Crate Paper

A Sweet Little Halloween Message

Happy Halloween!

from all of us here at Crate Paper ~ we hope you'll have a delightfully spooky Halloween! and don't forget to pop in tomorrow for the start of our week long Farmhouse Harvest event!

Crate Paper has a special event coming up next week titled "Farmhouse Harvest" and we'd LOVE for you to join us as we share with you an endless supply of "Autumn" themed project ideas and crafty creations! Starting Tuesday, November 1st, our Crate Paper designers will present a changing assortment of layouts, cards, altered projects, and mini tutorials that accentuate Autumn's inviting colors and varied stories. In addition, to further celebrate the season, Crate Paper is hosting daily giveaways - FIVE in total to be exact! Participation is of course, welcome to all! So, mark your calendars and visit the Crate Blog the week of November 1st - November 7th and tell your friends as well! The official Farmhouse Harvest is only a few days away....

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Keisha Campbell

About Keisha Campbell....

Hello, this hobby has been an amazing creative outlet for me; I started scrapping in 2003 after my youngest daughter was born. I was invited to a Creative Memories party and that was how it began for me! Not long after that party we bought our first home computer and I soon discovered online scrapbooking. For the past few years, I've been very fortunate and published in many scrapbook magazines. I've also been on a few great design teams - currently, I design for Making Memories, Jenni Bowlin, Whiskers, and Basic Grey.

I have been married to my childhood sweetheart, LaVaughn for 15 years and we have two daughters that I use as my muses - Amira & Mikiela...and our sweet dog, Lulu.

Keisha Campbell's Blog: www.abiteast.typepad.com

 

Ten Random Facts....

1. I'm pretty shy & quiet.

2. I hate for my food to touch and I'm a very picky eater. I just like simple foods - I love veggies & fruits.

3. I stopped eating fast food two years ago - EXCEPT Five Guys!! The last time I had McDonalds was over two years ago, and 3 of our 4 drinks had flies in them.

4. Every Friday, I buy a bag of Lindor milk chocolate truffles - and I'm not too fond about sharing them with my family. It's the only chocolate/candy I will eat.

5. I don't like to fly.

6. I tend to wear a lot of black.

7. Every other Thursday morning, I have to get my nails done.

8. I do love reality shows - but I hate the cheesy/tacky shows like "The Kardashians/Jersey Shore/Bachelorette". I love Guiliana & Bill, all the Real Housewives, Rachel Zoe-anything on Bravo!

9. I love murder mystery books.

10. I don't get into Twitter or Facebook (I do have accounts), nor Starbucks! If you think it's me on Facebook, wrong! It's Keila playing those games!

 

I love to make simple cards with tags & butterflies! You'll almost always find me using tags & a butterfly on my projects - it's a must in my book!

 

I recently became obsessed with the accordian flower craze - they're really fun & easy to make. On this page, I made the larger one, from vellum paper, I just love finding a new way to use vellum.

 

Who doesn't love a great banner on a page - and with some twine! I love black/white twine most of all, and adding it to a banner makes my heart race! I don't get to scrap my oldest daughter very much these days, due to her becoming a moody teen. Thank goodness she went to her first Homecoming this year and was super willing to post for photos.

 

I look for a reason to pull my Slice out to cut large flowers from pattern paper and top them off with colorful button centers. I have a huge stash of buttons; mother of pearl is one my favorite to collect. I've also started collecting glass buttons this year.

"Keisha, it's truly an honor to have you as a guest designer at Crate Paper. We want to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your beautiful contributions. We hope you'll visit us once again!"

October Color Challenge Winner!

Hello Crate Paper friends! It's Tara here today to annouce the winner of our October Color Challenge. We received over 30 entries this month including lots of beautiful layouts, cute projects and lovely handmade cards! I loved seeing them appear in my inbox every morning. Thank you to everyone who submitted their work for this month's color palette!

On to the exciting part of this post: the winner! I'm happy to say that Wendy Kwok is our October winner! We adored her "Bubble Tea Craze" layout!

 

Wendy's use of the color combination was wonderful and her playful photos paired perfectly with a few of the Farmhouse embellishments. Congrats to Wendy!

I'll share a few more layouts that caught our eye! First we have a layout by the ever talented Anabelle O'Malley. I loved the string she wound under her photos!

 

This next artsy layout is from Tina Walker. I loved the artistic approach she took with this challenge! Not to mention the adorable puppy photos!

 

 

This "Lazy Days" layout came to us from Christine Rumley. The use of a light background and the stamped clouds really didgive this layout an easy-breezy feel and we loved Christine's translation of the color combo!

 

 

and our final layout is by Katie Burnett! We loved her fun photos and thought the paper piecing techniques were quite creative!

 

 

Thank you once again to everyone who shared their work with us this month! I hope you'll join me next month for an all new color combination challenge!

Happy creating! ~ Tara

A Jack-o'-Latern Mini Album w/Michiko Kato

Hi there CP Followers! Michiko here and today, I've a quick-to-assemble "Halloween" pumpkin mini album to share with you...like in the US, Halloween has been gaining momentum in Japan and it seems that lately, people have taken to enjoying the event more and more. Of course, I'm one of many in Japan that loves to have fun during the spooky, surprised-filled holiday. The last Halloween celebration I attended was at Universal Studios in Japan - while there, I saw an assortment of people masquerading around in various costumes and make-up - it was an immense amount of fun to be a part of it all! I had a great day while there, so much so, that I made an album w/photos to commemorate the moment! 

The Supply List: Farmhouse & Random Collections {Pattern Paper, 6" x 6" Pattern Paper Pad, Stickers, Trims, Chipboard, and brads}

Additionals: Vellum, Corrugated Board {Optional}, Distress Ink {Brown}, Bind it All {Antique Brass 3/4"}, Circle Cutter, Scissors, Glossy Accents, Sewing Machine, and Paper Piercer

 

The first step is to create the front and back covers. Draw a Jack-o'-lantern about 6" in size. I downloaded mine online at no expense - there are ample online clipart resources available online. I recommend finding a similar style Jack-o'-latern to complete this project.

Using the clipart image as your guide and with your preferred pattern paper just beneath, punch a series of tiny holes with a paper piercer to mark and trim the shape of your pumpkin. The first pumpkin is the orange layer of the cover. Repeat the same trace/pierce technique to create the yellow layer, and also, the vellum pumpkin shape for behind the cover.

Adhere the orange & yellow pumpkins together as shown - the yellow should show through the front via the eyes, nose and mouth. 

 

Of course, the flower is pretty all on it's own, but an overlay of Glossy Accents gives the flower a beautiful clear coating that brings out the flower's overall coloring. Add an even coat of Glossy Accents to on top the flower and allow it to dry without interruption.

 

To give the pumpkin further depth and to accentuate it's shape, I applied Chalk to parts of it. I then added Distress Ink to it's edges and moved forward in decorating it with embellishments. After you've completed the cover, you'll want to make the back cover from something with "weight" - I used corrugated cardboard. 

 

Moving to the interior of the album, make "6" 4.5" circles from a varying degree of pattern papers. They'll eventually be used as the primary pages for the album. 

 

If you've a sewing machine on hand, sew along the edges of all six of the circles. Then, set them aside and work on getting together an assortment of 3" x 2" photos - embellish the pages to your heart's content - layers are a plus!

I'll skip from explaining the creation process for each page and instead, will simply show them to you for easy reference. It's fairly straight forward. Here is a final look at the album in it's entirety:

And lastly, the front and back cover...

I do hope you'll consider giving the project a try! I appreciate you stopping by today at the Crate Paper blog and wish you a wonderful week! 

Simply Crate w/Suzanne Sergi

 

Happy Monday Crate Paper Fans! It's Suzanne here with the blog's monthly installment of "Simply Crate". Today, I'll be showing you how to create a simple page using a couple of Crate Paper's "Farmhouse" pattern papers along with a few additional layers using the cute & adorable 6" x 6" matching paper pad! Now, I know many of the card makers out there love the small size papers for cards, but they're also perfect for the traditional 12" x 12" layout. This is especially the case if you're not wanting to cut into the gorgeous 12" x 12" papers! I'll admit, I've been known to hold onto a favorite paper or two!

With this project, I chose to work with the Farmhouse collection because of it's lovely warm Autumn color palette. Also, it's seems the ideal collection to document this photo of my little girl at the pumpkin patch. 

I really had fun with this tutorial because I would ultimately define my scrapbooking style as simple, and clean. However, I love to build upon layers to more texture to my pages. By starting out with a very basic set-up, you can add lots of layers simply by using Crate's premade stickers, embellishments, and chipboard accents.

Let's get started!

First, I chose two 12" x 12" papers, and Crate's coinciding Farmhouse 6" x 6" paper pad.

 

I used the "B" side of Farmhouse's "Apple Pie" paper as the base for the page. I then chose two pattern papers from the 6" x 6" paper pad to use on the page, too.

 

Next, I cut the floral and orange papers into two 3" x 5" strips. Beginning on the right side of the page, I repeated the pattern strips along the bottom. Position the final floral paper in the upper right hand corner of the page. You might notice that by cutting repeat strips of pattern paper, that it adds immediate layers to the page, making it appear as though you added so much more!

 

We're now going to the use the fabulous coordinating embellishments that are included in the Farmhouse collection. They're quick and easy to use for adding the famous final details to a page.

 

Here, I cut a strip from "Farmer's Market" pattern paper. I love the ruler pattern on this page and from it, I chose the portion I liked best. I adhered this strip onto the middle of the page. You can see that I also laid out my photos upon deciding the placement the ruler. I then added a simple scallop border that I trimmed with the help of a die-cut machine. Finally, I used the orange bracket border strip from the sticker sheet on top the scallop border. 

To frame my right two, small photos, I backed them with a "Cherry" accent card - these come in extra handy as a quick additional layer for either embellishing, journaling, framing, etc.

 

Next, to begin the process of adding embellishments to my page, I used a series of Crate's "Standout" pinwheels. They're gorgeous and add instant dimension to your pages. I did add a couple more layers to the top pinwheel via a cream cardstock circle, and a scallop circle underneath.

 

After working on the page, I decided I wanted to add one more layer behind the smaller set of photos. I used this file chipboard shape that I had on hand, and used it to trace & create one from the pink ledger paper. 

 

I used the paper file as a storage center for my journaling. I also added a brad embellished tag beneath the recipe accent card.

 

For the page's title, I used the "Today" sticker from Crate's Phrases sticker sheet. I brought forth a second premade pinwheel flower as well!

 

One last tip before I leave you...the pinwheels are perfect "as is", but it's also fun to change them up a bit to better fit your page. I took the floral embellishment from the teacup standout and replaced the button in the center with this new addition! So easy!

 

Here is a closer look at the main floral embellishment on this page. The standout does have another layer of vellum. I love adding touches of vellum to my projects. I tend to think it helps to soften things a bit - of course, embossing adds instant texture, too! A very easy technique that I use over and over again. 

 

 

Hope you've enjoyed the step-by-step process in completing the page! Even though it's a simple design, it's still composed of multiple, differing layers and not surprisingly, textures! Thanks for hanging out with me today! Take Care!

A Random Envelope Mini Album w/Stephanie Dagan

We've a couple of "Paper Heart" Collection WINNERS to announce before moving along to an exquisite, colorful mini album from CP designer, Stephanie. The following people listed will want to contact us with their info at cpblog@cratepaper.com...Congrats!

It's so hard to say which one of CP collection line is my most fav. I would have to go by the one I purchase more than one paper pad would be Random. I created 2 mini album and LOs along with cards. I love them all but Random got more of my attention than the other collections and now my new Fav is Farmhouse because of the rich fall colors. Posted by: Renee Howard | October 18, 2011 at 12:27 PM

I'm having a hard time choosing between Friendship and Valentine...love the Friendship color combo but then there are those lacy hearts on the Valentine paper. Can't decide! Posted by: Rebecca Luminarias | October 18, 2011 at 09:02 PM

Seems the common theme amongst the 300+ comments is having to make a decision as to a favorite! Always a challenge to pick just one...though we appreciate you telling us which of the papers of the new collection you adore most. Congrats once again to our kit winners! Have a great weekend!

------------------------------------------------------

Hello Girls! Stephanie Dagan here to present to you an adorable "envelope" mini album, and of course, it's with a textured cover because I love fabric! The purpose of this project is to position little pages into each envelope and to pull them out at your convenience for a quick peek. It's very, very simple, you'll see! Let's get started!

 

For the structure of the album, you'll need cardboard, fabric, ribbon and small envelopes. I cut two pieces of cardboard at 4" x 6" (A little wider than the envelope size) and two pieces of fabric, 1" larger than the pieces of cardboard. I chose six white envelopes (3.5" x 5.5") and a broad ribbon. Color envelopes are an option, too. I almost went with black envelopes, but the white won! 

 

I glued the two pieces of fabric to the cardboard pieces with ultra setting tape and then folded each edge to the back. 

 

On the front cover of the album, I sewed my piece of ribbon. It measures around 39 inches. Finally, I glued a piece of white cardstock on the backside of each cover.

 

Once the covers are complete, I closed and adhered the flap of each envelope and then, I opened it cleanly with a cutter. Lastly, I applied a piece of tape on the back of each so as to stick together. 

 

In adhering the envelopes together, it takes on an accordion-like appearance. All that's left at this point then is to glue the covers on the top and back of the envelope stack.

 

I chose this format of envelope because it corresponded perfectly with the size of the little cards from Crate Paper (Accent Cuts). I positioned on each page, a tab that slightly exceeds the envelope. The pages are easily pulled out with the help of the tab.

 

I don't hesitate to give relief to each card with the addition of buttons, brads and pop dots. It gives a nice thickness to the album. All the elements are from the Random Collection. I find the colours perfect for a girl or boy and so sparkling! I love this album, there's a treasure in each envelope! I hope you'll like it too, and that you'll want to make one at some point. Thanks so much for reading this tutorial - see you again next month!

A Sweet Fall Review in Embellishing w/Jaime Warren

Hi Everyone! Jaime Warren here today and with me, I've brought a fun, quick & easy embellishment tutorial! I love layering embellishments - and mixing and matching them. Crate makes it incredibly easy to work with them, too, because they've numerous, awesome embellishment options available. In creating this layout, I layered both chipboard and stickers using lots of foam pop dots, the usual go-to item for extra dimension! Speaking of which, let's get started, shall we?! Moving along...

The first step is to layer the patterned papers (Farmhouse "Cross Stitch" & Random "Vintage") - I trimmed the top sheet to fit the middle area of the bottom sheet. I also distressed the edges a bit before placement. Lastly, I dropped a tiny amount of mist (white) on random areas in and around the layout.

 

the second step is to start layering and positioning embellishments - in this instance, I took a chipboard frame and cut it in half. I dispersed the two frame halves along the right and left side of the layout and adhered them down with pop dots. To dress the frames up, I placed stickers both on top and inside them.

 

The third step is to add more embellishments! Just keep layering until it feels complete. I'm not an organized scrapper by any means, so I literally keep layering until I'm satisfied. I never have a solid plan on how it's going to look before I start!

 

Now it's time to start attaching the photos! I chose three of my Instagram photos - I love scrapbooking with them! It's so easy to scrap the day to day that way!

 

the next item on the list is the title & journaling. I used a combination of Crate Paper and a wee bit of Studio Calico for my title work. I then drew my journaling lines just under the title and documented our favorite Fall activities!

 

To "fill out" the rest of the layout, I added more "mist drops", as well as a few additional small chipboard pieces.

 

Once again, the end result. I love the way this layout turned out! Lots of the ever-popular "dimension & texture" that is quite typical my engaging, eclectic scrapbook style. So much fun! Hopefully, you've been inspired to give the layout "a go"! See you next month!

 

 

Hi everyone. It's Lisa here today to share with you our very first "Valentine's" collection. I shared a couple of sneak peeks last week so hopefully your heart is prepared for all the love coming it's way.  The Paper Heart Collection has a little Romance, Vintage & Contemporary influence to make your Valentine's Day cards and layouts eclectic and unique. With soft white and ivory mixed throughout the collection you have the option to give your project a soft undertone or mix in the strong colors to make your project pop. No matter the direction you take your project, it will show it was made with lots of LOVE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know what you are thinking... I'm in love but I still haven't made my Christmas cards yet! Don't worry, the Paper Heart collection is the best kind of love to fall into. It is not going anywhere and once the holidays are finished it will be there waiting for you.

 

We are giving away two collection kits to two lucky winners. For a chance to be one of the first scrapbookers to play with Paper Heart leave a comment about which paper is your favorite. After all, Paper is what makes Valentine's so sweet.

The CP Girls will be showing off their adorable designs with the Paper Heart Collection mid November. Thanks for coming by today! XOXOXO

 

 

Retailers interested in ordering the Paper Heart Collection can visit www.cratepaper.com/wholesale.html or contact their American Crafts sales rep.

 

 

October Crate Color Challenge + Paper Heart

Hello Crate Paper fans and a happy Monday to you all! I'm excited to be posting our Crate Color Challenge once again!

October...... a month full of pumpkins, pretty leaves and hopefully sweater weather! What first comes to mind when you think of October? I always look so forward to getting down and rummaging through my boxes of Autumn decorations each year. The richer-deeper tones that lend themselves to this season are some of my favorite colors to work with! For this month, I wanted to do something a little unexpected with the color combination. No orange! (I'll be saving orange for next month's challenge.)

The color palette for this month is: Mustard Yellow - Peacock Green -  Khaki

and this month's inspiration wire:

Just a few guide-lines for the challenge before we start:

- You may submit a card, layout or project to be eligible. Projects need to be submitted by midnight (EST) October 25th. Please email your work to: cpblog@cratepaper.com

- You may use the colors in any proportion you wish, as long as you use all 3 colors in the palette. And you may add black, white or kraft paper to the colors.

- Projects must use at least 75% Crate Paper - you may mix any paper lines you like, old and new.

- The winner will be announced on October 27th and I'll share some of my favorite projects here on the blog.

- The winner will be selected based on creativity and quality of work.

~

From our design team the talented Michiko Kato created this layout for the challenge. I love the way she wound the string around a tiny wooden spool!  Did you notice how the string also acts as an embellishment to highlight a small part of the photo? So clever!

Since it really is the start of Fall here in the desert (more towards the end of this month) I decided to dedicate an entire mini to the Fall season and titled the little book: Autumn Plans. Measuring only 4x4 inches the pages were just large enough to include fun things throughout such as to-do lists, quotes, a few ATC's left over from last year and even my Grandma's carmel-corn recipe! {I used coasters as the covers for this book and hand cut all of the inside pages.} I plan on adding in more photos of our many adventures as we move further along into the season! 

 

Creating a mini album is a great practical way to document alot of smaller events but that all have the same underlying theme. In this case, Autumn.  

I hope you'll be as inspired to create something lovely using this month's color palette! I'll be back on the 27th to showcase some of your artwork and to share the winner of the October Color Challenge!

Happy Creating! ~ Tara

--------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Just a quick reminder, the new Crate Paper "Paper Heart" Collection is to make it's grand debut tomorrow. We'd love to set a spark to your preparedness and plans for the upcoming Valentine's holiday! Come "heart" the new designs beginning early morning...