Pat Catan's Scrapbook & News Blog

Frequently Asked Questions:

2008-08-24T12:59:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone, we're busy creating something special for you all but in the meantime we ask that you send in your questions! They can be about scrapbooking, paper crafting, adhesives, cutting tools, techniques, anything scrapbooking related! This is going to be for a new segment to our blog titled "FAQ" aka frequenly asked questions. Feel free to post them in this blog as a comment or e-mail them to us at patcatansblog@yahoo.com

thanks!

Fun ways to use left over paper

2008-08-18T20:22:00.006-04:00

I don't know if EVERY Pat Catan's store has magazines because I've not been to EVERY store but I imagine they do. I like it when the new magazines come out. I'm usually the one of the first ones looking through them for ideas and inspiration. The new "Paper Creations Magazine" for Fall is out. There were several cute projects! Two of the projects that caught my eye are party favor boxes. Both use a small round paper mache' box, leftover acrylic paints, crepe paper and extra bits and pieces of scrapbooking paper. They are projects to make when you have lots of little things lying around that you want to find a use for.

They take a little time and I wouldn't want to make them for say, a class of 30 children but 5-10 wouldn't be too bad. If you'd like to make them, just pick up the magazine at one of our stores and give it a try. The directions are clear and pretty easy. If you need help stop by the Cuyahoga Falls store and I'll answer your questions. I'd love to see pictures of your creations so feel free to email them and if I can I'll post them.

So, what -is- Chipboard?

2008-08-09T13:53:00.002-04:00

About.com describes chipboard as the following:

Chipboard: (noun) Pressed fiber thick paper, usually made from recycled paper. Chipboard is used for the backing of notepads, backing of stacks of business forms, and in scrapbooking used to ship stacks of sheets of paper to scrapbook stores. Some manufacturers are making acid-free/lignin free chipboard specifically for use in making scrapbook pages. Chipboard can be used to create thickness in scrapbook page embellishments and monogram letters. You can paint it, sand it, cover it with patterned paper, and use rub-on letters to embellish it. Mat board, found in the framing section of your local craft store, can be used as an excellent substitute for chipboard.

Chipboard is one of the most versatile scrapbook supplies we carry. Currently I (new Jen) am working on a comprehensive chipboard guide to show all of you just how great this product is and how to use it. Currently our store carries square and circle pre-cut chipboard pieces and 12 by 12 inch chipboard papers. I hope to have this chipboard guide up no later than the beginning of October (hey, it's a lot of work!). I'm also working on mini-chipboard album patterns you can create using the 12 by 12 inch chipboard! (and a gluestick, corner rounder, and more!)

Also, in efforts to make this blog even more informative we will also be adding a FAQ (frequently asked questions). This may stem from questions we receive in store to questions our blog readers e-mail to us. If it picks up it can become a weekly to bi-weekly addition to our blog. ANY questions you may have about anything scrapbook, paper craft, stamping, card making etc please e-mail us at patcatansblog@yahoo.com. Also any feedback, comments, questions, constructive criticism also please send to that address. This address is for me (Jen), Vicki and Keith. The old blogger Jen can still be reached at the e-mail that used to be on this site.

Thanks for reading! Please send in feedback! The more feedback the better we can help make this blog even better!

Happy weekend!
Jen

(who will be scrapping tonight! finally)

Just a reminder...

2008-08-04T18:24:00.003-04:00

This week our stores begin our Scrapbook Department resets! All stores should be finished by mid- August! So many awesome new things coming in I can't wait for you all to see!

Also stay tuned for a scrapbook layout or two from me. I'm turning 29 in a day and I had a great idea for a scrapbook page (or maybe even a mini book) on the topic of almost being 30. Perhaps it may spark some ideas on pages you can do for reaching a milestone time in your life. I hope to have that up by the end of the week!

Happy scrapping!

Chipboard Pre-Cut Circles Mini Album

2008-08-04T00:00:00.003-04:00

These are so cool! Made out of chipboard these pre-cut circles can be used for so many things. One of my favorite things, though, are mini albums. While working the other day I noticed we got in new fall and Halloween themed stamps by See D's Lil' Stamps. Coming in an assortment these stamps are great for projects big and small! This one just happens to land in the small category. It's quick, easy and fun and can be made in under an hour!
((click image for larger view!))

Ingredients:

Chipboard Circles by Darice (I'll have item # up soon!)
Lil' Stamps of choice (I used the Halloween assortment)
Gluestick (I prefer Leeho)
Scissors (I use the detail sharp scissors by Tonic)
Ink Pad (I used Versafine Archival Instant Dry Pigment Ink in Onyx Black)
Decorative Chalks
Photos pertaining to the stamp subject
Ribbons of choice
Opening metal rinG
Cardstock in colors of choice (I used Bazzil)
Patterned paper of choice
Scrapbooking pen
Sandpaper block (nail file, etc)
Hole Punch (I used the Crop-A-Dile)

Using your gluestick cover one side of your chipboard and press it to the back of the cardstock or paper you want. Set aside to dry for a moment and repeat this step with your other chipboard pieces. When dried a little bit take your detail scissors and trim as close as you can around the edge. Gently sand the edge of your chipboard until it looks smooth and no jagged edges. Repeat this with all pieces. On the empty side apply glue and press onto paper of choice and repeat the process over again.

Once you have your circles finished, punch a hole in desired spot on each piece so you know where your top is as you work. Using rubber stamps of choice, stamp your circles where desired. Crop your photos and place onto circles. *note* You can use a whole photo in replacement of paper. When finished attach all circles with metal ring and cut strips of ribbon and tie into knots on the ring. That's all there is to it!

With the rubber stamps you can stamp on one color and trim the image out, use decorative chalk or markers to color in or just leave blank. I also use the chalk to add edging to the circles and shadows to the stamped images.

Well there it is, have fun with it! This would make a cute baby book, brag photo book, gift tags and more! I'd love to see your projects if you make any! Enjoy!

Iris Paper Folding

2008-07-28T11:53:00.009-04:00

I LOVE Iris Paper Folding! The design looks much more difficult than it actually is, it's a wonderful way to use up scraps of paper left over from other projects and it's relaxing too.

I found out last week that a dear friend of mine has cancer and I wanted to make a special card to send to her just to let her know that I'm thinking about her. I found the pattern for the heart shaped card and in the back of my book I found one of the Christmas cards I made last year. I took a few pictures to share with you.

My Library has the book that I have "Iris Folding Compendium" and another one that I haven't seen before "460 Iris Folded Cards to Make : The Complete Iris Folding Compendium" both of them by Maruscha Gaasenbeek. There are also several sites online that offer patterns. Click HERE for one of many links.

I have another pattern for a Maple Leaf and have decided that I will teach a class on September 8th at the Cuyahoga Falls store. Watch the store calendar for more details if this is a project that you'd like to try.

...Vicki

Something GREAT at the Canton Store

2008-07-25T10:10:00.007-04:00

Every once in a while we Craft Coordinators get to travel to other stores for meetings about important upcoming events. Yesterday I went to the store in North Canton for a meeting about our Bead Roadshow in August (check your store for dates). I learned a lot about beading (I'm getting excited!) but I also saw something really neat that Christie (left) and Lisa (right) put together in the entry of the store. I thought I'd share it with you because it shows a few different ideas for using scrapbooking supplies and also just because it is really special.

They set up a 6ft Alpine tree, a basket of Foamie stars and a marker and put this sign in front of it.

Customers could come in and put the name of a loved one who is serving in the military on a star. They didn't know when they set it up if anyone would want to participate or not but the tree is PACKED with stars!

There was also this book where customers could leave a message for our military men and women. It's a spiral bound scrapbook embellished with various scrapbooking papers and stickers. Large spaces are left blank for customers to write notes.

Christie and Lisa plan to send the book overseas so that our military members can read the messages written to them from the people back here at home. Their hope is that it will get passed from one unit to another so that all of those hard working people will know that North Canton is thinking of them. I liked this idea so much I hope to do it here in my store when we make neck scarves for the troops.

Finally, here is a picture of one of our home decor stars that the ladies covered in military themed scrapbooking paper, stickers and other embellishments. I never would have thought of that!

This display has been up since the beginning of July and won't be up much longer. If you want to see it, put a star on the tree or write a note in the book you'll have to get there double quick. The ladies say they have something exciting planned for a Fall themed entry next. I can't wait to see it!

... Vicki

Traveling?

2008-07-20T19:43:00.004-04:00

So one of my favorite things to do is travel. With travel comes so many things from experiences to memorabilia. You're on your own with the experiences, however, let me help you out with the memorabilia.

The dictionary defines memorabilia as objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, esp. those associated with memorable people or events. This could be a wide range of objects from photographs, ticket stubs, a coaster from your favorite restaurant, and much much more.

When we are on vacations we sometimes forget to collect these tidbits of visual memory. On a trip to California I knew I'd be visiting several beach towns from L.A. to San Diego. I used simple paper bags to create a mini album. What was great about doing this was that it also created a couple "pockets" in between pages. I designed as much as I could before my trip creating lines for text, blank spaces for doodles, photos, and more. I brought a scrapbooking pen, a Leeho gluestick and my book on my journey. What resulted was a really cool piece of memorabilia that also helped me remember what we did each day for scrapbooking later on. I even went as far as swiping my gluestick across a page and sprinkling sand from different beaches on it. (You'd be surprised how a beach down the street's sand looks different!) I saved little wrappers, coasters, anything with a logo, brochures, business cards and whatever else would fit in my book by placing it in the little pocket created by the open side of the book, or by cutting or tearing it out and pasting it onto my page. This doesn't take long and made for a fun way to reminisce on the plane ride home!

So how do you do this you ask? Very simple!

Ingredients:
Paper bags (use different sizes and colors if you're feeling creative!)
Ribbon (or something you can use to bind your book)
A sturdy craft punch (I suggest the Crop-A-Dile!)
Some scrap memory papers, embellishments, etc.
A glue stick
Writing utensils.

How to make:

Choose how many pages you want to have. For this example we will have an 8 paged book so we will use 4 paper bags.
Place bags in the order you want. I have an opening every other page. Fold bags in half together and use one hand to hold the open side shut.
Using a Crop A Dile (seriously, I don't think a regular punch will be strong enough to punch through all 8 pages) punch holes where you'd like them to be. You can just punch 3 one on top, middle and bottom but I prefer a little more support for my book so I punch several going up the "spine" of your paper bag book.
Using ribbon, decorative yarns, small metal rings, a spiral piece of metal like you see in a notebook, bind your pages together.
With that being done you now have the basis for your book.
On pages that have the bottom of the bag where it made a flap, I often would put a piece of paper over it to cover that piece.
Decorate cover and pages to your liking. Be sure to leave space for writing if you wish to do so. Pictures can be added later (or currently if you use a photo booth that gives you a strip of photos, or get a photo instantly).

See, I told you it was easy! I will be traveling to Atlanta this coming up weekend and plan on making a new travel book to tag along so I will post that in the next day or so (since I am out of paper bags!). I will also post a picture of my finished California paper book! Stay tuned!

**edit**
I didn't get a chance to make my new paper bag album yet but here is my first one from 2006! (Some materials used we may not sell anymore, but we are craft people and can find substitutes!) click image for larger version!

Hi Everyone!!

2008-07-17T08:57:00.003-04:00

Hope this finds all of you in the midst of your fun summer plans!! It's Jennifer (the original author) and I just wanted to say a quick hello! This summer I have found so far that:

1. I cannot see my feet anymore
2. It is REALLY hot even when it is only 75 outside
3. Nathan gets to play in the water outside or we don't go outside
4. Cooking is for the non-pregnant :)
5. Sponge Bob (which previously has been banned in my house) is now a staple. You know it is bad when the first thing Nathan does in the morning is get the remote and put it in my face. We have to stop this...really...maybe AFTER the baby comes...exhaustion rules right now.
6. We have kitchen cabinets again (YEAH!)
7. I went scrapbooking last week (Bigger YEAH!!!)
8. Came home and was on a roll scrapping at home (yet another accomplishment)
9. That is until we took Nathan to a ball game and the next day he puked the whole day (I will NEVER have carpet in my house while my children are under 10)
10. Overall it has been a great, yet exhausting summer :) Hope yours are all the same!!

So I learned a VERY cool chipboard technique over the weekend. And that is to glitter them. Very messy, yet very cool...plus you can use any color, multiple colors, etc. Not just what is pre-made...All you have to do is cover your chipboard in glue (I spread it with my fingers) and dump on the glitter, shake it off and let it dry. Homemade mess. Homemade glitter letter. :) It is really cool!!

You can also "dress" up your covered or painted chipboard with Glossy Accents. Just put glossy accents dots on your chipboard letters for a VERY cool effect. This works best with say water themed pages (perfect for summer)...

Have a great rest of the summer!!!

Jennifer

Keith's Under The Sea Kids Camp Pages

2008-07-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Making the fish frames where easy. Just used the outline of a coloring book
fish. So keep your imagination and your eyes open for scraping materials.

Hello everyone!! Let me introduce myself, I am Keith, the man crafter of the group. LOL I

work in the Wooster, Oh location and have worked for the Catan's for 10yrs this September. I just wanted to share a few page layouts that I did with some of my Kids Camp pictures. Each year Pat Catan's holds a Kids Camp and each year it is a different theme. This years happened to be "Under the Sea". Here in Wooster we had two classes a day with approx 50 kids signed up each day. Everyone had a blast!!

The papers I used are just out of our normal selection in our store. They all went so well with our theme this year of "Under the Sea". Look for more layout and crafting ideas from me, until then, Happy Crafting.
Keith

Birthday Party Layout

2008-07-03T11:38:00.005-04:00

Hi All! Here is a birthday party layout that I came up with for my step-daughter that I thought I'd share with you. Her birthday was in December and I am just getting around to finishing this page. YIKES!

I used ColorMates Carstock in "Deep Pretty Pink(WWCPKD), Light Luscious Lime ( WWCLML), and Medium Hawaiian Blue(WWCHBM)". The patterned papers are Scrappy Cat in "Fashion Plate(SCR482) and Flower Power (SCR479)" the lined paper is Karen Foster Designs' "Notebook Paper(KF64061)". I also used Scrappy Cat Clear Stamp sets "Birthday Wishes" (SCR509) and "Designer Flouishes" (SCR503) with black Staz-On ink. The embellisments are Darice brand Finishing Accents (1202-87 and 1202-71) and star shapes that I cut out of Peel and Stick felt (10087-10QS). I thought the stars were a little too transparent so I double stacked them. I rarely ever measure and cut precisely, I just lay things out and cut, trim and re-arrange until the layout looks the way I like. If you'd like more precise information you can email and I'll measure my sample here and send you the measurments or stop in and see me at the Cuyahoga Falls store and I'll show you the layout in person.

I just got back from vacation in the Poconos and this weekend I'm going to the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair. How long do you think it will take me to scrap my vacation photos?!?!

... Vicki

It's been a little while... (updated!)

2008-06-30T23:17:00.005-04:00

Sorry it's been a little while since our last post. Kids Camp was this past week and it's been a busy one! Stay tuned for some ideas with Kids Camp photos from Keith.

The end of June is upon us, it seemed to come up so quick! With the end of this month comes some changes to our scrapbook department. As you may notice we have end caps in our stores with featured products which change occasionally. In early July our stores should have a couple new end caps including the wedding end cap (posted below). So with the end of the month we say goodbye to KI Memories end cap (the bright, colorful, laser cut papers, 3-d embellishments and funky papers) and our Narratives end cap (black and cream papers and embellishments). The graduation/patriotic end cap may be on it's way out soon, too. Be sure to check out your local Pat Catan's location to pick up these great supplies before they are gone! In honor of them I will post a couple layouts I've been playing around with!

This layout I used a kraft colored card stock from Bazzil. I took some acrylic white paint and dry brushed (dip stiff bristled brush in paint and wipe most of the paint off in a napkin or coffee filter). I painted the edges of the card stock. I then dipped the back end of the paint brush in the paint and made polka dots on the background. I like to make funk layouts that don't really have order to them so I have my photo tilted on top of two pieces of paper cut out into rectangle and square shapes. I used one of the laser cut card stocks in a swirl. I cut a pattern out of it and lightly sanded the edges. I laid this all out before adhering it because I'm so indecisive I might get a new idea before I finish! I used some turquoise (my fave!) acrylic paint and made a text area. Wrote with a black memory marker and used some KI Memories chipboard letters (self adhesive, cool!). Once I had it all figured out I adhered all of my papers, embellishments and image to the card stock using double sided photo squares.

Here is another layout I made using supplies from KI Memories and some Patriotic/Grad end cap papers. The "4th" was using Thicker's alphabet stickers in felt. Ribbon, "10 reasons why I love you", ribbon, backing paper to the photo and the striped paper behind the fireworks are all from KI Memories. The fireworks paper is on the Patriotic/Graduation end cap. I used some decorative chalk to color some of the fireworks on the background paper. I threaded ribbon through the pre-punched holes in the large "10 reasons why I love you" sticker. If you're wondering how to make the heart photograph, it's called a long exposure. You need a tripod, a shutter release or something that can hold the shutter button down for a minute or two, sparklers, glow sticks, flashlights, etc. Here is a good article on how to create this type of photograph how to photograph sparklers these are great for scrapbook pages! You can spell out words (backwards!) and make all sorts of fun photographs!

Sorry for the photo's of layouts, my scanner is down right now. I hope these ideas helped inspire you! Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone! Be sure to take lots of fireworks photos and those of your family and friends!

Some ideas for the 4th of July to scrapbook:
Fireworks
Family
What independence means to you/family/kids.
Military/ Remembering troops
Picnics and family get together

**Update**
Here is a great paper craft idea from Keith for the 4th of July weekend!

Materials:
Double Sided memory paper of choice, 5/16 x 12" wood dowel rods (9162-04), decorative picture nails (MPP229), glitter glue (kids dept.) or Stickles (Stamping dept.), 2 small pony beads for each pinwheel, scissors, ruler, pencil, hammer, craft needle

1: Cut a 6" x 6" square (you can get 4 pinwheels out of a 12" x 12" sheet of memory paper). Lightly draw a straight line across paper from corner to corner of your 6" x 6" square.
2: To add a little sparkle, decorate the memory paper with glitter glue or Stickles if desired.
3: Cut from each corner of your 6" x 6" square going in 2.5" inches following the lightly sketched line you drew in step one.
4: Label each line A, B, C, and D. Mark on the left side of each cut.
5: Take edges A, B, C, and D in your fingers and pull them to the center of the square.
6: Using the needle first, push through the center of the gathered tips.
7: Place the decorative nail in the hole made my the needle through all layers.
8: Place the beads on the nail. Hammer with care the nail into the dowel rod approximately 1/2" to the end of the dowel.
That's it! Now you have a cute and easy craft for your holiday weekend!

New Storage Item!

2008-06-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

NEW ITEM!

New craft tote from Darice! Should be in stores now or very soon! Tons of storage making it great to take along to those weekend crops, or just to store your supplies. I love the shades of pink, totally cute! You can even customize the bag if you wish, lots of "white space" leaves it open to adding decorative patches, badges, pins or more to personalize your bag with flare!

Be sure to check out your local Pat Catan's for this and many more great scrapbook storage supplies!

New Wedding Scrapbook Endcap For July/August!

2008-06-19T20:26:00.003-04:00

Wow! I feel really lucky to get a sneak peek at all this wonderful new scrapbook supplies soon to be on an end cap near you! Starting in July, all of our store locations should have a new wedding scrapbook supplies on an end cap in the Scrapbooking Department! Reminisce and K & Company are the two companies used to fill the end cap. K & Company's gorgeous cream fabric 8.5" X 8.5" with stitched swirls and a pearl lined frame would make a fabulous gift for any bride or bride to be! Their papers and embellishments have a glittered and dimensional look in a series of pretty muted colors. Reminisce shows off a great line of silver-ish gray, light marigold and creamy white paper with an iridescently sheen. Their accent pieces are simple and elegant and are great for the groom. I was fortunate enough to get to play around with the supplies and come up with a few project ideas for you all, I'll post those below. I hope you all enjoy these materials as much as I have! Be sure to check them out in July at your local Pat Catan's store as they are only there for a limited time! I'd love to hear your feedback, ideas, and comments on the ideas posted! Enjoy!
Simple and elegant wedding frame using one of the decorative frames, brads, scrapbook paper, and vellum. Here's how I did this: First, paint your frames edge either simple white or a coordinating color to your paper with acrylic paint, let dry. Trace frame facing down onto the back of the scrapbook paper. Use a paper trimmer to trim the paper, or leaving the frame there use a brand new blade in an x-acto knife to trace around the frame trimming the excess paper off. Using a brand new blade trace the inside of your frame and cut out the paper. (Don't like this idea? you can always trace the frame and cut with scissors carefully!). It's okay if you didn't cut your paper perfectly for you can lightly sand it to finish it off. Then you simply add the embellishments. I took a piece of scrap white card stock and cut it to the size of the vellum paper (from a pad). I punched two holes in empty spaces and filled them with two decorative brads. I used vellum adhesive to keep the other vellum corners down and then I used a double sided tape adhesive to adhere the vellum saying down to the frame. That's all you have to do to create a beautiful gift for someones wedding! (or your own!)

In the photo to the right is a simple 8.5 by 8.5 layout using paper and embellishments by Reminisce. I chose two busy patterns, one a bit softer than the other for this look. Using a paper trimmer cut each sheet in half and adhere to a piece of 8.5 by 8.5 card stock. I cut an inch wide strip of white card stock to separate the patterns. I used a piece of decorative wedding ribbon across the white bar.
Using one of the decorative frames you can do several things, two ideas would be to use it as a photo frame or a fancy journal block. I adhered the frame to the upper left hand corner spacing it a little bit away from the edges. Once the frame is in place I added the decorative pearl brads in a cream color. I trimmed off the prongs for the brads, pressed them down to push the remaining prongs into the pearl and used a glue dot to stick them to the ribbon. The square embellishment on the bottom right is really cool! It folds open 3 times so you can journal on it. This is a great way to save space on your layout or to keep your journaling private!

Here is a cute idea using new chipboard circles (not on wedding end cap). A mini round album (roughly 2.5" in diameter) can be used as an advice book for the couple that guests can sign, or a mini photo album! To create this look I cut out pieces of paper close to the size of the circles. I used a glue stick all over the chipboard and pressed the paper onto it rubbing it down to get any air bubbles out. Using a light sand paper block gently sand the edges removing any rough pieces. Once finished, punch a hole through each circle using a 3/16th inch punch. Use ribbon, paper, stickers and embellishments to decor your pages and cover. Cut a ribbon and thread it through the punched holes, tie a bow and you're finished!

Here is a simple layout for multiple photos. I used a striped paper from K & Co., trimmed a smaller glittered polka dot paper inside the stripes. Cut out photos to 2" by 2" using a paper trimmer. Adhere photos onto pink card stock and trim a bit smaller than quarter of an inch border around those. Lay them out toward the top right of the polka dot paper leaving little space in between. Add a decorative embellishment below the photos to fill in space. On the left side I used glittered chipboard monograms, a tag from a book of tags and a heart embellishment to create this look. Between the monogrammed letters I drew a fancy ampersand with a black fine tipped pen. I had no photos to work with this layout so your photos would go in the white "photo here" space!

I hope you enjoy these ideas! I will definitely post more creative wedding ideas in the future! Stay tuned!

Father's Day Ideas!

2008-06-13T22:50:00.003-04:00

Photography Ideas:

Dad And Kids: Showcase the bond between them sharing fun and special moments together. Don't be afraid to zoom in and crop out other distractions in the background.
Of Just The Kids: Wearing handmade t-shirts that say I <3 Daddy, or creating a fathers day gift. (even better a photo of the mess they made while creating, how cute!)
Just Of Dad: A portrait is a timeless photograph, capturing someone in that moment of their life. Try a few styles of portraits from close up cropped shots, to a crop that includes more of your father, to even a more unique portrait idea that includes things your dad loves such as his children, hobbies (does he fish? Prop a fishing pole in the background, etc).
If Dad Isn't Around: There may be several reasons your dad may not be around. If he is deceased you could photograph personal items of his that remind you of him to use in an album or page as a dedication, if he is overseas in the military or on business trips for extended periods of time you can focus on letters or memorabilia he has sent home, or your child communicating with him. (Can you do a video conference call? Photograph the call with your child talking to him)
Generations of Dads: Are you fortunate to have a great grandpa, grandpa, father, son in the same place? What a great photo of all the generations of "dads" (and soon to be dad). This photo will be precious memory for years to come!

These are just a few ideas to think of when taking photos on or around fathers day! Now for some scrap booking ideas:

Top 10 List: Make a top 10 page. This could showcase top 10 reasons you love your dad, Dads top 10 favorite things, Top 10 (kids) memories with dad. This is a fun idea you can create many ways. Think of what you'd need to photograph or have photos of.
Who Is My Dad? Your child or yourself can make a personal account as to who they feel their dad is. You can help smaller children out by writing them questions and having them answer it. (Ex. What is Daddy's Name:, What Is Daddy's Favorite Color, etc etc) this could be an adorable memory to look back on.
Dad Interview: Same idea of writing the questioner but this time you be the reporter (or the children!). Something you want to know about your dads childhood? What was his first job? His favorite concert experience? What kind of music did he like then compared to now? Ask away, interview dad. This page can be made with or without photos. (random tip: you don't always need a photo to make a scrapbook page!)
First Fathers Day?: Is your husband becoming a new father? Celebrating his first fathers day? Jot down his fears, his hopes, what he thinks being a dad will be like. If it's personal information you can create an envelope on the scrapbook page to look back to years down the road.
Father's Album: Why not create a small album just for fathers day? This can be done many ways... dad can complete a page each Fathers Day how he likes, you can make the page be a gift from your children each year, the ideas are limitless. (or, if you're good at keeping a secret... make this album without telling dad, chose a time when you'd give it to him in the future...18 years down the line, what a great Fathers Day gift for a dad who may be missing their child who moved out on their own!)

Well, I hope these ideas help you out this weekend! I hopefully will have at least one sample using an idea above to show you after this weekend. I'd love to see and hear your ideas as well! Happy Father's Day Weekend!

Graduation Time!

2008-06-13T09:05:00.002-04:00

The beginning of summer brings many things, but most notably it brings the end of an era for students of all ages. Graduation comes in many forms from simple kindergarten ceremonies to elaborate high school and college celebrations. High School graduations, however, tend to get the most attention. You or a child may have already graduated high school, perhaps even years ago like myself (10 years ago this summer, wow!) Regardless when you graduated, this time of year is a great time to commemorate or remember you or someone you loves graduation celebrations!

Giving a grad some cash or a gift card? Why not make a "money card". Using Bazzil Basics card stock (or school color), red sticky back ribbon, and die cut stickers by Reminisce (item #'s DBR-109, GC-103, GC-106 shown). Using a paper trimmer cut a piece of paper in 8" by 8" and fold in half. Cut a piece of ribbon to 8" and remove the adhesive backing cover and place on the lower portion of the card. Use one of the large self adhesive die cut stickers for the large element on the right and chose smaller stickers with the year and saying to embellish the rest. Use a silver ink pad to edge the card stock around to give it a fun look that stands out. That's really all you have to do! You can create a small pocket on the inside with matching or coordinating card stock cut to fit the item you'd be placing inside (gift card, cash, etc). Fun and easy and little to no extra adhesive is needed!

This page and card trio submitted by Vicki O'Dell uses burgundy velvet paper with a more elegant graduation paper which can be found on an end cap in the scrapbook department for a limited time. The spaces left blank could be filled with a copy of the diploma, photographs from the graduation, journaling, or embellishments. The matching card would be great for an invitation or a handmade card for the graduate. The possibilities are endless.

Another idea by Vicki using some of the natural feel crinkle look card stock, some of the silver shades of card stock, miscellaneous embellishments from the graduation end cap and the 2008 is a rub on transfer. Another great idea to use when creating an album, frame, or other form of memory making. Why not use scrapbook layouts on the sides of a card box? Lots of great things you can use scrapbooking supplies for. Got any great ideas? Leave a message!

All of the supplies photographed can be found at your local Pat Catan's store on an end cap fronting the scrapbook department. The graduation themed end cap is there for a limited time so be sure to grab your graduation scrapping supplies before they dissapear (only to be replaced by some other new, cool, scrapbook themed supplies!)

Hello there!

2008-06-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

As you may have read below, our resident blogger Jen will be on maternity leave. I, also a Jen, and a few fellow craft designers from various Pat Catan's stores will be keeping this blog alive in her absence.

A mini get-to-know-me-bio:
As you may have inferred, I'm a Craft Coordinator at one of the best craft stores around, Pat Catan's! I've lived in the Cleveland area most of my twenty eight years and just recently became engaged earlier this year (so look forward to some paper crafty wedding ideas!). I absolutely love music, it's a huge part of my life. When I'm not crafting and inspiring at Catan's you can usually find doing my other love, photography. I photograph concerts, portraits, weddings, and a variety of subjects.

I've been scrapbooking since the mid 1990's and have seen it all from it's early beginnings to the amazing trends, products and ideas out there now! I look forward to sharing my ideas as well as others, keeping you updated with sales, new products, and other in store events, and hopefully inspiring you to scrap, scrap, scrap (& craft!). I'd like to introduce you to new ways to use your scrapbook supplies that may not involve an album. Mixed in with all of this we're also going to have polls, special events that may require your participation, and much more. I look forward to the future of this blog and great things ahead! Keep an eye out for introduction posts of my fellow designers soon!

Completed Circle Journals are HERE!!!

2008-06-12T15:10:00.008-04:00

Hi everyone, the long-awaited circle journals are now here!!!! YEAH!!! Special thanks to Karen and Erin for sticking in there and completing the project!!! It was fun to see everyone else's interests and hobbies, etc. It is always fun to make new friends!!! And by the way, if you don't know what a circle journal is, it is when each participant picks a theme for their book, introduces themselves and does a page. Then they send it onto the next person who introduces themselves and completes a page on the author's theme.

Erin's Circle Journal (Favorite Family Recipes)

Karen's Circle Journal (Travel: Favorite and Dream)

My Circle Journal (What you like most about home)

As I had posted earlier, I am going to have a baby soon (time really is flying by!) and we want to keep the blog going, so I am going to hand over the blog to Jen, who works at one of the Pat Catan's stores, and her counterparts as guest bloggers. I know they are going to do a great job until I get back in January/February! Keeping up with the blog right now is too hard for me on top of my other responsibilities (as you have probably noticed). Hopefully, with their help, there will be a posting for you just about every day!!! Everyone will introduce themselves as they blog so you know who is who!!! Hopefully I will be able to pop in here and there until I have the baby.

Please give them all a warm and friendly welcome, for they are talented ladies!!!

Jennifer

PS. Nathan is doing well and he is SOOO excited to be welcoming his little sister soon. He asks me almost every day if she can come and play with him. Not yet, but soon! Hopefully one of these days I can get a picture (to scrapbook of course) of him when he is kissing my belly. It is precious. I am curious to see what he thinks after the baby actually comes and takes up more of my time and energy than she already is! :) Let me know how you are doing!

NEW PRODUCT - YEAH!!!!

2008-05-08T10:07:00.008-04:00

So Nate and I had our first "shopping for something specific" last night. I took a look at his shoes the other day and just about fell over. They were so beaten up and ready for the trash. Thankfully they did not smell :) So last night we went to the store to buy new ones. As soon as we walk in, Nathan proclaims that he wants Spider Man shoes like his friend. hmmm. That was really not on my mind...comfort, right fit, and of course price were the front runners for me. It was not to be. My very wonderful three year old with a nice bump on his head only wanted spider man shoes. And he made it clear...asking the sales lady where the spider man shoes were. She promptly helped encourage him too. Wanting to avoid a full tantrum I quickly compared prices and realized that the Spider Man shoes and the NON Spider Man shoes were about the same price. Ok, the now his choice really does not matter and he has to put them on so Spider Man shoes were it. He LOVED them and kept showing them off to anyone in the store.

Then I found out that they could be even less expensive if I bought another pair (buy one, get one half off). Now I know from majoring in Marketing that this is just a tactic to just make you spend more money. The prices are already marked up to account for this wonderful sale. But I found the PERFECT pair!!! So Nate got his for half off and I got cool shoes for my wonderfully already swollen 5 month pregnant feet (the summer is going to be a rough one, I imagine!). We both left happy.

So this is how I found Nathan the other day when he was terribly quiet as I was making dinner. I cringe when I can hear myself think....only unusual things happen.

We are re-vamping our kitchen so most of the extra bowls and things are on our porch. He found them :) He is getting so cute with his imagination! I believe this time he was cooking pizza. His favorite thing to cook!

Ok, now we scrap!!! I hope everyone had a great National Scrapbook Day! I know I found some good sales!! But now in stores is another new end-cap and it is packed with great stuff!! Prom, Graduation, 4th of July, Spring stuff!! It is loaded with great stuff from KI Memories, Creative Imaginations, Reminisce and other great suppliers!!! And it is all at Pat Catan's low prices!!! Here it goes!!!

Get there and check it out!!!! Happy Scrapping!!

Jennifer

Mother's Day Ideas

2008-05-07T16:28:00.002-04:00

So you want to bond with your mom (right?!)...or you want to remember your mom...or you want to celebrate your mom...

Why not scrapbook? A few years ago (before I was a mom), on Mother's Day, my mom and I took a scrapbooking class together. Now, my mom does not scrapbook nor do I think that she had any intentions of starting. So being the good daughter I am, I wanted to do something together that SHE loved. So I signed her up for a class with me. Yeah, looking back at this thought I do not think this was the most thoughtful thing to do for Mother's Day, but as with just about anything else about motherhood, you do not realize it until you become a mom. So off we went. My mom went excited (or so she seemed) and she brought stuff to work on. My mom does love classes so at least I was in the ball park. I cannot tell you how much fun we had. Even though we did not do exactly what she probably wanted to do, we bonded. We had fun and admired our work. It was a moment. So maybe take a class with your mom. At the very least you are spending some good "girl" time together. It was nice and I doubt my mom will ever become a scrapbooker, but we made memories!!!

If you are more in the celebrating or remembering mom phase of your life, here are a few nice ideas to celebrate her:

1. decorate a photo frame and put a nice picture in there of the two of you.

2. Take one of those plain lunch box tins - decorate it and put little pieces of paper with written special memories in it. Give it to your mom and everytime she needs a pick me up she can reach in for a memory. If your mom has passed, do it for yourself and when you think of her, reach in for a memory.

3. Make a "deep dish" (as I like to call them) photo frame and put special momentos in it. Give it to mom to hang

4. You can always make her a special card

It does not matter how old you are or how many grandchildren your mom has. You are still her child and always will be no matter how old you get.

I LOVE that book 'I Love You Forever' by Robert Munsch. You can get that for her....it is special and I read it to Nathan as much as he will let me and almost ALWAYS have a tear in my eye by the time I am done reading it. Your babies are ALWAYS your babies (no matter how many times they run into the wall while lining up because they were not looking where they were going...like the call I got yesterday afternoon!!)!!

Have a Great DAY!!!

Jennifer

More on Sale!!!

2008-05-06T11:46:00.004-04:00

I know, I have been a bit...let's say...absent...But I really have good reason and I am really excited to share that I have been a little tired and sick because we are going to have a baby!!! A healthy baby girl to be exact! So I have been trying to juggle home, work, and an expanding belly along with all the annoying, but wonderful because I am working to get another baby here, side effects like falling asleep before I hit the pillow, forgetting what I walked into a store for (this went away after Nathan was about a year old), wanting to sit on the couch (which is very unlike me), having Nathan do what he is supposed to do...like cleaning up his plate and actually getting dressed by himself (this is a good side effect!)....I am getting there...actually the first half has gone by fairly quickly. I probably have been so busy with everything (ie: trying to stay awake the whole day) that the weeks have flown by. I am hoping the summer months fly by too...anyone have a pool I can park myself in for the hot summer months :) LOL. I will more than likely be investing in another kiddie pool...but a little bigger for me too..LOL...So I hope you will all forgive me.... Apparently my husband has because I asked him to watch TV with me and snuggle in bed the other day and he was like for what because as soon as I get up there I (meaning me) am asleep...LOL...so on to scrapbooking....

Fiskar 12.5" Self Healing Craft Mat $8.97 (usually $10.97)

Purple Cow 2 in 1 Paper Cutter $29.97 (usually $34.97)

Other sales include:

***25% off Mrs Grossman's Packaged Stickers - over 190 styles to choose from

***Small Rubber Stamps on Wood Blocks. Over 150 styles to choose from $0.50 each!! WOW

***Darice 5/8" and 1" Paper Punches - $1.97 each

***BIC 12 Pack Fine Point Permanent Markers - $5.97 each!!!

Go and get yours starting tomorrow thru 5-20-08!!!

I have some cool new stuff on the end caps that I will be posting later in the week too...so check back soon!!

Jennifer

On Sale at Pat Catan's!!!!

2008-04-09T09:17:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone!! We had a 5-6 day sickness at our house. That was a LOT of fun especially since the weather was very nice over the weekend. And we missed it. But we are on the mend. Mine lingers a bit...so does my husbands, but Nathan...he is already bouncing off the walls. I wonder how in the world stuff like this does not bother the little kids. They get their Tylenol and keep on going. Maybe we are the big babies!! :)

There are a couple of great deals on scrapbooking stuff at Pat Catan's this week!!!

First the Internet special....

If you go to http://www.patcatans.com/ and click on the Internet special you will get a coupon to print out....on this coupon is the Crop-A-Dile for $14.97!!! Wow!!!! It is regularly $24.97. There is also a link to the web page over in links I love to the right of this post.

Other scrapbooking things of note that are on sale this week are:

12X12 Paper Storage Cube System by scrapbook solutions for $39.97 (reg. 44.97). This includes 23 dividers, casters, and a dustcover.

The Fiskar Trimmers - Three sizes - $12.97 - $34.97 (reg $14.97-$44.97)

(Only half of the trimmer shown on last two)

13" Purple Cow Hot Laminator Kit - $39.97 (reg. 49.97) - you can laminate your 12X12 pages if you wish with this one!!

The Cricut Expressions!!!!!!! $299.97 (Reg $349.97). Sweet deal!!!!

Bazzil In Stitch'z - All Cardstock, tools and accessories on sale. $0.50-$5.97 each (see earlier post for details of the items)

Get on into the store now to get the best selection!!!!

Jennifer

Does anyone want to try a challenge?

2008-04-03T15:22:00.003-04:00

I want to challenge you to scrap about you...I know...where are you going to find the pictures, right? :) Seriously. In the layout tell about you. And what makes up you. Are you sensitive? Are you bold? Are you serious or funny? Do you like to read? Then title your page the one word that most describes you.

Send your submissions to jenne@darice.com so I can post them! :)

PS. Have fun finding that photo of yourself that was not taken 10 years ago...I know I will have to look high and low for one... :)

Cute story by Nathan of course. I was working on a project for my church and Nathan was of course on my lap, intently watching. So I flipped through pictures and stopped. Nathan piped in with "mommy, those are old people!"

Where in the world did that come from? So then I was quizzing him...who looked old and who didn't (of course to see if he thought I was old!)....it seemed anyone with white hair was old and anyone with color in their hair was young. LOL. Oh the innocence!

Enjoy the challenge! I will!

Jennifer

A very good quote

2008-04-01T15:38:00.003-04:00

I have no clue who wrote this or where I found it, but I found a PERFECT quote awhile ago that I just unearthed on my desk (that I am going to use soon)...

"You can outgrow everything except for my heart"

I love it! And with Nathan growing up SO FAST and right before our eyes, it is perfect!

A little tip is that if you have a great quote, that can carry your page better than a title sometimes. That way you do not always have to "name" your page, you can state the feeling of the page.

So I finished my 5th page last night (up late....not good for the morning routine)...and I am going to try to do a 6th tomorrow. I figure that while I have my stuff out, I should use it! Plus I am in a friendly "competition" (that she knows nothing about, heehehhehe) with one of my friends, Erin M. She did a whole mini album in a day. So I am motivated to finish our vacation pictures ASAP....I cannot have her up me on the page total, can I? :) I will hear about it when she reads this...LOL.

So go find some quotes and let the emotion of your page take over....you will find it can be much more powerful than a title. If you need to find quotes just type in "scrapbooking quotes" into google and you will find a ton of websites devoted to quotes. Some are even categorized into events and themes!!!

Have fun!!

Jennifer

Another Layout!

2008-03-31T09:33:00.005-04:00

This layout was done by Erin M. She was at the crop on Saturday and she spent almost the entire night on this one (she will never hear the end of this one!!)....ever the perfectionist she is...It paid off. It is very cute and I am glad she submitted her layout! Thanks for sharing Erin!!

Jennifer