Crate Paper

Out & About :: A Special Trip to Africa and Accordion Mini Album

Ultimately, it's the world around us that inspires–with this message in mind, we asked our CP Gals to seek something outside the home that inspires them directly and to craft about it. For CP Gal, Naomi Atkins, her latest inspiration was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa!

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My daughter Katlyn and I recently returned from a trip to Africa. We traveled with the American Foundation for Children with Aids and did photography and missions work near Bullawayo, Zimbabwe. We also were in Johannesburg, South Africa and got to see Victoria Falls in Zambia at the end of the trip. It was a life changing experience...

Both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time–so many people with so many needs. AIDS is a crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, and many children are left orphaned.

We built two playgrounds (out of very rudimentary materials) for children in two different primary schools. We sewed 150-200 hygiene kits for girls with hand-crank sewing machines so that they can stay in school...they lack basic sanitary supplies, so we made them something they can re-use. We also taught many AIDS widows how to sew the kits so they could start a small business.

We delivered livestock (goats) to families that are caretakers of AIDS orphans. Each family got three goats, with a promise to breed and return three to the foundation within three years.

Most of all, we held hundreds of little hands and cuddled and held more children than you can imagine. They left such an impact on our hearts! They have nothing...most of them walk 3-4 miles to school and back, many without shoes. Their food for the entire day, a small cup of watery porridge that we gave them, but has a days' worth of vitamins and minerals in it. But, they were happy! And so were we...

we lived without electricity, running water, toilets and many other basics for two weeks...and it changed our lives! We didn't have access to electronics, etc. Allowing us a chance to unwind in a very needed way, even though we were working hard!

Most of my project is created with Open Road. The collection comes with an awesome little mini album that can easily help you record your special trips and memories. I put some of my favorites inside, and used the pocket with the journaling card to record a few things I didn't want to forget.

The photos meant so much to me. I felt like I didn't want to overly embellish around them. I used some chipboard frames, die-cuts and journaling cards, and some of the stitched borders. I added a bit of stitching, buttons and tied twine around the album to close it.

Even though summer is winding down, make sure you take the time to record and journal your special 'summer' memories..all of the pretty products and paper aside–that is why we do what we do!

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: First Day Layout - Ginny Hughes

 

With the snap of a camera and many-a-photo later, the first day of school often calls for a layout, if not an entire scrapbook album. Here to share her daughter's 'middle school' moment alongside a fresh, geometric layout on the subject is CP Gal, Ginny Hughes.

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Hello Everyone! Ginny Hughes here today to share a layout I created about my oldest heading to middle school this Fall. In thinking about her taking this next academic step, I wonder how it is we got here so quickly? It is a big change for her and I wanted to take a moment to document the special occasion.

In starting my layout, first, I grabbed the geometric paper, 'Big Sky', from the Open Road collection. I prepared it as the background of the layout.  I then located the Boys Rule 6x6 paper pad and trimmed an assortment of triangles to overlap those found on the background.  I propped the pre-trimmed triangles accordingly using pop dots. They lend dimension and visual interest.

Ultimately, I was shooting for the 'graphic' look and I successfully delivered it with the two Crate Paper collections, Open Road and Boys Rule.

I added a photo and some journaling at the top of the page because I didn't want to hide too much of the awesome background paper! I continued adding lots of layers using a vast variety of fun items, including journaling tags, stickers, patterned paper, and vellum.

After a bit of sewing, I called it quits! The layout turned out as I had hoped it would...

New schools, new grades, and the first day of kindergarten–These are big moments in a child's life. It's important to document them all before it's too late. Have a great start to the school year!

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Jot it Down - Lisa Dickinson

We are on day two of our "Back-to-School" presentation and today, Lisa Dickinson has put together the cutest bundle of notepads we've ever seen! She kindly included instructions for making your own–totally pinworthy!

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Here's a quick & simple project that's perfect for back to school time! These custom decorated notepads make a great teacher's gift and are perfect for jotting quick notes and to-do lists. Plus, they come together in a snap and can easily be complete in under 30 minutes.

All you'll need is a few spiral bound memo pads (from the office supply store - grab some while you're shopping for school supplies!), your favorite Crate Papers and embellishments, some twine and few small pencils. 

Trim the patterned papers to the same size as the memo pad cover and adhere with your choice of adhesive. I like using a glue stick as you can cover the entire piece of paper for maximum adhesion.

Embellish the front of the notepads with die cuts, stickers, chipboard, or cork embellishments. I used some of my favorite from the Styleboard line, including the Cork Stickers and die-cut  vellum shapes.

Use twine to tie a small pencil to your memo pad. I looped my twin through the tag hole, but you could also use the wire spiral at the top of the pad to attach a writing utensil.

By mixing and matching the various Crate Paper patterns and accents, the options for adorning these pads are endless!

 These note pads are perfect for shopping lists, reminders and inspiration ideas, so in addition to creating these for my kids' teachers, I also made a few for myself. Tucked into a pocket in my purse, it will come in handy the next time I need to jot something down!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: New York City Road Trip - Katie Ehmann

Multi-photo layouts are a favorite of ours and here to present two of them following a road trip to food capital of the world, NYC, is CP Gal, Katie Ehmann.

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Ahhh, NYC, New York, New York, The Big Apple...whatever you call it, New York City is a truly amazing place to visit! I'm lucky to have a family member who lives there, and every summer I pack the car and roadtrip from Michigan to visit for a week. It's an eleven hour drive, and we always just drive straight through, making sure that we have lots of movies for my girls to watch! Once there, our days are filled with sightseeing, visiting parks, lots of photos, and of course, eating! And you know what? When I returned from my trip this year, I busted out Crate's Open Road collection and created two layouts, each with multiple photos.

My first commemorates the actual road trip portion of our vacation. I grabbed the awesome map paper and new right away I wanted to feature our route with hand stitching across the map. I used two pieces of red embroidery floss and traced the path from Michigan to NYC. My title takes center stage on this layout, with it's funky mixed fonts and the chipboard car and map. I love how it turned out, and the multicolor Thickers are the best! My photos are iPhone pics I snapped along the drive. I printed them in 3" x 3" squares and highlighted each with a chipboard slide frame. A few detailed embellishments completed my page.

My second layout pays homage to one of the ultimate features of NYC––the food! We went to so many different restaurants, and had a blast trying lots of what makes New York City cuisine so unique, from pizza to soup dumplings, to seafood and Coney dogs, we tried it all (well, almost!).

For this layout, I knew that I wanted to document the wide variety of food in New York, so I printed my photos in 1.5" x 1.5" squares, and arranged them in a grid across my page, leaving space in the middle for a title. I machine sewed the lines to add detail between photos. I loved the title on my first layout so much, that I decided to repeat the look on this project. The pink polka dot paper provided a good contrast to the boldness of the Thickers, and a few chipboard accents added detail without overwhelming the page.

Thanks for joining me today, Crate fans! I do hope you're enjoying some summer travels of your own!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Summer Scrapbooking Made Easy - Adrienne Alvis

Hello Crate Paper fans!  If you're anything like me, then you are trying to soak up every ounce of summer while it lasts.  Lately, my family and I have been taking an ample number of trips and spending endless hours in or by the water, so there hasn't been a whole lot of time for creating.  A couple ways that I try to streamline the scrapbook process when I'm short on time is to use simple grid designs and to stick to products that I love, including the 'chipboard frames' from the Open Road collection! Because of their infinite potential, creating a layout with them is a snap! Today, I'm sharing a couple of layouts using the frames in differing ways–have a peek! 

On this layout, I used several of the chipboard frames in a loose grid design.  I added 'mist' to the background and while it dried, I cut several pieces of patterned paper and backed the frames with them, except for the frame used for the photo.

I then used other products from the Open Road collection, such as the chipboard stickers and die cut embellishments, to layer on top of the frames.

 

I typed my journaling on a tag using my typewriter and placed it on top of the two 12" x 12" strips of patterned paper along the bottom of the layout.

 

 

For this next layout, I placed the chipboard frames in a square grid design and layered several of them on top of each other.  

I used a frame to house my photo and layered it on top of a floral die cut I created using my Silhouette.  I think it adds a bit of softness to the page by contrasting with the corners of the chipboard frames.

 

I embellished another frame with a couple of stickers and die cuts from the Oh Darling and Styleboard collections and placed several frames on top of, and alongside each other. 

I added part of the title to the larger chipboard frame in the lower right corner of the page and used three chipboard photo corners as an arrow pointing towards the title. I also placed another floral die cut behind the larger frame for visual balance. 

Summer scrapbooking doesn't have to be stressful, just fun!  With products from the Open Road collection and the help of a great grid design, finishing a layout or two is a breeze! I hope you're enjoying the summer...thanks for stopping by!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Frame It! - Ashley Marcu

CP Gal, Ashley Marcu, brings new focus to cardmaking with the help of Open Road's chipboard frames. Watch as she gets creative with this popular Crate Paper product.

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I have a little confession to make. I LOVE Crate Paper's chipboard frames. I really have to restrain myself from using them on every card and project. So, today, I'm sharing why I love them–I'll take you through three cards using the frames from Open Road to give you an idea of how they can shine and to inspire you to stretch your supplies and to try new things!

For my first card, I decided to make a collage of several stickers, die-cuts and a chipboard frame. The chipboard frame is small, but it has a big job of carrying the focal sentiment of the card.

When I'm putting together a card, I select embellishments that appeal to me and exhibit a wide range of colors (I love color!) that coordinate with what I've already chosen. I knew I wanted to use the same chipboard frame to hold my sentiment, so I started there and built around it.

Once the embellishments were set, I looked through the Highway Thickers to create my sentiment using a variety of colors.

Next up, I knew I wanted to create a grid or something 'graphic' from the chipboard frames. Think of the frames as pieces of a puzzle. It took me a few tries, but I was able to lay them out to create an interesting backdrop to my simple sentiment.

Since there was a lot of white space between the frames, I decided to mat the grid on some patterned paper to give it a little interest around the edges.

My final idea was to layer the frames. I chose two square frames that fit into one another to start my card.

To emphasize the layering, I took several die-cut embellishments and placed them under, over and even between the layers. This creates a lot of visual interest and is a fun way to layer.

I hope this inspired you to look at Crate Paper's embellishments, including the chipboard frames, in a new exciting way! Happy Crafting!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Vintage Summer - Lisa Dickinson

We adore the vintage softness of today's layout from CP Gal, Lisa Dickinson. She's gone back in time to document an old summertime memory; bike riding. Read on to find out more about this sweet, pastel-rich page. 

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I recently went back through some of my photo archives to look at shots taken in summers past. I loved looking through the pictures of us doing all our favorite summertime activities - swimming, camping, riding bikes and sidewalk chalk included!  It inspired me to scrap one such activity from a few years back - when my daughter learned to ride her bike.

I knew that I wanted the page to have a fresh summer vibe that would let the photo shine. Since I had applied a vintage a filter to my photo, I took color cues from it and selected a palette of pinks, soft greens and grays with just a touch of yellow.

The pink polka dot paper ('Mae's Cafe' from the Open Road collection) was ideal to set a girly tone, and I used it in the largest amount. But because I didn't want the page to feel too feminine, I also added in pieces of more neutral patterns - the map paper ('Scenic Route' from Open Road) and a gray grid background ('Main Street' from Open Road).

A few die cuts and journal cards from the Open Road collection also mixed in nicely to create a layered backdrop for my photo and journaling. Then it was time to have fun embellishing. I selected various bits and pieces based on color - touches of aqua, yellow and pink were what I sought out in my Crate stash. I ended up pulling pieces from Oh Darling, Love Notes, and Stylebook to accent the layout.

The Banner Thickers from the Oh Darling line were a great way to add texture and dimension to my title when paired with a die cut word. I also added several chunky pieces of chipboard around the page, using the Black Speedometer from Open Road right next to my photo to draw the eye there. I also tucked in three die-cut vellum doilies (from the Styleboard line) to form a visual triangle around my grouping. They are soft and subtle but help frame my focal point.

I hope you've been inspired to pull out your Crate stash to scrap a favorite summer memory! Just let your photo dictate your color selection and don't be afraid to mix and match to your heart's content.  Happy scrapping!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Two Vacation Memories & Two Layouts - Jina Jean

 

It's easy to rack up lots of photos during the summer months–especially when traveling! Our CP Gal, Jina Jean, has a couple of ideas for scrapbooking your fun vacation photos. Read on to find out more!

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Yeah! It's time to take a vacation! Summer is the perfect time of year to get outside your comfort zone and travel with family and friends. We recently took a fun adventure of our own and I captured a vast number of photos along the way. Today, I want to show you how I scrapbooked some of the photos–especially those that I love!

This first layout showcases a photo that calls to focus the subject of 'landscapes'. It's essence is not that of "portraiture', but forestry and foliage. The memories soaked in at the very moment I took the photo echo throughout the entirety of the scene - which I made every effort to capture. This is further emphasized through the use of a large sized photo. Usually, I prefer to work with either 4" x 6"/2" x 3" photo'(s), but I went BIG this time around. I printed the photo on a full a4 sized sheet of photo paper. I then adhered it to the upper half of the layout, and arranged a minimal number of "Open Road" embellishments throughout. On top the photo is a simple arrangement of white letters - lending contrast against the green backdrop. As a finishing touch, I added journaling along the bottom.

My second layout goes beyond the 'photo' and instead, it's emphasis is on storytelling. During the trip, I took numerous photos from one location to the next. Each moment ascertained it's own special story. On this layout, I wanted to highlight one such moment. To do this, I pushed two related photos, from a single event, to the outer edges of my layout and in the center, I added journaling–connecting the two photos in a very personal way. In revisiting the journaling, I'm reminded of the special memories made during our travels.

I hope you like the two layout examples presented here - each personifies a unique perspective for documenting your unforgettable summer vacation memories. Consider what it is you want to emphasize and don't forget about the importance of journaling. Have a beautiful summer day!

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Inspiration On the Go - Marie Lottermoser

Inspiration often arises when you least expect it–CP Gal, Marie Lottermoser, gives the scoop on two newly discovered areas of inspiration she sought just prior to producing two 'on-the-go' Open Road layouts! They are totally fun!

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I have been looking for new sources of inspiration for my scrapbooking, and this month I turned to books and the television. I started off by getting ideas from the titles, and then tried to capture the general theme throughout my layouts.

First up, I used the book, "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss as a jumping off point for this layout about my son's elementary school graduation. As his time in grade school comes to an end he is just slightly nervous about middle school and the new adventures awaiting him.

The quotes from this book were so appropriate for my son's situation. I think the best line is:

"You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you may steer yourself in any direction you choose."

I took the quotes and added a mat of patterned paper behind each one to make them pop. Then I laid them out in a grid pattern around the central photo and title. By adding arrows from one quote to the next, it helps the eyes travel around the page. The movement created by the arrows is a great way to express the idea of going new places.

Using different colors and sizes of letters in the title also helped capture the spirit of Dr. Seuss. To make the title stand out even more, I printed some of the words in black ink on my printer, and then added the "important" words in colorful chipboard letters to really make them shine.

My next layout was inspired by the tv show, 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives'. Watching this show, reminded me of a recent outing we had taken to one of our favorite diners. Nothing is more retro than a 50's diner and I knew I needed to use the accents from the Open Road collection to kick-start my layout.

Once again, I used mixed chipboard letters to create a fun and colorful title to reflect my theme. An added benefit of making part of the title on my computer is I have more of the fantastic chipboard alphabet left to use on other layouts.

Inspiration can come from so many places. The next time you're having a scrapbooking block, just take a look around. You never know where your inspiration will come from next.

CP Gal Subject Gallery: Saving Time with Open Road & Grids - Stephanie Buice

 

 

Hi everyone, Stephanie here with a summery layout that models an assortment of exquisite details and 'open gallery' feel. This time of year is extremely busy for me! I'm running around here and there while never really feeling like I can ever catch up. So, I felt it a wonderful benefit when offered the chance to slow down for a while and take time out to let my hands be busy doing what I enjoy–scrapbooking!

 

I dug into the Open Road collection–a favorite summer line at the moment, and got right to work.

 

Here is my "Summer Days Are Here" layout:

 

Because time is a hot commodity at the moment, I really like using this grid style layout as a go-to for saving precious minutes during the busy summer rush. And because it is a familiar composition, finishing a layout is a breeze! I like that I get to use special pieces from various collections to help tell my story, too!

 

Never be afraid to dig into your stash of layouts and re-create some of your favorites. I think you will be pleasantly surprised not only at the amount of time you'll save, but of the fun you'll have with so much of the guess work eliminated.

 

 

This layout reminds me of the photo gallery walls that are now very popular in home decor, because of all the different elements and how they're arranged ever-so-evenly with an equal amount of surround space. Just like how they'd be arranged on a wall at home and how they may tell a story of your family, I used a piece from different collections to help tell the story of my picture.

 

 

The colors in this collection remind me of suntans and long days spent and enjoyed outside. The picture I used on this layout is of us at a ball game we went to recently. My journaling reads "There's nothing like a warm summer day at the ballpark... a picnic blanket, music and my honey; I'm loving life."

 

 

The different embellishments I chose were very significant to our day. The radio represents the music that was playing and the flowers for the beautiful landscape. One of my favorites is the Alabama license plate–how perfect! I think that sometimes, it's easy for us to just pile on the cuteness 'just because', so I like that this page allows me to really pull in a few strong storytelling pieces.

 

 

With so much going on, I feel it's easy for the eye to just wander without guidance. To help solve this problem, I placed strips of patterned paper and a tiny collage about midway through the page to draw the eye upward and call attention to the rest of the details.

 

 

I recommend going through your own stash of 'Crate' and select those pieces you've been saving for a special layout, and put them to use. This kind of layout is very forgiving allowing you to use embellishments of all different sizes, designs and textures.

 

I know it's summer and all of us have busy schedules, but don't forget to take time out to relax and have fun. This is an easy layout that can be accomplished in a variety of ways, so take a few minutes and try it on for size! I hope that the sharing of my creative process makes it a little less time consuming now that you've seen it done.

Happy Summer Days Ahead!