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June 25, 2010
Stretch Your Supplies: Punch Week 1
Remember our "six weeks of sketches" blog challenges, based on our popular Stretch Your Sketches eBook?
Well, we're starting a NEW series of challenges, beginning today, that will go for the next three weeks. And we're going to ask you to stretch again, except this time you're stretching a product from your stash, in particular your punches!
In the last two years the type, quality, and styles of punches have grown drastically. It is a tool that can be used in so many different ways. We, at Ella, were inspired by the inventive ways Nicole Harper, Stephanie Howell, and Kelly Noel used punches on their layouts in Eight is Enough: Easy ways to stretch supplies and use leftovers, so we wanted to extend the inspiration to you!
Join us for three weeks of stretching as we get creative with our punches.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:
Make a background using paper scraps and a punch!
I created this layout with a Martha Stewart button punch that embosses AND punches at the same time. The lively colors and playful heart made from buttons really suit these photos of my cute niece.
To participate, upload a layout that fits this week's challenge anywhere online (to your blog, to an online gallery, or to our BRAND NEW Flickr gallery). Then leave a comment on this post containing a link to your layout by Thursday, July 1 at midnight MST. One random participant each week will win a free copy of Eight is Enough!
AND, at the end of the three weeks, we'll pick two random participants from the entire challenge series who will each win an assortment of punches from EK Tools and Martha Stewart Crafts! Every layout you enter counts as one entry into the giveaway, so yes you can submit several different layouts in the same week, and the more times you enter, the greater the odds that you'll win!
Well, we're starting a NEW series of challenges, beginning today, that will go for the next three weeks. And we're going to ask you to stretch again, except this time you're stretching a product from your stash, in particular your punches!
In the last two years the type, quality, and styles of punches have grown drastically. It is a tool that can be used in so many different ways. We, at Ella, were inspired by the inventive ways Nicole Harper, Stephanie Howell, and Kelly Noel used punches on their layouts in Eight is Enough: Easy ways to stretch supplies and use leftovers, so we wanted to extend the inspiration to you!
Join us for three weeks of stretching as we get creative with our punches.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE:
Make a background using paper scraps and a punch!
I created this layout with a Martha Stewart button punch that embosses AND punches at the same time. The lively colors and playful heart made from buttons really suit these photos of my cute niece.
To participate, upload a layout that fits this week's challenge anywhere online (to your blog, to an online gallery, or to our BRAND NEW Flickr gallery). Then leave a comment on this post containing a link to your layout by Thursday, July 1 at midnight MST. One random participant each week will win a free copy of Eight is Enough!
AND, at the end of the three weeks, we'll pick two random participants from the entire challenge series who will each win an assortment of punches from EK Tools and Martha Stewart Crafts! Every layout you enter counts as one entry into the giveaway, so yes you can submit several different layouts in the same week, and the more times you enter, the greater the odds that you'll win!
EK Success is giving away:
Dotted Circle Medium Punch
Zig Zag Chain Edger Punch
For Sale Sign Large Punch
Bubbles Edger Punch
Martha Stewart Crafts is giving away:
Leaf Stamp and PunchMedium Birthday Candles Punch
Garden Trellis Deep Edge Punch
Deco Fans Punch Around the Page Set 
Posted at 08:02 PM
June 23, 2010
Wednesday Giveaway: Studio Calico + Ella
Did you see? Ella's newest eBook is now up for sale! You are among the very first to know about it...word has been leaking out little by little, and the word is that it's AWESOME!
In Eight is Enough: Easy ways to stretch supplies and use leftovers, we partnered with Studio Calico (and five of their talented design-team members) to show you awesome tips and tricks for saving cash and using up your stash!
You see, design-team members typically have the goal of creating layouts that show off all the amazing products that come in that product line or kit. And Studio Calico designers are no exception. The goal is to show off the wealth of supplies you get in the kit. (And I can attest that Studio Calico kits are PACKED with goodies; there's seriously a lot of beautifully coordinated bang for your buck, especially considering what you'd pay to buy all the items separately.)
Wendy and I wondered what would happen if we asked those SAME designers to try to create four layouts with just eight supplies total. We wanted to see them stretch their creativity and their supplies. And we told them they had to pull these supplies from their stash of extras and leftovers (specifically, their extras and leftovers from past Studio Calico kits).
We were amazed at how beautifully diverse their designs were! And we know you will be too. This book is a definite must-read. Here's the feedback we're getting so far:
We'll pick TWO winners. One will receive a free copy of this stunning new eBook, and the other will win Studio Calico's upcoming July kit, called "Continental"! Here's a sneak peek. Visit Studio Calico's website for more info or to join the kit club. (Note: if you're intrigued by this kit, it's best to place your order SOON. Their kits have a tendency to sell out if you don't act fast.)
Let's hear it!
(p.s. Wondering about the winner from last week's Making Memories contest? It was commenter #190, harrisonquilter, who is looking forward to some sunshine and waves after a tough couple of months. Well, here's a teeny tiny ray of sunshine for you!)
In Eight is Enough: Easy ways to stretch supplies and use leftovers, we partnered with Studio Calico (and five of their talented design-team members) to show you awesome tips and tricks for saving cash and using up your stash!
You see, design-team members typically have the goal of creating layouts that show off all the amazing products that come in that product line or kit. And Studio Calico designers are no exception. The goal is to show off the wealth of supplies you get in the kit. (And I can attest that Studio Calico kits are PACKED with goodies; there's seriously a lot of beautifully coordinated bang for your buck, especially considering what you'd pay to buy all the items separately.)
Wendy and I wondered what would happen if we asked those SAME designers to try to create four layouts with just eight supplies total. We wanted to see them stretch their creativity and their supplies. And we told them they had to pull these supplies from their stash of extras and leftovers (specifically, their extras and leftovers from past Studio Calico kits).
We were amazed at how beautifully diverse their designs were! And we know you will be too. This book is a definite must-read. Here's the feedback we're getting so far:
"Love Love Love Love Love the new eBook - it just might be my favorite one yet!" ~Katie Scott
"I couldn't believe how FULL it was. I'm so impressed with all the layouts and how many incredible tips are inside!"~Rachel Gainer
"It looks PHENOMENAL...I'm so proud to be a part of it!! xoxoxo" ~Stephanie Howell
The Giveaway
Now for the fun stuff! To enter, leave us a comment sharing your favorite memory from Eight is Enough the television show, if you remember back that far! (Note: "I liked Willie Ames WAY better in Charles in Charge" or "I've never even heard of that show!" both count as acceptable comments.)We'll pick TWO winners. One will receive a free copy of this stunning new eBook, and the other will win Studio Calico's upcoming July kit, called "Continental"! Here's a sneak peek. Visit Studio Calico's website for more info or to join the kit club. (Note: if you're intrigued by this kit, it's best to place your order SOON. Their kits have a tendency to sell out if you don't act fast.)
Let's hear it!
(p.s. Wondering about the winner from last week's Making Memories contest? It was commenter #190, harrisonquilter, who is looking forward to some sunshine and waves after a tough couple of months. Well, here's a teeny tiny ray of sunshine for you!)
Posted at 12:39 PM
June 8, 2010
Mixing patterns
We'd like to welcome a guest blogger today who we at Ella have admired for a long time, the talented Layle Koncar, veteran of both Scenic Route and BasicGrey scrapbooking companies. Take it away, Layle!
I was recently browsing through a piece ofjunk mail pamphlet sent to me by one of our local furniture stores and I ran across an article that translated perfectly to scrapbooking.
In true 'Dear Abby' style, a reader asked the question
"Is it O.K. to mix stripes, plaids, florals and other patterns in a single room"?
Switch that last word from 'room' to 'layout' and voila! I found that the answer to the question not only works in home decor, but it works perfectly for scrapbooking, too!
Mixing patterns can be daunting. And if you're like me, it can be super daunting when it comes to scrapbooking. I have no problem mixing stripes and florals and plaids, etc when decorating, but when it comes to scrapbooking, I freeze!
But when I started thinking about mixing patterns with home decor and translating that to scrapbooking, a light bulb went off in my head.
The response to the reader's question was simple - mixing patterns is a great way to add energy and vitality to a room.
The article went on to suggest 3 main points to consider when mixing patterns
Supplies: stripe patterned paper (BasicGrey Offbeat) + patterned paper, alpha stickers, label stickers, rub-ons, Fabrips (Studio Calico Documentary)
What do you know? It works!
SO glad I didn't toss this pamphlet before reading it. And so glad my husband didn't get to it before I did and throw it in the recycle bin before I grabbed it, which is a typical occurrence in our household :)
I started looking back through some of my more recent layouts and projects and found that every once in a while (must be a fluke!) I've applied these principles without realizing it.
Giveaway and Discount:
I'd like to share a project, or I should say Class Kit, that shows these design principles in action, with one lucky Ella blog reader. I'll be teaching 3 workshops in Southern California on July 9th and 10th (click here to view the workshops on my blog) and check out the images below.
1. The Three T's
2. Now You Know
3. Thank You For Being a Friend
Just leave a comment on this post by end of day Thursday June 10th letting me know if you're a 'mixing pattern expert' and these principles are a 'no duh' for you or you struggle like me when it comes to mixing patterns and these are an 'aha', I'm interested to hear back! On Friday morning I'll draw one random lucky winner to receive one of the 3 class kits (a $60 value)! If you're the lucky winner and local to Southern California, you can even come join in the fun and attend a class vs. having the kit mailed to you!
There are a few spots available in the classes and I'd love to have some Ella readers join me. Sign up to attend 1, 2 or 3 of the workshops, mention that you read about it on Ella and receive $10 off. Don't live in Southern California, no worries! There's a shipping option available!
Good luck! and stop by my blog and say hi sometime.
And hey, next time take a second look at that junk mail, you never know what scrapbooking advice it might hold!
(p.s. for more fun with patterns, make sure you check out our Mix & Match article and Lisa Dickinson's helpful eBook, Design Workshop: Become a design genius in 10 easy steps.)
I was recently browsing through a piece of
In true 'Dear Abby' style, a reader asked the question
"Is it O.K. to mix stripes, plaids, florals and other patterns in a single room"?
Switch that last word from 'room' to 'layout' and voila! I found that the answer to the question not only works in home decor, but it works perfectly for scrapbooking, too!
Mixing patterns can be daunting. And if you're like me, it can be super daunting when it comes to scrapbooking. I have no problem mixing stripes and florals and plaids, etc when decorating, but when it comes to scrapbooking, I freeze!
But when I started thinking about mixing patterns with home decor and translating that to scrapbooking, a light bulb went off in my head.
The response to the reader's question was simple - mixing patterns is a great way to add energy and vitality to a room.
The article went on to suggest 3 main points to consider when mixing patterns
- There are no rules to how many patterns to mix; however, too many patterns can be overwhelming. Odd numbers are generally more interesting to the eye, so 3 patterns is a good start.
- If things start to look too busy, use a solid color to strike a balance between patterns.
- Stripes tend to be the most adaptable to different decors and the easiest to harmonize with other patterns.
- Odd number of patterns - the tone on tone stripe, a paisley and a bolder stripe
- Solid color - the cream '4' pillow
- Stripes!
- Odd number of patterns - the polka dot, the honeycomb and the stripe
- Solid color - the white background
- Stripes!
Supplies: stripe patterned paper (BasicGrey Offbeat) + patterned paper, alpha stickers, label stickers, rub-ons, Fabrips (Studio Calico Documentary)
What do you know? It works!
SO glad I didn't toss this pamphlet before reading it. And so glad my husband didn't get to it before I did and throw it in the recycle bin before I grabbed it, which is a typical occurrence in our household :)
I started looking back through some of my more recent layouts and projects and found that every once in a while (must be a fluke!) I've applied these principles without realizing it.
Giveaway and Discount:
I'd like to share a project, or I should say Class Kit, that shows these design principles in action, with one lucky Ella blog reader. I'll be teaching 3 workshops in Southern California on July 9th and 10th (click here to view the workshops on my blog) and check out the images below.
1. The Three T's
2. Now You Know
3. Thank You For Being a Friend
Just leave a comment on this post by end of day Thursday June 10th letting me know if you're a 'mixing pattern expert' and these principles are a 'no duh' for you or you struggle like me when it comes to mixing patterns and these are an 'aha', I'm interested to hear back! On Friday morning I'll draw one random lucky winner to receive one of the 3 class kits (a $60 value)! If you're the lucky winner and local to Southern California, you can even come join in the fun and attend a class vs. having the kit mailed to you!
There are a few spots available in the classes and I'd love to have some Ella readers join me. Sign up to attend 1, 2 or 3 of the workshops, mention that you read about it on Ella and receive $10 off. Don't live in Southern California, no worries! There's a shipping option available!
Good luck! and stop by my blog and say hi sometime.
And hey, next time take a second look at that junk mail, you never know what scrapbooking advice it might hold!
(p.s. for more fun with patterns, make sure you check out our Mix & Match article and Lisa Dickinson's helpful eBook, Design Workshop: Become a design genius in 10 easy steps.)
Posted at 09:33 PM
December 1, 2009
Giving Thanks Digi Mini-Album Tutorial
Today at Ella we are THRILLED (beyond thrilled, actually, but we couldn't think of a word for that -- uber-thrilled?) to have talented digital scrapbook designer Liz Tamanaha of Paislee Press as a guest blogger! Liz has created a super-quick, super-easy, super-cute project that's suitable for any level of digital skill, from non-existent to extra-sassy! Read on for more fun...
Are your favorite moments and memories scattered all over the place?
Why not gather them up and put them in a mini-album?
I know what you're thinking: Who has the time, especially around the holidays? This album is such a breeze to put together, you can complete it in a matter of hours, even in the midst of the busy holiday season. That's right! If I (a.k.a. The Slowest Scrapbooker Ever) can pull this off, YOU most definitely can, too! It's a simple mini-album with a whole lot of heart: A collection of your favorite photos of the year and why you are thankful for these moments, in three easy steps:
1. Pick 10-12 of your favorite photos from this year.
2. Jot down why you are thankful for the moment or memory that the photo depicts.
3. Put the photo and the corresponding journaling side-by-side in the album.
Your top ten moments of the year are now all gathered in one place. Mission accomplished! (For more photos of the album I created, go here.)
This is as close to an "All About Me" book as I'm ever going to get! I'm thinking of doing one of these every year around Thanksgiving time. It'll be neat a few years from now to look through this collection of thankful moments and see how things have changed (or remained the same).
To make this project even easier for you, here is the journaling template I created to make the album. (Note: The template is available as both a .png and a layered .psd file so you can customize it to your heart's content!) 
If you're new to digital scrapbooking and Photoshop, never fear! Check out the tutorial below. Go grab the free journaling template and come back here to follow along as I walk you through the basics of how to create your first journaling page in Photoshop. You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover how easy and fun it is! (Note: This tutorial will work with Photoshop and most recent versions of Photoshop Elements. Don't have PSE? You can download a free trial version here!)
HOW TO USE THE JOURNALING TEMPLATE: A PHOTOSHOP TUTORIAL
1. Open the Quick Page.
Open the quick page in Photoshop (File > open > navigate to where you saved paislee-iamthankful-white.png, select it, and click OPEN. Mac users: simply drag the paislee-iamthankful-white.png icon and drop it onto the Photoshop icon found on your navigation bar).
Your screen should look something like this now:
2. Add Your Text
Select your text tool.
Click on the file and drag your mouse to create your text box. Once you get the shape/size you want, release your mouse button.
Once you release your mouse, you will see a blinking line (that is your text cursor). Begin typing. Use the text tools at the top of the navigation bar to change text properties (font, size, color, etc.).
3. Customizing Text Color with the Eyedropper Function.
Here's what the page looks like so far with my journaling. It looks fine, but I think it would look better with a bit of color. I'm going to make the date and the first sentence red to match the heart. You can get exact color matches very easily in Photoshop using the eyedropper tool (this is one of my very favorite functions in Photoshop!).
HIGHLIGHT the text you want to color, then click on the Color Swatch Box at the top of the navigation bar. A color pop-up window will appear, and your mouse icon should now look like an eyedropper. Click on the heart and the color will change to red, as easy as that!
Click OK to confirm the color change. Your journal box should look something like this now. And your page is done! If this is your very first Photoshop creation, CONGRATULATIONS! There's just one last step...
4. Last Step: Saving the Layout
To save the layout, I recommend saving several versions: One as a .psd file (with the layers) so that you can go back and modify the layout, and a flattened .jpg version (a high-res file for printing, and a low-res file for posting online).
Saving the file as an editable .psd file:
FILE > SAVE AS > name of file.psd (make sure the file extension is .psd!)
Saving the layout for print:
1. Flatten your layout file: LAYERS > FLATTEN
2. Save the file as a high-resolution .jpg file: FILE > SAVE AS > name of file.jpg (quality = 10)
3. Save the file as a low-resolution .jpg file: FILE > SAVE AS > name of file.jpg (quality = 3)
For more information on saving files and file formats, check out this article in the October issue of Scrapbook Ellaments.
Posted at 07:22 AM
