P.Lynne Designs

Obsessed with Scrapbooking: Two New Layout Based Cricut Cartridges Released Today!

2013-05-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

On this blog I am showing you, I see that Cricut is starting to finally listening to the consumer, and not having just images in their cartridge system. They have been doing this for about a year, starting with the project cartridges (I have one which is the Mini book cartridge.) You can only make oh so many image and font carts with doing a whole lot of repeating, and they got rid of the lite carts before I could even get started. (Please do not get me started about what Provo Craft and Walmart did 3 years ago, I am still having issues with that move)
Do not get me wrong, I still love my many machines and the brand, but to me, Provo Craft still has a lot of growing up to do, and from what I can tell on my end, that growing up process is slow and steady. I am still need to do 2 years worth of updating to get my Imagine to talk with Cricut Classroom (CCR), while my E2, 5 (Expressions 2, 5th Anniversary) is swimmingly happily working with it. (Is that even a phrase, "swimmingly happily?") E1 is waiting in the wings for the day that I have a cricut project in which all 3 machines are on, simultaneously, or E2 or Imagine decides that it is time to die. (End of Rant-- You can go back to your regular reading)
Anyway, I am loving this new attitude that Provo Craft is taking. The best news of all is about trying out cartridges before buying them. I said it in the last post about Cricut, and I am saying it again, What a God sent. I have 23 physical carts, 4 on the E2, and 1 I discovered they pre-loaded on the Imagine (You do know this? Right? I discovered while playing around with it one evening last year). It is not a true cart, but is helps to have some basic shapes on the darn thing, as much as it costs on HSN (Home Shopping Network) when it debuted. (Got mine secondhand for $250 less two years later). The process is simply: If you have CCR loaded into your computer or Laptop. Sorry, but no love for the Ipad, I tried it, and the software needs Flash to work it, and I do not think Apple is going to let it happen soon. I have looked at the cartridge, "The First Few Years, on the CCR software, and I love it. If you have a little one, it takes you from age 0 to 5 years, thus the first Few years. There are some basic shape on the cart as well. This does not have to be for baby, though. It can be for the first few years as a couple, in your new home, or even with your puppy.
Well take a look at the review this blogger gives on this cart and the cart, "When I was a Kid." I will try to make a layout based on the first one within a week before having to buy it. In the meantime, Read the article, and give her some blog love with a comment. Come back, and let me know you did. Have a blessed day.

Read Related Link: Obsessed with Scrapbooking: Two New Layout Based Cricut Cartridges Released Today!:

Share the Memories Freebie Kit | MyMemories

2013-05-14T01:05:00.001-04:00

Get a freebie here from share the memories: Share the Memories Freebie Kit | MyMemories:

Some of the ways you can use this kit are:

Page elements
Homemade cards
Mini Books
Altered items (like boxes, bags, and book markers)

All you have to do once you download them is print them from your printer.

Want more freebies? just sign up for a free subscription.

Tip: How to use brochures and maps in a scrapbook page...Part 2

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Paper choices

Yesterday, I show up to deciding what photos to use, and how large to make your layout. Today will be all about paper choices, embellishments, and putting it together.

Paper choices is just a matter of cardstock or pattern paper for background paper. The trick here is to use the photo as a color reference. If not, the photo will clash with your color choice. I am looking at my photo, and I really so not see a whole lot of colors that can clash with it. There is the red of the brick, greenery is green, the sky is almost white, and the buildings are beige-like. This is great, just what I have hoped for.
I went with a beige cardstock for a background, but I did not stop there. You will just have to see the finished product at the end of the post. Now let's put it together....

Step 1: paper. At this point of your little project, layer any papers on the background paper. This is the part where you can play around with your brochures and other items if they are made of paper. I plot mine almost in a collage-type fashion, but I did not overlap except in one tiny area. At this point, If you have any paint or stain mists (like from Glimmer Mist or Lindy's Stamp Gang), now is the time to use it.

Step 2: Place your photos. I have only one, so I put it sort of in the middle of the page.
Step 3: Embellishing: If you have any embellishments, put them now, but not too many. You do not want to take the main focus off the photos (if you have any). Also do not be afraid to copy the back of the brochure, if you only have one, or you plan on using it more than once, as long as you use it for your own personal use. In other words, do not sell anything on the brochure or the brochure itself, Ebay sellers. Yes, obey the copyright rule.
Step 4: Journaling. After after everything has dried and you have done you last bit of arrangements on the layout, write about it. If you are telling a story, answer everyone's curiosity, by taking a journalist approach. Answer the who, what, when, why, and how questions. another approach is what I did, labeling, which just answers the who or what questions. Always remember to date it, even if it just the year. I put the year, but I let the photo answer the "when did you take the photo" question.

Step 5: Enjoy your masterpiece. You have earned it. Now you are ready for the summer. now I have one more step into Layout Land....DON'T FORGET THE CAMERA, THERE ARE MEMORIES TO CREATE!

Have a blessed day.

Tip: How to use brochures and maps in a scrapbook page...part 1

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

When most people travel, they bring back with them a ton of brochures of places they have been to. While this is a good thing to show the family what they have been missing while you have were away having fun, it can be clutter, unless you do something about it.

In this example I am going to use my 2004 trip to Disney. You got that right, 2004, and I collected tons of brochures and maps of the parks, which have change a lot since I was there.

Box of 2004 brochures and maps

They have been in a box waiting for me to do something to them since that trip. See the welcome home folder? I was at the time a Disney Vacation Club member, so that was my welcome home folder with all the goodies me and my family received on that trip. I have the membership card sitting next to me, also ready to be put in a scrapbook for my viewing pleasure. Now a word from the organization experts about this sort of thing: "If you have not used it in a year, toss it, give it to charity, something, either use it or lose it." My words, their thoughts, and they are right, but I did not toss it in 2005 like I was supposed to. The only proper way is to use what I want and toss the rest away. After all, I will be getting new ones in December, including and hopefully a new DVC Card.

Now you can go about this two ways (there are more, but for now, let's stick with two ways): scrapbook with or without photos. If you scrapbook with photos, make sure you have photo friendly paper behind the photo, since the brochures are not printed on that kind of paper. This is great when you have people or characters in the photo or want to highlight something special (baby enjoying her first Dole Whip). You can always get archival mist, but that can be a bit on the messy side, and it might make the colors in the brochures run together. If you decide to go this route, make sure you test first. The second way is without photos, and this is for when you did not take any, they turned out horrible, or you want to keep something like a Smash book. For this example, I am doing a layout with photos, because I found them. (Do not ask, just know that I found them, LOL)

Step #1: Gather your photos. I would start by separating the majority of them by scenery, areas of the park, or themes. like this

Do not let this pile fool you. It is only temporary, if you let it. The photos are not going to deteriorate that fast, but you do have to do something with the pile of photos. if you are not going to work on them for a while, get a photo-friendly envelope, which are available in most places with a photo kiosk near by (such as a drugstore or a local scrapbooking store (LSS)). As you can see, I wrote down where I took the photos and the date of the photo. Since it has been so long, I placed the year on to the slips of paper. A paperclip or rubber band will do until you can put them in envelopes.

Back to the layout...

I decided for the purpose of this demonstration to go with this photo:

We were about ready to ride the train around the park, and I decided to snap this picture. It was the perfect shot, and I am titling the layout, Walk down the Middle of Main Street USA, after the song by the same title.

To me, this started my day (even though we had been to Epcot the day before)

Now that I have choose my photo (and feel free to choose as many as you like, just do not over crowd your background paper). I decided to choose to scrapbook around this one.

Step 2: Will it be one page or two? Oh and while I am at it, what size will it be?

The beauty of scrapbook albums is you can use pages as an one or two page layout spread. I am usually a two spread layout girl myself, because I want to get the most bank for my buck with two pages. This time, I want to challenge myself and so a one page. This is great for a layout for one photo. Since you will be using your brochures and maps as well, you can easily have one layout for the photo and those materials and the other for just the brochures.

Well that is the end of this post but not the end of this layout, stay tuned for part 2 where I will show you how to choose your paper, style and other goodies. Have a blessed day

Wishing you Sunny Days....Thinking of you card.

2013-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am back on track to show you what I made to share. This time it is another Heartfelt Creations card, that will not be on my Etsy shop, P.Lynne Designs for copyright reasons. I made this card to go with the theme, Thinking of You. The teal blue card blank has paper from Recollections pack, Floral Gardens, which has become one of my favorite non Prima, non Graphic 45, and non DCWV paper pack. I love how the colors of this pack are muted, and this is the first 8.5" x 11" paper I have ever liked. I tend to gravitate more towards 12 x 12 stacks.

The digi-stamp is from Heartfelt Creations, but any stamp will do. The sentiment is from the same Heartfelt Creations collections. I colored the bird with my Copics Markers. There is a sentiment on the inside of the card as well.

Have a blessed Day.

My Etsy Shop has been rebooted

2013-04-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

I have rebooted my Etsy shop, which now has the new name, P. Lynne Designs, and new items. At the moment, I am crafting by adding new items, and I have dived into the world of digital documents for people who keep or want to keep home management manuals for their home.
So these are the items I have listed:

This first item is a 3 card set with envelopes. I have a love for shopping, and this is dedicated to all of those who also have that love. I have forgotten the name of the paper, but it has French writing on it. the bag is a die cut made with the Cricut. I distressed the front and the sides. the bag says "shopping" on it. The envelopes are made from Kraft color paper. You can check out the listing under "Related Articles"

The next item is a set of 4 cards, tags, and envelopes. My challenge at the time was to see what I can make out of a card kit. The card kit is a retired kit from Close to My Heart, and it is a spring card set. The tags have flowers on them that match the cards, and the envelopes are made out of vellum.

The last card set is a set of 6 cards, again made from a Close to My Heart Set with 6 vellum envelopes. Each card is different but there are 2 Just for you, a Thinking of You, Thank You, Happy Spring, and a non Sentiment card. all are have the same pattern, just done in different ways, and I had fun doing it. The point of the challenge comes from another post I had last year. Use a kit and think outside the box. You do not have to make the design that is given to you, especially if you are not a beginner and you already have a design in mind. I love seeing what I can do with the materials that were given to me, and make it mine.

Digital Products.

As I said at the top of this post, I am trying my hand in selling digital products. For the moment, it will not be cards, but I want to get into invitations. I have seen several digital products on Etsy, Ebay, and the others. All you need is your computer and printer to print it out. The only thing that I do ask of is since the file is made for the person buying the file that it is not sold as part of another package. These files were meant to be sold for personal use only. I do not mind creating documents for a business, because I am a freelance writer as well. I just asked that these documents would not be sold that way.

The first one is a Daily To do list. It is arranged so that a person can go room by room, and write out what needs to be done. Print it out on you paper as needed. I just printed it out on the paper I had in my printer at the time, which was spiral bound paper.
As you can tell by the picture, You can list up to 5 things to do in each room. I hope you do not have more than five. If you do, let me know, and I can customize the file to your preference.

The last one is the same thing, only this is a monthly to do list. This is a month by month list, and it is also organized room by room. This is for those things that you need to do on a monthly basis.

These two are the beginnings of a home management guide I am putting together, and I hope I will have it together by fall. Why so long? This is a teaser, but I am working on a beginners scrapbook e-book. This is for those who either want to scrapbook and do not have the money or the patience to do it, or those who want a refresher course in it. I am almost finished with the writing portion of it, and then there is the editing and other things that an e-book needs. I will let you know when it is finished.

Well that is it for now. I do hope that you do check out my Etsy shop, and I have started to add to it more every day. Have a blessed day.

Mother's day is in two weeks

2013-04-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

Get $25 back when you buy a Cricut Mini!

Mother's are always in a crafting mood. Give Mom something to craft about. Click the link to learn more.

For all of you who own a gypsy.... and using your resources wisely.

2013-04-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

cricut s (Photo credit: zcopley)

You can now connect the Cricut Classroom to your gypsy. I found the information on this website, but you can always find out on Cricut.com. I personally do not own a gypsy, and never had a desire to do so. My reasons are simple, I have never been great at multitasking outside of the home. For instance, the way that Provo Craft marketed the Gypsy when it first came out was to be able to design a layout while at the doctor's office or a little league baseball game. OK, first of all, the reason why I am at the doctor's office is to get well, or when my oldest nephew played baseball when he was little, I am there to cheer him on and to encourage him to get to the next base, or to catch the ball. the last thing I want to do is to take my mind off of those goals, and place them on some machine that I can use at home. Some people are able to do that, I applaud them, and I am not criticizing them at all to be able to design something and concentrate on cheering their child on during a dance recital at the same time.
It does not mean that I do not like the concept of the Gypsy. I think it is a neat little gadget, and would be happy to use it in my home, away from my craft room and computer. For that I love that Provo Craft decided to address that issue for the person who uses their gypsy outside the home environment, like at a crop. They can download their pieces into the Cricut Classroom (CCR), and cut it out on their Cricut. You do need to link the cartridges to the gypsy. You can also go online, load the I am still waiting on the day that I can link my Imagine machine to CCR. They have tried in the past, but the download to the machine takes forever in a day to get it correct, and that is something I want address ASAP. So if the powers that be are reading this post, please, please, please, make it so I can use CCR on my Imagine machine, which I feel you have ignored for a very long time. There are people who own this machine, and it is about time you give it props.
until then, I will continue to use my Imagine on an as needed basics.

A tip about resources.

This tip not only is for scrapbookers and other crafters, but for anyone who can use a little bit of information. Keep a notebook of resources on hand for when a problem arises. You can place anything in there, and you can even keep a digital copy on your computer too. I have a 2 TB (that's T as in Terabyte) hard drive that I can unplug from the computer. I store all the information I get from the internet there. This includes projects I would like, information on my machines, scrapbooking techniques and other things I would like to keep a record on. Yes, I know that is what the internet is for, but I also want easy access to the information. I like to call it my book of resources, and I keep a binder on the important subjects I need.

I hope you find this helpful, and if you have any questions or comments, please place them in the comments section below. Thank you, and have a blessed evening.

Quick Note: Name change to Etsy Store and Facebook Page

2013-04-19T03:49:00.000-04:00

As you know, I recently change the name of my blog to P.Lynne Designs from MDN Creates, a name that I love, but it does not show professionalism on my part. I have made a couple more changes to reflect the P.Lynne Designs name. I just change my Facebook page name to P.Lynne Designs, as well as my Etsy shop, PLynneDesigns (no period). you can also access it here. It still have some of the old stuff reflecting MDN Creates, but it is one in the same company. In about a year, I will completely get rid of it by not renewing the website domain. I just renewed it in February 2013, but I will create a domain name with the new name, and when I get finish with the site, I will redirect the old name there.
Why am I saying this? Because I do not want to lose you if you are a regular reader. I will have new items on my Etsy shop soon. Well that is all for now. I will keep you updated on my progress. Good night for now. Be blessed.

With Heartfelt Sympathy

2013-04-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

Today is another card day, and I am continuing to show you my cards. Today's card is another Heartfelt Creations card, and it has to do with loss of a loved one. This is timely, because I have heard of two losses recently. Last week, my aunt's ex and father of three of my cousins died and today death of a Disney legion, Annette Funicello died of complications from Multiple Scoliosis. Ironically, both were 70. So showing you this card is again timely for those of you who recently suffered a loss of a loved one.

The materials used in the card are as follows:

1 card blank
1 Digi version of with Heartfelt Sympathy (you can use any digi stamp or regular stamp.)
Copic or any markers, pens, or pencils to color with. I used my copics. (E25, V15, and G82)
Recollections paper Garden Florals

This card is the same as the first card I showed you last week. Only thing I did was to switch out the elements I used.

Continue to have a good week, and will talk to you later.

Disclaimer: I am not associated or affiliated with this company at all, nor am I being paid to create this card. This card is also not being sold on my Etsy Shop: MDN Creates.

Disney scrapbooking part 2: ideas on how to set up the album

2013-04-08T00:36:00.000-04:00

Note: First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of photos. I am posting through my iPad, and the photos I wanted are on my main computer which is in the shop at the moment. I did not want to use anyone else's layout because of a possible copyright infringement.

Now, that I have all the problems out of the way ( not that rules and laws are a problem), let me continue with the rest of the post.
Yesterday, I touched on what to put on your Disney pages. If you have them gathered or know what you want to get when visit the parks, if you will taking a trip soon, it is time for the fun....creating the pages. Here are the steps and ideas you will need to create those beautiful pages:

Plan them out: I always plan out my pages. You do not want too many photos of one event. After all, how many head shots do you really need of the baby with Pluto? This is a good time to think ahead of weeding out the photos. While you are at the parks, decide where and when you are going to take the photos. No one wants to be stick behind the camera ALL the time while on vacation, and you do not want your friends and family to play the "where's Waldo" game on you. If you have not gotten to that step, just pick the good ones out for the book. If you want the relatives and friends to have copies of a photo, write it down, and make that copy.
Gather your materials. It would nice for you to have Disney-themed scrapbook items, but it not necessary, especially if money is tight. Same with the embellishments. If money is tight, turn to the Internet, but be careful. Read all instructions on how to use them, especially if they are free. Free comes with a price and it may mean no sharing on social media like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Consider these themes for your scrapbook:
My year in Disney. This is for people who go to Disney parks all year long.
Park by park. You may have themes according to each park you visit, including Magic Kingdom(Florida), Epcot, Disney Paris, and so forth.
Day by day. What did you do on that day, and gear your pages by that.
Land by Land. Disney divides their theme parks by land, why shouldn't you? This is a perfect way to divide up one of those maps, and place according to land.

There are many other ways for you to create your scrapbooks. See what you can come up with to make the book interesting. My last tip for you is have fun. Have fun on your trip, make it stress-free and light. Have fun with your family, they are the only people you have, and family does not mean they are blood-related. I have three families:biological,church, and business. Everyone in all three families are unique in their own way, and I cannot have it any other way ( oops, sidetrack moment). Finally, have fun scrapbooking the memories of your vacation. Memories also does not mean you have to be stuck in the past. Make the most of every moment and I will talk to you later. Peace and be blessed.

Disney scrapbooking

2013-04-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

I love Disney. Some people can say that I am a big kid at heart and I am one. I will admit it. When I turned 18, I kicked and screamed, because I wanted to be a child for one more year. You know the old saying,"I cannot wait to turn 18", it was not me in some parts. Sure, I looked forward to being out on my own, but I just wanted that last year to adjust to being an adult.
This is not about me kicking. And screaming when I turned 18, this post is not about my love for Disney, this post is about your vacation to a Disney park, should you ever go to one, and the pictures you take, and how to scrapbook them. Yes, I said, scrapbooking Disney.
In two short months, you will no doubt will be making one of the biggest decisions of the year; where to take the family on vacation. While staycations are still heavily on everyone's minds in the United States, I have not heard of the same situation with the rest of the world. It does not matter rather you decide to stay around home this year, or go on that 15-day cruise, the photo is always the same thing; you take some action pictures, landscape picture of the place, children with a character, group photo, and so forth. After coming home from the trip, you either get them developed ( yes, they still do that), or the photos end up sitting on a hard drive in your PC, tablet, or SD card on phone or camera. Don't forget abut all of those brochures, you swiped from the place. If you are wondering what to do about your vacation stuff. Take time in the winter months and scrapbook everything about your vacation. It is fun, relaxing, and keeps your mind off of your heating bill.
If you are having problems figuring out what to put in your vacation scrapbook,journal, or whatever you want to call it, here is a list that could ease your mind, and allow you to recall the memories for years to come. Note: This works for any vacation not just for the Disney Parks.

Park maps and Times guide: grab 2 for each park you visit. They must be in mint condition, so the one you used when your 5 year old budding Picasso decided to draw you a picture while on the monorail will not do, unless you want to. How to use them.... Background paper, journaling prompts, to show where were you when something magical happened, and retrace your steps. Cut one up if you decide to have sections in your album of the different parks. Grabbing more than two shows clutter, so do not go overboard. Also grab those maps in case you attended a special event during the holidays or ticketed events.
Disney travel documents: How did you book your trip, on your own or through a travel agent? It does not matter, keep a copy for yourself, and place them in the book. Save anything, including the envelope with the logo ( Disney's or the travel company's), and make a page of just that.
Business cards and other restaurant items: What eating places did you go to while at the mouse's house? It is ok to take those business cards with you. That's why they are there. This includes chopsticks, napkins with the restaurant's name on it, or swizzle sticks. Use the same rule as with the maps. Too many can seem cluttered, so go easy on them.
Hotel paperwork: This is different from the booking stuff. This memorabilia includes, check in/out paperwork, resort logos, toiletries and their wrappers, coaster from the room, postcards, and other items not listed on this list. Again, do not go overboard with it.
Other items of the trip: consider these items; box tops from souvenirs, pressed pennies, resort room keys (they have to change the code anyway,so why not,I have mine from Canada), and name tags from tours (yes, Disney has tours, but not for children, it spoils the fun for them).

Well this is the end of this segment. Next time will be short and sweet as I will show you how to set up your pages. Until then if you want to know what is going on with Disney, go to www.disney.com for all things Disney, or I also have a blog about planning for a trip, which is called, Traveling to the Mouse's House (http://travelingdisneyfun.blogspot.com). Have a happy,scrappy,blessed day.

May God Comfort You

2013-04-02T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to today's post. This card is the first of simply cards I am making for either my mom or for the nurture committee at my church to give out. This is a freebie, and per request to the company, Heartfelt Creations' angel policy, this card is unavailable for sale on my Etsy shop, unless I contact the company. However, that does not mean I cannot share with you.

The Recipe for this card calls for the following:

1 card blank or make your own.
1 sentiment (I am using the sentiment from Heartfelt Creations, which I printed from Pinterest)
1 image (I am using the image from Heartfelt Creations as a digi stamp I printed from Pinterest.)
1 stripe of paper. I used the Recollections paper pack Garden Florals from Michaels.

Really simply to put together. Place the piece of paper and place in the left side middle. Next, place the sentiment in the the right side corner. Set to the side. Take the image, print it off, and color it. What you do not see is the inside of the card, which is another sentiment.

I hope you will enjoy this card, and I will showcase another one soon.

Have a blessed day and check out Heartfelt Creations' website

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated nor do I get paid to promote this company.

Finally jumping on the E-book Market

2013-03-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, I am posting a quick message: I am finally starting my E-book. I originally started this book in October 2012, and I thought I was ready to take the plunge. I have way too much knowledge about paper crafting to just limit it to just a blog. So I wrote 20 pages of it and I froze up. "What was I doing?" I would ask myself, especially after I read back the intro to the original book. The introduction section to the book was all about me and how I got started, and not at all about scrapbooking, so I shut down the process of writing it.
Fast forward to January 2013...
I found the original manuscript (I guess you can still call it that in the digital world), and the wheels in my head started turn once again, only this time, I looked at it with new eyes. I still did not like what I had wrote so far, but I also started thinking, "if I was new to the world of scrapbooking, what do I want to know about it?" So, to not give away the store, this is what I have come up with so far.... I am at the moment not writing the introduction until the last, because I want the reader to know what this book is all about, and what to expect. Again, I also realized that the intro I wrote in the first book was an about the author, and NOT what the book was about.
Next, it will have a couple of articles I posted either on this blog or on Hubpages with new information added. This includes a product review article I did on the Cricut Expression 2 Electronic Machine and some related products.
One of the tips I got when I first got started, and I want to pass this along to you is , when starting an E-book is make sure you type it in a good word processing program. I am using MS Word. One of the reasons why I am using Word is it has a navigation pane on it. I can put in my headers, and if I want to work on a section I can just go to it without scrolling. I have not decided on the number of pages the book is going to be, but I am planning it as I go along. I am hoping to be done in a month or less, if I do not let everything disrupt me from doing it. When I am done, I will let you know, and where to go get it.
Later on today I have a card to show you.
You have a blessed day.

For Cricut Lovers: new mats

2013-03-14T20:54:00.000-04:00

I just received a new tweet from Provo Craft....Remember the green mats for the Cricut machines? They went by way of the Dinosaur about 1 1/2 years ago, and people were left buying the white mats with the black stripes on them. Ever wonder what those stripes are for? If you own a Cricut Imagine machine, you will know that these stripe are for the printing portion of the full on Cricut Imagine experience and it helps guide the mat a paper in, and it help the machine know where to print.. I personally thought that it was great that all the machines, except the cake machines, which received their own food grade mate, to have one mat. Well not so fast, friend, it seems that it did not sit so well with Provo Craft, so as of today there will be three new lats for the machines. Each one of these mats will be be fore the different types of paper that are associated with them. I assume that the white mat will still be available for the Cricut Imagine, or I am in big trouble when the ones I currently have are no longer usable.

Light Grip mat
copyright Provo Craft and Novelty

I will have a review when I try them out (money is a little low, and I am not sure when they are available to the stores)
First up is the LightGrip mat. (Light Blue) It is for those papers, which are light to the touch. they are the printer paper, vellum, and other papers that can be easily torn,

Standard Grip Mat
Copyright Provo Craft and Novelty

Second is the standard grip mat. (Green) This mat is for your stand pieces of paper like patterned paper and cardstock. This is the paper Cricut white mats are used for now.
Lastly, there is the heavy grip mat (Purple) This mat is for you heavy materials such as fabric, light metal, and chipboard.

Strong Grip Mat
Copyright Provo Craft and Novelty

Personally, I am glad that PC did this, but it makes you have too many mats. I understand why. Currently, I always feel frustrated if I just cut out something, and it tears because the adhesive is too sticky or when the paper moves because the mat has been overused. Maybe they have solved that problem as well. I will not get a better feel for the new mats until I have tried them out myself. I want to try them on both my E2 (Expressions 2) and my E1 (Expressions ) machines. However since they do not have the black lines on them, so, I can not try them on my Imagine machine.
You can order them now on Cricut.com, but at this time I have no idea when they will be released to the stores.

Below is a chart I got from their website: www.cricut.com Have a blessed evening.

Paper comparison chart
Copyright Provo Craft and Novelty

Finished Layout: Splash Mountain

2013-03-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

I apologized for not showing you the finished layout from last month. That was very rude of me to forget that. and there was no excuse for it.

Tip #1: Never take a picture against a lit monitor. The picture looks to bright.

The blue background paper is from the Bazzill paper line and is called "Arctic". It matches the picture perfectly against the dark blue sky, which is the backdrop of the Splash Mountain ride at Disney World. I also took a clue from the browns and golds in the picture, and that is how I did the strips of paper. I did a basket weave, but hid it under the picture, which is popped up on foam dots. The printer would not cooperate and printed the picture off center on the printer paper, so I used the copy paper, turn the original photo over and mounted the copy on the printer paper. I took an embellished pocket I made to look like a chalk board, and placed in the corner. I traced a store bought tag with white chalk pencil. The pocket part is half of the second tag. When i actually go to Disney in December, I will be able to put a souvenir from the ride in it. in the corner is a handmade journaling spot, which says :

Splash Mountain:

"My Almost experiences with this ride came in 2004 and 2007. In 2004 at Disney World, I did not ride, because of a health warning sign. In 2007, It was at Disneyland that the ride was closed. I am riding it in 2013. Forget ALL NAYSAYERS!"

The Green pocket says "Making a SPLASH at Disney World."
Last, I have fake stitching around the strips of paper to make it look like I took a sewing machine and stitched around it.

Thank you for looking and have a blessed day.

An Altered Item-Clothes Pins

2013-03-12T08:30:00.000-04:00

I am in the altering business for this post, and it is a YouTube swap I am in with Scrapdaworld (TMika), who is the host of this swap. My task, should I choose to do it (and I did) was to make 5 packs of 3 Altered Clothes Pins. Before I show you the end results (all except one, which is for TMika's eyes only, LOL, plus I have not made it yet), I want to talk to you a little bit (just a little) about what the heck you use these clothes pins for ( in addition to the daunting task of hanging clothes up).
Well for one, you can use them in mini albums. All the pin does is hold a photo in place. You can also use it to hold a journaling spot, tags, layouts, bookmarker, post a note pad, and just for decorative purposes. They are fun to make, and for a minute, I thought to myself, "what the heck did I get myself into." I never felt the need for a clothes pin (except to hang clothes), but the more I looked at it, the more I said, "Hum, very interesting", especially after seeing her video on the swap. I love getting goodies, especially goodies I could use.
So, I had three paper brands to work with; Graphic 45, Prima, Recollections (Michaels brand), My Mind's Eye, and Washi Tape. I have the Recollections Garden Florals and My Mind's Eye's Lost and Found-Portobello Road to work with. I thought I would be able to find my Washi Tape, but for some reason, both roll are lost in the abyss of my office, so for the moment, I will make due with what I got to work with. One of the pins, I need to put a little bling on it, and I need to put a topper on the bag, So here is the first one:

These pins were covered with the My Eye paper. With all of them, I cut the paper to size, placed Scor tape on the clothes pin first, then the paper. I tried to paint the clothes pin, which you are welcome to do so, but I left them in their natural state, because for one, there is a bit of a task to painting around the metal wiring, and then letting them dry. I would not recommend using a heating gun for fear of setting the clothes pin ablaze, and I do not think the fire department nor my attached neighbors or my parents, who own this place would be too happy with my decision. I did add a coat of Glue & seal to make sure it was well covered and protected.

The next two sets were covered with the same pink and green paper from the Recollections Garden Floral paper pad. Please note: You can cover 10 clothes pins with one sheet of 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. The bling is courtesy of the $1 bin at Michael's . I used rhinestones from Studio 18, about a quarter of a inch stud. No bigger than that, or it will not look cute and dainty.

This last set comes from the same paper pad as the last two sets, only I used blue and yellow. If you have been following this blog, yes, it is the same paper that I use in the layout. By all means use up your scraps. If you are giving these away as gifts, no one will notice you used your scraps to cover your pins, unless you tell them, and there is no shame of doing so.
The main point to this project (or any project for that matter), is you are the master of your craft, and no one can say otherwise. I love doing these projects, I love sharing them, so you can know that you do not have to buy the products they advertise. In fact, you can make a kit using these by just customizing your embellishments to your liking. They do not look like the others, and you will have the know how to make things on your own, instead of depending on others.
So let's recap:

Materials and cost:

Clothes pins- $1 at Deals (or any dollar store)
Rhinestones- $1 in the dollar bin at Michaels, Joann's, or LSS (Local Scrapbook Store)
paper -$0 if you are a scrapbooker or crafter and have a stash or scraps. $1 if you do not, look for paper in the same place as you found the rhinestones.
Double sided tape $1-3.50 depending on if you find it at a drug store, higher if you go to LSS. You may be able to get on sale if you have a coupon from Michaels or Joann's.
Overall, this is about a $10 project that you can complete in about an hour. The project is a winner if you want the kids to do it. I would say a 6 year old can do it. Great rainy day project.

Well that is it for now. Have fun, involve the kids, and have a blessed, crafty day.

New name and something to motivate on.

2013-02-24T02:37:00.000-05:00

I know many visitors who visit here on a regular basis are wondering what happened to MDN Creates. It just went under a name change. My company's name is now P.Lynne Designs. So what is different about the company? Nothing yet. It is in a slow transformation that is growing by leaps and bonds. In the meantime, I will try to bring to you projects that you can do with ease. I started this before I left the Card a Day blog design team, and I want to continue it here as well, because scrapbooking and card making can be easy and fun.
When I started this company in 2010 (and this blog), the name came to me because at the time, it was about my three of my loves; Michael, Deonte, and Nine'na, my nephews and niece. since then, I have added a 3rd nephew, and the naming did not seem right, because I love him just the same. The name also did not reflect that I scrapbook, make cards, altered other items, and write. MDN Creates will be on a lot of things I do, but not as much. With that being said, it's a new year, new name, and a new way of thinking. Let's scrapbook....
On my last post a few days ago, I promised you that I would make something, so I am up for the challenge, and I will show you how....
This is the process I take when starting something new. When taking on a new layout, card or altered item to redo, I look for inspiration. It may be something that I experience recently, a photo, or something I saw.
Today, I am pulling inspiration from this one photo that I have saved on my hard drive. It is a picture of Splash Mountain at Disney World. I do not take credit for taking this photo at all. I pulled this photo, because I do puzzle world on Facebook, and I love Disney.In Puzzle World, you can take photos from your hard drive or on your Facebook page and turn into a puzzle, which you try to put together. Sounds cool, doesn't it. The other reason for using this photo (thank you to whoever took it in the first place) is I need something to motivate me as I plan for this vacation that I would very much want to take my family on this December. What I did was printed out the photo on copy paper (because I am still learning how to print photos on my new printer), then I matted it on the photo paper and trimmed to size. As you see in the photo, I need to draw on the colors blue, gold, a touch of dark green, brown, orange, red, and yellow. So here is what I am thinking....Blue for the background paper, with medium blue, brown, and gold for the accent pieces.

I am using two sheets (1 blue floral and 1 yellow and white circle-flower designs) of Recollections brand paper from Michaels Arts and Crafts called Garden Florals. They come in 8.5" x 11". The third sheet is from DCWV's Naturals stack that is 8 x 8 (they no longer make this size in their papers) which is brown. The background paper is Bazzill 12 x 12 sheet of Arctic. The design I made on the paper is some what of a crisscross/basket weave pattern like this:

Almost done- using what you have: embellishments and adding photos

a little hard to see but
there is stitching
around.

OK, I must admit that I have not done this particular pattern before, but it is similar to what I have done in the past. Next I added the photo, and I smack it in the middle of the cross pattern. I added an embellishment, which was a tag pocket element. I will demo how I made it in another post but for right now, I placed it on the right side. I wrote the phrase, "Making a "SPLASH" At Disney World", and it written in white pencil to make it look like I wrote it in chalk. Last in this layout is I did three different types of faux stitching. Around the blue strip, I put double stitching, around the yellow strip of paper, I put a dot and dash, and for the brown strip, I put single stitching. One day, I am going to thread my sewing machine, and show you some real stitching. Now, all that is left is to put down a journal block, some more letters, and this motivational layout is ready for me to look at while I plan my Christmas 2013 vacation.
Stay tuned, because next time, you will see the finished layout and its matching card. Until then, stay well, warm, and be blessed.

No scrapping today....My past week.

2013-02-18T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hello, it has been almost a whole month since I wrote in this blog. I do apologize. I am working on something.
This past week has been one of those week. It was not good, but not bad either. It was one of those just so weeks.

I am finally doing classes locally. My first student came Friday, and we had a blast. She does scrapbook, but she just wanted to know what is out there, and what she can do with the stuff she currently has. she also wants to learn how to use the Cricut machine. So I will teach her how to next time we meet.
I am not sure how many people I reach locally, but if you ever want to learn something about scrapbooking, card making, or alternative art like mini books, just let me know. You do have to live in the Central Ohio area, and I will meet you somewhere halfway.

Next, I was supposed to be doing a swap on YouTube, but somewhere in between the person emailing me and setting up the groups, my name was omitted. I was supposed to provide her with 3 gift sets of laces a flower and stick pens. Oh well, it was not meant to be. I still like the idea until I want to put some up at my Etsy shop. I will see.

I have so much going on, until I need to take the time to start making things again. In the meantime, I have not dropped off the face of the Earth yet. You have a blessed day, and take care of yourself.

Washi Tape Organization Tip

2013-01-31T07:30:00.000-05:00

Washi-Tape (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ever wondered what else you can do with your Washi tape collection...Organize your home. The tip is courtesy of Our Humble Abode. You already have the perfect labeling system, and it will not cost you a dime, because you already have it. even if you do not have it, you can do the same thing with duct or masking tape, but for now let's concentrate on the Washi tape. I believe why the author of the original post on Our Humble Abode suggested Washi tape is:

* It's transparent
* small
* and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

If you do not know about Washi tape, here are other uses for the product:

Layouts: you can journal on them. Label the person in the layout. Use for titles.
Cards: Tape over a solid cardstock mat to make new patterned paper. From there, cut out shapes or leave whole for a backdrop for images and sentiments.
Organization: In addition the the above tip, you can color code items, make new index cards from the technique using with the solid cardstock and making your own patterned paper.
Mini books: Use Washi Tape for binding, creating pockets, or making flowers.
Alternative art: This is perfect, because your creative juices can really fly on this. For example: place a piece of tape on the alternative piece. you may want to paint or ink over it a little, but just enough to let it peek through. Layer different tape on top, and the more tape you have the more altered the object will feel. No one can say you are right or wrong, because it is up to the individual person. it is a matter of taste.

I hope I have given you tips on how to organized and use Washi tape. I may have hit only 5% of the many uses for this product. for more, just search under Washi Tape Ideas in your search engine.

have a blessed day.

Project Life 2013

2013-01-12T01:13:00.000-05:00

project life| week 15 details (Photo credit: vee*)

I try to do things for myself and never get around to them. I put myself last, because that is the type of person I am . It does not matter how tired I am, or if I need it more than others. I am wired like my mom, selfless in every way.
I have heard about these Project Life books by Becky Higgins, and have been curious up to now about them. The process is simple, get an album, a big pack of page protectors with pockets, The Project life core packet, your photos, in a pin. There is no gluing involved (unlike the smash books), and the keep is to keep up your life through photos for one year. In this case it is January-December 2013. Stick in a photo, write something about the photo, and you are done in two seconds. It is journaling and taking pictures all in one harmonious swoop.
OK, I just look back at the Becky Higgins website, www.beckyhiggins.com, and this is the advise she has given for newbies like me:

Quotation from the website:

"Project Life is whatever you want it to be. I really, really, really mean this. Literally. Let me give just a few examples of what a full Project Life album might contain:

1. A year in review, highlighting random memories from this year … last year … any year at all. Photos can be organized chronologically or by theme (have categories like birthdays this year, travel this year, school stuff, in our spare time, friends, etc. – and add Scrapbook Dividers to label your sections for ultimate organization).

2. Cover the span of several years. Let’s say you haven’t done much scrapbooking ever. But you’re itching to get at least some of your pictures in an album. How about tackle an entire decade in one album? Each year could have say, 6 layouts (our Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages comes with 60 pages) and you can include the “best of” pictures in those 6 layouts per year. An entire decade of “catching up” in ONE album? YES. And you can do it all without touching a pair of scissors or using any adhesive whatsoever.

3. On a related note, I totally think most of us could compile an album that sums up our entire childhood. True story. Just blow the dust off those old photos, throw them in the pockets along with the Title Cards and Journaling Cards that come in the Core Kit of your choice. Done.

4. Pick a theme, any theme. Create an entire album all about … you name it. Perhaps all of your travel adventures go in one album, or maybe you fill an album with memories of a loved one that is no longer here, or think about anything you have lots of pictures of and BAM! There’s your theme."

OK, It is not what I thought. You do not have to document every day. Just pick random times. OK I will shut up, read on the project your own way, and decide if this is something you want to do. I know I feel better now that I know that I can do this. I am going to do it for this year, because I have special trips planned for the year. Special moment that I can do. It does not matter if I take with my phone camera, Ipad, or a digital camera that I was thinking of getting. I live the other two, but I am a purest and still think that photos need to be taken with a camera. Not a phone and not a tablet. a CAMERA. I will still do videos with the Ipad. I love it.

So I will report back to you from time to time on how I am doing, and I hope I can keep up. If you are on pinterest and are interested in doing the project life series, there are some people who have created some freebies. Those boards are

Project life: http://pinterest.com/kaler/project-life/

Project Life 2013 (1) : http://pinterest.com/dnobles/project-life-2013/

Project Life 2013 (2) : http://pinterest.com/alohajen/project-life-2013/

Project Life 2013 (3) : http://pinterest.com/socal_elle/project-life-2013/

That's it for now. I will see you later. Be blessed.

Scrapbook Inspiration

2013-01-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my goals for 2013 is for me to be a little bit more inspiring to the people who are around me and who I speak to either face to face, in social media, or on the phone. So I already know how to do the following:

Smile when I speak, being spoken to, or when a person walks up to me. This task has given me many opportunities to touch someone's life, even if for a second. Smiling helps a person to connect in ways without saying a word (or yelling through a closed glass door begging people to come in)
Say something kind like hello. Again, it is that communication thing, and it makes a person feel like they are important to you, even if they are a stranger.
Do something for another person. I do not know all the answers to life's little (and big) problems. I do what I can, don't think about what other people say, and go about my business. Maybe that RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) will spark action in someone else, and it will spread like wildfire.

So how can I show a little bit more inspiration in my scrapbooking? I did not go far to look it up. In fact, all I have to do is look up "scrapbook inspiration" to find the answer.

From a Pinterest board, it is "things that inspire me", according to one person. I should have a board like that. I am also on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/plogan721). This should be your favorite layouts, cards, alternative art, and journals. Do not stop there. Try your favorite artists. Mine are Teresa Collins, Tim Holtz, Heidi Grace and a couple others. Create a board around them with their work. The scrapbook artist does not have to be national known.

Also from Pinterest, create a My creations board. Click on the link to view my personal one for this blog. This is strictly of the things YOU made. No one else, not even your children. If you want to have a board of their work as well, make it separate and for each child. This is for people who have a blog or website. This showcases your blog, and if you are trying to have a business like I am, this is a form of advertising.
Join a collaborations board on the site. I am on two, an Etsy one and another one by Renae Christine of Richmombusiness.com. (you can view her latest video here)

You can also look up scrapbooking inspiration on Flickr, which I also have an account. Flickr is part of the Yahoo.com group, and all you need to do is to search 'scrapbook inspiration' and find what you need.
Scrapbook inspiration does not always have to come from the internet or pinterest, it also comes from the supplies you buy, your style of clothing, the way you decorate, even the car you drive.

Try this exercise: Gather 5 things that you love: It could be a picture of a favorite flower, a piece of cloth from your childhood, or a label from your favorite gum. Anything you like. Gather some papers, embellishments, washi tape. It does not have to be matching, but they do have to coordinate. Now scrapbook a layout. It can be any size you want, one or two page. If you are just getting started for the first time, or anyone for that matter, if you need help with a layout, might I suggest looking up sketches of Layouts. Here are a few links:

Google term : Sketches of layouts.
Pinterest boards: Sketches & Layouts , Scrapbook Sketches and Layouts and my own board: Sketches
Got Sketch
scrapbook Etc

Just click the links and the links will take you there.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to start the new year off with some layouts. Please remember, these layouts and sketches are only there to inspire you to create, and get you juices going for the rest of the year. Expect where I mention my own creations, these are people who I researched while writing this post. I am in no way affiliated with them, and I am not being paid to endorse them. I just like what I see and what works for me. I hope that after looking at these links, they will inspire you too.

Have fun crafting, be safe, and be blessed.

Happy New Year, New Changes Ahead...

2013-01-02T07:03:00.001-05:00

card via Me

Hello one and all. I am back in full swing. I have enjoyed my little mini vacay, and I am gearing up to run. First of all, I am no longer with the Card a Day Blog as a design person. This was a personal decision and a hard one. At the time, it was because I was offered a position on another design team, now I do not know where that is going, so I will see. Now the reason is I had so much on my plate. In addition to the CAD design team, I had Longaberger, a couple of swaps, being secretary of the Administrative Counsel at my church, choir rehearsal, meetings in two groups, scrapbook business, and finally my family. A person can only do so much and still run 7 blogs at once. Now I have cut back on the blogs as well. I am back to 5 blogs. But enough about my personal life.
Changes ahead...
I have so much I want to do with this company, and it is starting with a name change. After much debate, I am adding on the name P.Lynn Designs. So far, the name is not registered with the state of Ohio, but then again, neither is MDN Creates, and since I have not done much business with the name, I decided to go on the professional approach. Not only that, if I ever decide to come out with a series of stamps or whatever I decide to produce in the way of supplies, it is more professional looking on packages. I will not change the name of the blog just yet, and I will be changing the name of my Etsy shop within a few days, if they let me. I have already changed it once. If not, I will have to close it, and reopen under P. Lynn Designs.
Next, i will be doing more blog posts with cards, mini books, and scrapbook layouts that I will be doing for fun or to list in my Etsy Shop. I had fun doing so when I was designing them for the Card a Day Design team, I would be silly enough not to continue doing that. So look for those to come.
Finally, I have decided to change platforms. As soon as I can finish learning about WordPress, all of my blogs will be going to that platform. The reason why is, I will have better control over what I can put on my blogs (including sales or anything that Google finds that is against their policy). Now, my blogs will stay family friendly, so the written content will not change, but if they were to go through this blog, and do not like this post, I may not get in it tomorrow.
All these changes will be announced of course, and I hope that all of you will follow me at that time. All of this at the end of the day will hopefully be a benefit to my readers and bring in new ones.
Until then, be safe, and I will talk to you soon. Be Blessed.

Got Christmas Cash...Stock up on supplies

2012-12-29T01:17:00.000-05:00

(Photo credit: _kristin_)

One of the joys of Christmas is getting money to play with. That I got, and I am ready to go. But wait. before you go spend that hard earned Christmas cash that great aunt Emma on your hubby's side gave you, because you are a loving great niece in law, think about what you need first. After all, if she is not a crafter, you do not want her to think you are a spender. If she is a crafter, go for it, but still think about something nice in the craft department you want to spend it on. Next think about your supplies, and what is it you consume the most on. For me, that is score-it tape. It seems I do not have enough of it, and I need an extra roll in case the big blizzard of 2012 (or is it 2013) comes and snows me in. Last, if you have anything left, either save it (if the aunt is not a crafter) or use a coupon and buy what's on sale.
So I got my cash present from my dad, and first of all I need a house phone. Like many people, I still use this thing, and current one has been messing up. I have not broke down to just use my smartphone as the primary phone, but I am getting one that does not have an answering machine attached to it. My dad is not a crafter, so that would make him proud. Next, i need a new score board. Again, I have not used my trimmer as a score board, and I have the old Score-pal, and it is driving me bats when I follow the instructions on where to score the project, and I do not have that score line. I have not decided if I want Martha's or the new Score-pal. The advantage of Martha's over Score-Pal's is the envelope feature, which I really do not need since I have at least two Cricut Cartridges that have envelopes on them. I have a 30% coupon from Archiver's, so I will see. Whatever's left, I may get a couple of supplies or save, or go to the casino with it next week. (Yes Columbus has a casino and a racino (horse track casino).
So you can have your supplies and have fun at the same time. Look for deals, but stay within your budget,and enjoy your new toys (I mean supplies). Be blessed.

In Abbreviated Mode

2012-12-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, this is to let you know that I am on an abbreviated work schedule from today through the New Year. I will be back in full swing of things starting January 7, 2013 (I cannot believe it is almost here). I am also putting my Etsy shop on vacation until that time as well. In the meantime, you all have a Merry Christmas, and a happy 2013.

P.Lynne Designs

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