So many Fun techniques!

Mixing patterned paper is one of my favorite things to do when scrapbooking. For this page I "cheeted" and used paper already coordinated by the manufacturer - but it's fun to go through my stash and find papers in similar tints, tones and shades and use them all on the same layout... in fact - I offer a class to my local customers called "Mixing Patterned Paper" where we review color theory and tips for doing what I just described - using papers from different manufacturers and mixing them together!

The other technique I used on this layout were the Journaling Strips - they are basically "bullet points" that tell the story of Todge.

The last thing of interest I ddi on this layout was to "make my own brads" - you can see I used the pink polka dot paper inside a Stampin' Up make a brad as a center to the foam flowers.

I have no idea where the name Todge came from - according to Megan - "that's just his name"...

Blast From the Past

Time sure does fly! All around the country kids have gone back to school--- some even 3 weeks ago! This little cutie is 13 now - how's that for time flying!

Here at the Gandara Bug Academy we won't be back until September - I can't start school before September - it's against the law.

Thanks to Shannon - my good friend and designer for this layout!Shannon made this with a "Back to School" kit sold by 1 Creative Bug in 2006 - that's a blast from the past!

Lady Liberty!

Let Lovely Lady Liberty adorn you travel scrapbook pages... she measures aproximately 8" high and holds her golden torch for all the people of America!

I love New York!

I was working on an order today for a bunch of titles - all New York stuff and it inspired me to whip up a few new paper piecings... if you went to New York - or any other cool place - I can whip up some paper piecings for you too - just send me an email!

Stay tuned tomorrow for a paper piecing of a beautiful lady...

New Paper Piecing

Do you take lots of pictures? I sure do... and no "About Me" album would be commplete without a page using a camera paper piecing! I bet you can think of a way to use this little cutie... it's available in my etsy store for just $2.75!

Ordinary Moments

Life is full of ordinary moments... this layout is about a simple trip to the mail box one January morning... the story behind the picture (And the journaling I need to add to the layout) is this:

Being cooped up with rainy days is no fun for anyone. So, at the first possible moment the bugs and I headed out to the mail box. It couldn't be just a simple walk...we had to bring the strollers too. So, yes, Douglas is pushing a pink stroller! Stitch likes his ride, trust me. That alien is color blind I think... anyhow, back to the story. Going to the mail box is never simple no matter what toys we tow with us, bucause the bugs always want to take the "long way home". See, we live on a cule-de-sac, one side of it to be exact, so there is a definate "long way" if we stick to the sidewalk, which as a good mother I teach my kids is important.

In true "Buzz Lightyear" form --- we must always go to the mail box... and BEYOND!

A special thanks to Deacon John for the great title idea and also to Suzy of the Memory Cafe for the awesome circle frame.

And the Winner of last week's RAK drawing is...

Last week, on THIS POST I asked for comments and ideas for using Stickles...

well... after buttering me up quite nicely with her compliments on how I looked in my wedding dress... Samantha shared a favorite tip with us:

After applying stickles to your project, pick it up and tap the underside to help the "Hershey's Kiss" point fall so they lay flat like pearls or gemstones :)

Thanks for the GREAT tip Sam... your RAK is on the way!

Have you checked on my etsy shop lately?

Slow and Steady I am adding new products to my etsy store. Etsy is a marketplace for handcrafted items and the supplies to make handcrafted items. You can really find many talented artists there! Above you see one of my latest additions... a Dump Truck Paper Piecing. This little cutie measures aproximately 4.75" long and comes fully assembled and ready to embellish your paper craft project. Take a look around the shop and let me know what your favorite product is ... leave a comment here on my blog for a chance to win a 1 Creative Bug RAK!

1 Creative Bug's Etsy Shop

Speaking of RAK's... check back tomorrow for last week's RAK winner...

NEW Camping Layout!

Here is a brand new design for all you kit lovers... and priced just right at $10.00 scrapping your outdoor pictures has never been easier. The kit comes with directions and everything you need except ink, adhesive and some basic tools. This layout was inspired by my Niece and her 13th birthday party... I guess I better wrap one up for her Christmas present... you guys can snatch up the rest!

Email me to order !!!

Family+Fun=Memories

I created this title to adorn a page about our trip to John's Incredible Pizza to celebrate my Nephew Nicholas' birthday. The bugs were thrilled their cousin picked them to help celebrate- especially because this is NOT a place Mommy and Daddy would EVER bring them to normally. Actually, come to think of it - Aunt Karen is good at helping to round out the bugs with these types of trips!

Catching up is easy to do....

It really is easy to catch up on your scrapping when your dearest friend sends you predesigned pages!!! My good friend and Design Team member Shannon Blinn sent me this plopper page. I had the perfect picture of my bugs and some of their cousins on Christmas Day 2007. Shannon recently sent me a goodie pack galore- filled with papers, ribbons, embellishments and mini albums. I am so blessed. Now to fine a few more hours in the day so I can scrap with all of it!

I have awesome Peeps...

And I make cute one's too, lol... these custom "peeps" were created for my Designer Shannon Blinn... Shannon and her crazy kids decided to microwave peeps... for the story and more great work from Shannong check ou her blog: Blinn'sBlog

Stinker Bug

This is my Stinker Bug - my nephew Ryan. Ryan was diagnosed in January of 2007 with Nuroblastoma... Cancer. We are CELEBRATING 8 months of remission for Ryan and I created this page for one of the Cancer organizations he and his family belong to.

The page was created from a Layout Kit you can find at Legacy Paper Arts.

It won't be long my Stinker Bug before we are CELEBRATING 1 year Cancer Free - Favorite Aunt Christy will help give you a great Party for that one!

Introducing... The Card Kitchen!

I want to tell you all about a fun new place to shop online... it's called The Card Kitchen.

The Card Kitchen is owned and opetated by my long time and very dear friend Theresa. Theresa introduced me to scrapbooking so many moons ago - it's TRUE!

The Card Kitchen has been along time coming and is such a delightful spot to shop... all of the cards are "hand-stamped, hand colored, hand pieced and hand crafted by head chef, Theresa Niehoff and her very talented sous chefs."

I was impressed with pricing and service - and I think you will be too! Inventory changes often so if you see something - snatch it up. Be sure to tell them 1 Creative Bug sent ya!

Looking for ideas and inspiration check out the Card Kitchen Blog HERE as well as through the link in my "fun places to visit" section!

Total Customization available

This paper Piecing is one of my all time favorite creations - I made it 3 years ago (GASP!). My clients used it as their business Christmas Card - what project are you working on? Can't find just the right accent? Email me and we can brainstorm ideas - I bet you'll love what we come up with!

Still in love after all these years!

With my husband AND my wedding dress! This is a sepia picture I used stickles to colorize...you should see it in person - it turned out better than I expected.

Do you have ideas for using Stickles? post them here and be entered for a chance to win a RAK from 1 Creative Bug!

Cheesey Pre- Printed Paper

I am not usually a fan of what I call Cheesey pre- printed paper... it's too cutsie and limiting in my opinion... however when I saw this paper I knew I could make it work with y favorite products Stickles and Custom Buzz Words!

I created the title with shadowed Buzz Words that mimic the "cookie" look of the pre- printed paper. Then I used stickles to "ice" the cookies. I stickled all over the paper's cookies to make them come alive and I even used some ribbon to give Mr. Snowman a proper scarf.

Here are the individual pages so you can see them in better detail:

Do you need a special title - no problem... give me a buzz and I'll email your our Buzz Word Flyer with fonts, colors and pricing! Custom Buzz words are more affordable than you think!

More Design Team Work

I have to tell you the great products manufactured by the Memory Cafe are so easy to work with! Here I used one of Suzy's Die Cut Borders .

The border is blue cardstock and to help it blend with my title I simply added white "Stickie" accents. A quick easy - but GREAT ooking page! Check out The Memory Cafe today!

So cool - I did it again!

In late july I created a "Topsy Turvy" Layout for the first time. Well, it's so cool - I did it again.

When Life Gives you Lemons - eat them! Have you tried this yet? If not - you really need to!

Easy Stickles Title

I just love Stickles! Last night I had the pleasure of teaching a class on using Stickles to local group. One of the many ideas I shared with them is how to create an easy "handlettered" title. I want to share the idea with all of you:

1. Choose a font and use your word processing program to print it out "Title Sized".

2. Lay the printed paper over your paper where you want the title. Trace over the title with a pencil. You need to push hard, but be careful not to tear your paper. The pencil will leave an indentation in your cardstock.

3. Use the dents as a guideline and trace over them with Stickles.

4. Allow for plenty of dry time - and wa la! A beautiful "hand" lettered Stickled Title!

Here is a look at the 2 page layout... This is my mom making a Irish Soda Bread with my girls. The recipe comes from her mother and is a Christmas Tradition for us! I am lucky enough to have a copy of the recipe written by my Nanna - so I inculded that on my page as a momento.

Color Rub On Words

One of the products offered by 1 Creative Bug is called "Stickies" - these are simply vinyl words, die cuts, etc. Use them as titles for your pages or order them JUMBO sized and stick them to the walls in your house. One of the great things about using Stickies vs our regular cardstock Buzz Words is that the Stickies can be cut in much more delicate fonts giving them the look of Rub On's. Take a look at this layout I did... the title Christmas Eve 2005 is cut from brown "Stickie"... Stickies are available in over 10 colors and are priced starting at just $2.00 for Custom words and 1.00 for custom die cut shapes.