Crate Paper is a BIG fan of exploring and implimenting up-to-date scrapbook/project ideas, and we often hope that you'll be inspired by them in a BIG way! This last year, we delivered an endless count of creative prospects via "how-to's" and "sample sharing", along with the occasional"self-guided" challenge. We figure though, that it's time to shake things up a bit, bring about a couple of new inspiring features that will allow us to continue the process of exploring, something we simply can't get enough of...
BIG news then, starting today, we're initiating "CP Creative Weekly", a five-day marathon of design team projects based on a topic/technique that takes to highlighting an ongoing crafty trend. The feature will publish every month and will include a small reflective write-up from the contributing designers. Also, as a fun addition, each week will host a giveaway as well!! The very last day, Lucky Friday, a winner will be randomly chosen from the day's comment pile. The winner will then be announced the following Monday. Stay tuned for further details - you don't want to miss out!
This week, "COLLAGE" is the focus, and and who better to get us started than our collage expert, Kaori Watanabe? Here's her unique take on the subject...
Kaori Watanabe
"Collage is a natural part of my work. It must always be there for me. It's like free wind that moves throughout while I'm scrapbooking. With collage, I prefer to use vintage ephemera, numbers, and letters. I always feel like there is a palpable rhythm born when I use vintage ephemera w/Crate's product. "
Roree Rumph
"Collages are so fun to create. It can be so much easier (at least for me) to work within small spaces than to fill up a full-size layout. For my collage, I knew right away that I wanted to use a frame that I had for my project. I made up twelve 2" squares to fill in the frame by choosing patterns that worked well together, then I went to work sewing and decorating them. The Paper Heart Chipboard Accents were perfect for this! They were just the right size for my squares, and they added tons of dimension and color. I decided to keep with the Valentine theme of February, because I like to have a little love around my home all year long."
In establishing "CP Creative Weekly", we're greatly interested in hearing your feedback as to the kinds of techniques/ideas that currently interest you - in exchange for your input, Crate Paper will kindly giveaway a prize package that'll announce next Monday. Have a wonderful day everyone!
I am a HUGE fan of the collage trend and so far I've not been able to do it myself -- these examples are REALLY helpful to me, thank you so much!
Posted by: Ann Marie | February 20, 2012 at 04:15 AM
Fabulous projects!!!!! So nice to see everyone's unique way of interpreting collage!
Posted by: Lilith | February 20, 2012 at 04:36 AM
Those are some great projects! I love seeing things made with frames and I am also big into canvas projects! I am sure I will love whatever your designers come up with. I get so much inspiration from this blog!
Posted by: Janet | February 20, 2012 at 04:41 AM
I would love to see more layerings techniques and mini albums creation :) Thanks
Posted by: PJ | February 20, 2012 at 05:07 AM
iam such a newbie at any technique, i welcome any tutorials offered :)
Posted by: joAnn H | February 20, 2012 at 05:11 AM
What's a very good idea : I'm sure that I'm gonna learn a lot of things thanks to you. Anyway I just love what you CP girls do whatever it is!!! I'm thrilled to see what you will come up!
Posted by: Adeline | February 20, 2012 at 05:12 AM
Rhooo c'est sublime!!!
Posted by: Laeti | February 20, 2012 at 05:22 AM
Lovely beautiful creations!!
Right now I'm all about layering! Would love to see more tutorials on the subject...maybe even step by step tutorials. They are hard to find!
Posted by: Dolly/scrapthat | February 20, 2012 at 05:34 AM
WOW! What wonderful projects! The frame AND layout are absolutely beautiful. Collage is one of the best parts of scrapbooking -- kind of like going back to the roots of this crafty hobby! I cannot wait to see other techniques that you will be sharing with us - looking forward to seeing handmade flower tutorials perhaps or tips on using lots of layering on our projects. Learning different ways to alter every day household objects is always fun too!
Posted by: Nicole Doiron | February 20, 2012 at 05:46 AM
I love the collage look and your team is amazing! What beautiful, inspiring work.
Posted by: Becky Williams | February 20, 2012 at 06:02 AM
Fabulous projects! So creative and inspiring! I would love to see cute ways of making my own 3D embellishments and smart minialbums!
Posted by: Helen | February 20, 2012 at 06:04 AM
More mini albums perhaps, and home decor.
thanks for the chance !!!
Posted by: isabel | February 20, 2012 at 06:08 AM
Very fun projects! ... I know this isn't a technique, but I would love a week featuring double pages and a week featuring mini books!
Posted by: ShellyJ | February 20, 2012 at 06:09 AM
Layering is something that I'm very interested in! I love the dimension it offers! Perhaps a tutorial on that? Or another thing is dressing up chipboard or other accents! Love the collage piece!
Posted by: Charlotte Brochu | February 20, 2012 at 06:16 AM
Some great projects again. I love to see layouts and cards with pretty layering and collage techniques. I also love minis and and tutorials.
Posted by: Maria | February 20, 2012 at 06:20 AM
I'd really like to learn how to make mini albums...from the most basic to fancy folded ones. If you do a mini albums week, be sure to make the tutorial cover the most basic "hidden" steps like the base for the covers, decorating the binding/rings, attaching embellishments, etc. It would also be nice to see some embedded videos in the blog instead of just still images/close-ups. Thanks Crate for shaking things up!
Posted by: BEA | February 20, 2012 at 06:31 AM
I love techniques that involve taking paper craft beyond cards and scrapbook pages and into art projects!
Posted by: Angela Fehr | February 20, 2012 at 06:34 AM
I love to try anything new. Right now I am a big fan of layering. I'm not too good at it but all the inspiration out there is a big help. Love Kaori's layout by the way.
Posted by: marianne-g | February 20, 2012 at 06:38 AM
Layering, misting, handmade flowers and other handmade embellishments, art on canvas, home decor. The collage was lovely.
Posted by: Theresa S. | February 20, 2012 at 06:43 AM
These are beautiful projects! I think I am mostly interested in the up to date trends. Just what's new...patterns, colors, etc.
Posted by: Ashley Horton | February 20, 2012 at 06:47 AM