK Success®

I use small disc magnets to hold my pieces in place on a We R Memory Keepers magnetic cutting mat. I purchased mine at Archiver's. I've seen them online as well. Watch for the sales and use those coupons!

I love my retractable cloth measuring tape. These can be purchased from any fabric or craft department for as little as $2.00. This handy dandy tool is on my table and within reach at all times.


I keep misc border pieces and plain-jane shipping tags on hand to use for mock elements. These give me some idea of what size or length I like before I design and cut the real elements.

Thanks for stopping by!

As always ..... comments are welcome and appreciated!