« California Lucky «

Scrapbooking with Washi Tape: Creative Ideas and Inspiration

2023-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there fellow scrapbookers! If you're anything like me, you love finding new and creative ways to add a little extra flair to your pages. And that's where washi tape comes in. This versatile and colorful tape has become a staple in the scrapbooking world, and for good reason. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color, create unique patterns, or just have a little fun, washi tape is the perfect tool to help you take your scrapbooking to the next level.

Now, I know you've probably seen your fair share of washi tape projects, but I've got a few unique and creative ideas that I think you'll love. So, grab your favorite roll of washi and let's get started!

Create a border: Add a border of washi tape around your photos or journaling blocks to create a fun and eye-catching frame.

Make a pattern: Cut small pieces of washi tape and arrange them in a repeating pattern to create a fun and colorful background.

Create a cover: Alternate colors and patterns to create your book or travelers notebook covers.

Make a banner: Cut small pieces of washi tape into triangle shapes and arrange them to create a cute and colorful banner.

Use it as a highlight: Draw attention to a specific part of your page by using washi tape to create a highlight.

Make your own stickers: Cut washi tape into fun shapes and use it as stickers on your pages.

Add a little sparkle: Use glitter washi tape to add a little extra sparkle to your pages.

Create a background: Cut strips of washi tape and arrange them vertically or horizontally to create a fun and playful background.

Make your own journaling lines: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create your own custom journaling lines.

Create a title: Use washi tape to create a bold and playful title for your page.

Use it as a border for your photos: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create a border around your photos.

Add a little whimsy: Cut washi tape into fun shapes and use it to add a little extra whimsy to your pages.

Use it to create patterns on your journaling blocks: Cut small pieces of washi tape and use them to create patterns on them.

Add a little dimension: Layer washi tape to add a little extra dimension to your pages.

Use it as an accent: Use washi tape to add a fun and colorful accent to your pages.

These are just a few of the creative and unique ways you can use washi tape in your scrapbooking. Next time you're looking for a fun and easy way to add a little extra oomph to your pages, reach for a roll of washi tape. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Scrapbooking with washi tape is a fun and creative way to add a little extra personality to your pages. So, whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just starting out, be sure to add washi tape to your supplies list. With so many fun and unique ways to use it, you're sure to find the perfect way to make your pages pop!

Scrapbooking for a New Parent: Documenting Your Baby's First Years

2023-03-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to try to keep track of all the milestones, memories, and special moments that come with having a baby. Between feedings, diaper changes, and just trying to get some rest, it can feel like there's not enough time in the day to document everything. But scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve these precious memories and create a keepsake that you and your little one will treasure for years to come.

I know what you're thinking: "Scrapbooking? Are you kidding me? I don't have the time, energy, or money for that." Trust me, I've been there. But with a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can create beautiful scrapbook pages that capture the joy and wonder of your baby's first years, without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious sleep.

Here are some practical tips for new parents who want to start scrapbooking:

Keep it simple: Don't feel like you have to create elaborate, Pinterest-perfect pages. Simple, straightforward pages with a few photos, some journaling, and a few embellishments are just as meaningful, and they're a lot easier to complete.

Use what you have: You don't need a lot of expensive tools and supplies to start scrapbooking. Use what you already have on hand – old magazines, scrap paper, stickers, washi tape – to create your pages.

Take advantage of technology: You don't have to spend hours cutting, pasting, and printing. There are plenty of digital scrapbooking tools and apps that make it easy to create pages from your phone or tablet. I make mine on the Canva phone app, but your can also access it on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. Try it for free!

Make it a family affair: Involve your partner or other family members in your scrapbooking. Let them choose photos, add their own journaling, or even create pages of their own.

Document the little moments: It's easy to focus on the big milestones – first smile, first tooth, first step – but it's the little moments that make up the fabric of your baby's life. Take photos of everyday activities like bath time, playtime, and bedtime, and include them in your scrapbook. Here's a spread I made about the benefits of a car ride - peace and quiet!

Take advantage of downtime: If you're a stay-at-home parent, take advantage of nap time or quiet moments to work on your scrapbook. If you're a working parent, set aside some time in the evenings or on weekends to work on your pages. For me, nursing time means Canva time!

Be flexible: If you're feeling too tired or overwhelmed to work on your scrapbook one day, don't beat yourself up. Take a break and come back to it when you're feeling more refreshed. This also goes for getting stuck or hitting a wall while making a page. Take a break and come back to it another day. You will see.it with fresh eyes and know exactly what to do.

Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you're feeling stuck or need some inspiration, reach out to other scrapbookers, join online forums, or attend scrapbooking workshops or classes. Feel free to reach out on Instagram (@CaliforniaLucky). I'm always happy to help or just give some support! You'll find a supportive community of people who love to scrapbook as much as you do.

As a new parent, it can be tough to find the time and energy to scrapbook. But with these tips, you'll be able to create beautiful pages that document your baby's first years, without sacrificing too much of your precious time or energy. And in the end, you'll have a keepsake that you and your little one will cherish for years to come.

15 Unique Ways to Use Stickers in Scrapbooking

2023-02-27T07:00:00.002-08:00

Stickers: they're the ultimate scrapbooking accessory! With so many styles, designs, and shapes to choose from, the possibilities for using stickers in your scrapbook pages are endless. And let's not forget the fun factor - who doesn't love playing with stickers? Whether you're a seasoned scrapbooker or just starting out, these 15 unique ways to use stickers will bring a touch of playful personality to your pages.

Sticker Borders: Use stickers to create a border around your photos or journaling. Choose stickers in coordinating colors or patterns for a polished look.

Sticker Collages: Cut your stickers into various shapes and sizes and arrange them in a collage on your page. You can even layer stickers on top of each other for added dimension.

Highlight Your Journaling: Use stickers to draw attention to your journaling and add a pop of color. You can use letter stickers to spell out words or phrases, or simply place decorative stickers around your writing.

Accent Stickers: Place stickers around your page to add a touch of color and interest. Choose stickers that match the theme of your page, such as flowers for a garden page, or stars for a space page.

Sticker Backgrounds: Use stickers to create a unique and eye-catching background. Layer stickers on top of each other, or place them in a random pattern for a fun and playful look.

Sticker Flowers: Cut stickers into flower shapes and layer them to create 3D blooms. You can even add a button or brad in the center for a fun pop of color.

Date Keeping Stickers: Add a calendar sticker to each page to keep track of the date and time of your memories. You can even add a "day of the week" sticker to make sure you never forget which day you captured a special moment.

Sticker Monograms: Use letter stickers to create a monogram for yourself or a loved one. You can even add a decorative frame or border to make the monogram pop.

Label Stickers: Label your photos, journaling, or mementos with stickers. You can use words, shapes, or symbols to label your items, or even create your own custom stickers.

Decorated Titles: Use stickers to add some extra personality to your page title. You can use a combination of letters and decorative stickers to create a unique and eye-catching title.

Sticker Shapes: Cut stickers into shapes and use them as accents or borders. You can use shapes that match the theme of your page, such as stars for a space page, or hearts for a love page.

Sentiment Stickers: Add a sentiment sticker to your page to express your feelings. Choose from a wide variety of sentiments, such as "love," "grateful," or "joyful."

Sticker Arrows: Cut stickers into arrow shapes and use them to point to important elements on your page. You can also use arrows to create fun and whimsical paths on your page.

Photo Mat Stickers: Place stickers around the edges of your photos to create a fun and playful photo mat. You can even layer stickers on top of each other to create a multi-dimensional look.

Edgy Decoration: Use stickers to decorate the edges of your pages. You can create a border or simply add a few accent stickers for a touch of personality.

So there you have it, 15 unique and fun ways to use stickers in your scrapbooking! Whether you're using stickers to highlight your journaling, create borders, or add a touch of whimsy, these ideas are sure to inspire you to get creative with your stickers. So grab your stash of stickers, get your glue stick ready, and start creating! Remember, the possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get a little crazy with your stickers.

And if you're feeling stuck or need a little extra inspiration, check out scrapbooking forums and online communities. Feel free to reach out on Instagram (I'm @CaliforniaLucky). You'll find a wealth of ideas and tips from other scrapbookers, and you might even make some new friends along the way!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process. Scrapbooking is all about capturing your memories and expressing your personality, so let your imagination run wild and have fun with your stickers! Happy scrappin'!

Rainbows and sparkles,

Erika

How to Make Your Own Scrapbook Embellishments

2023-02-20T07:00:00.001-08:00

Scrapbooking is all about creativity and expressing your personality, so why not take it to the next level and make your own embellishments? Homemade embellishments add a unique touch to your pages and allow you to add personal elements that you won't find in a store. Plus, making your own embellishments is a fun and affordable way to add some extra flair to your scrapbook pages.

Here are a few simple and fun ways to create your own embellishments:

Paper Flowers: Paper flowers are a classic scrapbook embellishment that can be made in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Cut out flower shapes from patterned paper, fold them in half, and glue them together to create 3D flowers. Use a button or brad in the center to add a pop of color, or add a stem made from wire or green pipe cleaners.

Photo Corners: Photo corners add a touch of vintage charm to your pages and are easy to make. Cut out small squares of patterned paper and fold them into triangles. Adhere them to the corners of your photos to add a touch of character.

Felt Shapes: Felt is a great material for making embellishments because it's easy to work with and comes in a variety of colors. Cut out shapes, such as stars, hearts, or animals, and use them to add texture and dimension to your pages.

Washi Tape: Washi tape is a versatile and colorful scrapbooking material that can be used in a variety of ways. Use it to create borders, accents, or even entire pages. You can even create your own patterns by layering different tapes together.

Stamped Images: Stamping is a fun and easy way to add images to your pages. Simply ink up a rubber stamp, press it onto your paper, and you're done! You can use stamps to add decorative elements, such as flowers, stars, or words.

Stickers: Stickers are a quick and easy way to add a pop of color to your pages. You can purchase stickers at a craft store, or you can make your own using images from magazines, photos, or other materials. You can print your own on Canva with clear sticker paper too!

Envelopes: Envelopes are a fun and unique way to add journaling or other elements to your pages. You can use patterned paper to create your own envelopes and use them to hold small items, such as tickets, notes, or other mementos.

These are just a few of the many ways you can create your own scrapbook embellishments. Get creative and have fun with it! The possibilities are endless, and the results will be truly one-of-a-kind.

So, grab your scissors, glue, and craft supplies and get ready to add some extra pizzazz to your scrapbook pages. And remember, the most important part of scrapbooking is to have fun and let your creativity run wild. Happy embellishing!

10 Fun Scrapbook Page Themes to Try Today

2023-02-13T07:00:00.001-08:00

Hi friends! Scrapbooking is a wonderful and creative way to preserve and relive life’s special moments. With endless possibilities and endless room for personal expression, it’s no wonder that scrapbooking is a beloved hobby for many. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why I've compiled a list of 10 fun scrapbook page themes that are sure to inspire and spark your imagination.

"A Day in the Life": Document a day in your life with photos and journaling, showcasing the little moments that make up the bigger picture.

"Goals and Dreams": Create a page dedicated to your aspirations, both big and small. Use motivational quotes, photos of your role models, and write down your plans for the future.

"Travel Memories": Document your travels and adventures with photos, tickets, maps, and other souvenirs from your trip.

"Bucket List": Create a list of things you want to experience or accomplish in your lifetime, and make a page for each.

"Favorites": Showcase your favorite things, whether it's food, movies, music, or anything else.

"Gratitude": Dedicate a page to things you are grateful for in life. Whether it’s people, experiences, or simple pleasures, take time to reflect and appreciate all the good in your life.

"Me Time": Create a page that celebrates self-care and the things you do to relax and recharge. This could include a bubble bath, a good book, or a glass of wine.

Childhood Memories": Revisit your childhood with photos, trinkets, and stories from your childhood days.

"My Tribe": Show your love for your closest friends and family by creating a page dedicated to them. Add photos, inside jokes, and special memories to make it extra special.

"Hobbies and Interests": Highlight the things you love to do in your free time, from reading to gardening to playing sports.

These themes are just the starting point for creating beautiful and personal scrapbook pages. Remember, the best part about scrapbooking is that there are no rules, so feel free to get creative and add your own unique twists. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, try looking through magazines, Pinterest, or other scrapbooking sites for more ideas.

Scrapbooking is not only a hobby, but it’s also a great way to preserve your memories for years to come. So, why not try out one of these themes today? Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or a newcomer, I guarantee you’ll have a blast creating pages that showcase your personality and your life story.

And don’t forget, scrapbooking is all about having fun! So, grab your favorite supplies, turn on some music, and let the creativity flow. Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful scrapbook filled with pages that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Happy scrapbooking!

Thankful 30 Mini Album Book Tutorial

2020-11-05T21:19:00.002-08:00

I've never made an album or book from scratch. Well, I mean, I didn't make the paper, or the thread I used to sew it altogether, but this is as close as I can get! I absolutely love how it turned out. Check out the video to see how it was done.

31 Days of Spooky Scraps Series

2020-11-01T09:42:00.003-08:00

Hello! This is the first video in the spooky series. There are lots of talented ladies joining, so please click through the video and check them all out in my video info box!

New Series Coming to YouTube and Instagram!

2020-08-07T14:43:00.005-07:00

Hello friends! Happy August. So, it's basically Halloween now, right? :D I am happy to announce that I will be hosting my very first scrapbooking series: 31 Days of Spooky Scraps! If you'd like to play along, I've included the prompts below. Be sure to use #31DaysofSpookyScraps so we can all share in the fun.

Do you have a YoutTube or Instagram account you'd like to post your page on?
Click HERE to sign-up for a prompt!

New Collection Unboxing: "This is Us!" Celebrating Diversity, Promoting Inclusion and Emphasizing Empowerment

2020-06-13T14:25:00.003-07:00

Paper House Productions, along with: Mommy Lhey, Wire & Honey, Jamison Reid Designs, Plans that Blossom, River & Ink, Sugary Gal Shop, Indiivy_ink, Goldmine & Coco, Pretty Prints & Paer by Jess, and Shawna Clingerman, present "This is Us," a collection that's all about amplifying minorities and increasing their representation in the paper crafting world.

Get them here! https://thisisus.org

** Use code PH20ERIKA for 20% off!
----------------------------------

June Papercraft Business Challenge

2020-05-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

This month's challenge involved Father's Day. The layout below is of my husband. To say he loves fishing is an understatement. On this particular day, he went on a halibut fishing excursion and caught the largest fish of the day!

I love a good grid layout because it's easy to achieve balance and symmetry. Layer a few elements on each square, and it's a recipe for a classic sketch you'll got back to again and again.

November Papercraft Business Challenge

2019-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! This month's challenge theme is focused

on gift giving. One of my sweet friends has been going through a really rough time with their mother. She absolutely adores Halloween! So I made her a cute little personalized Wicked Weeks of Halloween book!

Using my Cricut Maker, I used a pumpkin template to cut out 28 pages and 2 covers. For the pages, I used the outer covers of the paper pack, lined with cardstock. The pages were comprised of 2 pages adhered together. If you do this, don't forget to change the orientation so the sides match!

Afterward, I punched two holes on the outer left hand side, and threaded two binder rings through them. I found a pack of 6 at Dollar Tree!

To help speed things along, I made sure I had a stash of pre-cut Halloween related items (ghouls, ghosts, bats, haunted houses, spider webs, skulls). That way I could assemble, glue and go!

All in all it was a fun project to do! I hope you hop on over to Papercraft Business Challenge Blog to check out future challenges!

Tag! You're It | October Papercraft Business Challenge

2019-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all! And thanks for joining me for another Papercraft Business Challenge! October features tags of all kinds and types.

I had picked up a pack of purple tags for $1.50 at Michael's. But I had absolutely no idea what to do with them. Until I saw this photo.

The tags gave me a two fold interpretation: as a flower (since my daughter brightens up my day), and the eyelets mirroring her eyes in the photo.

I focused on her eyes because they've always been such an interesting color. Even now, they are a fiercely dark gray/green. I sure hope they stay that way, and that you hop on over to Papercraft Business Challenge Blog to check out future challenges!

2019-08-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

For September, we over at the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog are celebrating bears of all kinds! As the scrapbooker of the group, I whipped up the layout below using a cut file for the very first time! It took no time at all to back it using different patterned cardstock.

This layout is all about my leap of faith of moving from San Diego to Seattle. Spoiler alert: it was the best decision I ever made! There is a bear on the Californian flag, and a circle of pine trees amidst a starry night sky--representative of both cities.

Thanks for checking this out, hope to see you join us for the next challenge over at the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog!

August Papercraft Business Challenge

2019-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

For August, we over at the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog are celebrating circles of every type and size! As the scrapbooker of the group, I whipped up the layout below using some of my leftover ephemera from American Crafts' Head in the Clouds collection by Shimelle.

This layout is all about my little one and their 18 month milestone (and the incredibly long, constantly growing list of nicknames they've already accumulated! I love that I will be able to look back on this one day.

Thanks for checking this out, hope to see you join us for the next challenge over at the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog!

Papercraft Business June Challenge - Up in the air

2019-07-01T15:38:00.001-07:00

I loved the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog's theme challenge for this month. It was a great way to highlight our trip to Tombstone, AZ this past fall. It was everything we thought it would be!

I mainly used the wonderful Amy Tangerine's paper pads to complete this. To give it dimension, I fussy bladed a cloud and a few mini airplanes and mounted them with foam tape. Some journaling, sequins (because shiny is life), and pen work made this complete!

Hop on over to the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog and make sure you are following along with the monthly challenges for exciting prizes!

2019-05-05T11:29:00.001-07:00

Hope you all had a happy scrappy holiday yesterday! Despite our recent loss, crafting was calling to me. I completed this layout for the Mother's Day themed May challenge on the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog, using the JAW-DROPPING Stargazer collection from PaperHouse Productions. How gorgeous are these colors?

This is my first two pages of my super soft and pretty PHP vegan traveler's notebook.

Love it! My page is about my bond with Baby Chunks. I'm counting this as my first Mom's Day, since last year my daughter was a tiny thing.

Hop on over to the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog and join in on the fun!

2019-04-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Not to compare myself with a Superhero, but momhood definitely has the ability to make me feel like I can do ANYTHING! Especially when it comes to your kids. I’m on the blog today with a simple, fun, 20 minute layout using Paper House Productions' beautiful Wonder Woman collection!

To complete this layout, I started out with blank white cardstock. From there, I cut out 2″ circles from the Tags Foil paper, all from the collection. I fussy cut the word “Fierce,” along with a couple of branding strip pieces, and some gold for the tiny background strips. I began layering different pieces, including the incredibly cute matching stickers, to form mini clusters.

Next, I cut a circle frame slightly larger than 2″ for my main photo in the center. I’ve recently become obsessed with free-form pen ink borders, so I threw a couple around the outside. To add a different texture, I added some stepped black splatter, and some quick journaling. And that’s it! Hope you try this one out!

Papercraft Business April Challenge - Easter

2019-03-25T21:05:00.001-07:00

The Papercraft Business Challenge for April is Easter. How lucky of us to have our very own Easter bunny! She is a rescue, and was quite literally born on Easter weekend almost two years ago! We love her, and she is so super sweet.

For this layout, I set my timer for 20 mins. I grabbed some Felicity Jane floral paper, stitched the white column paper edging, and kept the embellishments simple.

See if you can pop over to the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog, and join us for the fun!

Let's Play with Layering Multimedia!

2019-03-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

My Rainbow Chair

2019-03-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

Catching up on last week's Scraplift Sunday, I did a reverse rainbow to @4momsed 's beautiful piece of art. I've been working on expanding past my usual neat layers and symmetrical elements. I'd say I'm pretty proud of myself for going way outside of my comfort zone!

This story is about my rainbow chair. When we went to visit Sean's aunt and uncle, she had this GORGEOUS custom reading room, the Rainbow Room. It inspired me to create a similar nook on a much smaller scale, of course. I bought and hung several etched crystal spheres in the window behind my chair, and the way the setting sun's setting light paints mini rainbows on us is just magical.

Papercraft Business March Challenge - Animals

2019-03-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to post my second Papercraft Business Challenge! The challenge theme for March was animals 🐎. In the simple 30-min layout, I wrote about our magical multi-farm venture last October 🎃 using 1Canoe2 and Echo Park's Down on the Farm.

February Papercraft Business Challenge: Love!

2019-02-01T09:55:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to post my very first Papercraft Business Challenge! The theme for February was love, or hearts, so naturally I did both, writing about our baby girl and how much joy she brings to our lives.

I don't usually dig pink, but I had just gotten in my American Crafts Head in the Clouds by Shimelle. So I painted my background, handstitched the empty space's outline, and fussy cut these beautiful roses. See if you can pop over to the Papercraft Business Challenge Blog, and join us for the fun!

Paper Issues January Sketch

2019-01-31T09:22:00.001-08:00

Sliding home for Paper Issue's January sketch. I have very few photos of myself growing up, so this one of my dad on his birthday and I is extra special. I guess I *really* wanted to wear his birthday hat!

I have really been trying to power down on using up the 3 Amy Tangerine paper pads I bought from Tuesday Morning a couple of months ago. They are so easy to coordinate. They work well together, but also easily stand out!

Scraplift Sunday at Paper Issues

2019-01-23T08:32:00.001-08:00

I apparently took LOTS of photos on our most recent Tucson trip (I just love this city!), and I had three remaining that were unscrapped. I used the scraplift sketch, turned it on its side, and voilà! Officially Tucson done!

Credits:
Alpha - Felicity Jane
Main strip background - Shimelle
Accents - Amy Tangerine, Maggie Holmes and Shimelle's sticker books

Nerd for a day...

2019-01-02T12:49:00.001-08:00

Stepping aside from the holidays, here's a layout from the epic Friends of the Library book sale last year in downtown Seattle. I found some bargains to read, and some gorgeous rares with which to decorate! I've been on a Joanna Gaines kick (because really, who hasn't?), so I knew I wanted some books with gorgeous covers to go in my bookshelf. Because who uses their bookshelf for actual reading books, right? (As mine currently live in my reading corner) I ended up lugging literal POUNDS of books in bags across downtown... Definitely felt like a nerd that day!