Running on EMPTY?

MFT presents the FIRST online Copic Refill Station
 
Refilling your Copic Markers is as easy as 1-2-3!
 
1) Add the Marker Refill Product to your cart. Once you've chosen all the marker colors you need to refill, go to your shopping cart and set the quantity to the amount of markers you are going to send us. Scroll to check the availability of the color you need to refill. Please don't send us markers of colors that are not available in the overview above.
 
2) Checkout and pay for your refills. Make sure there are NO other items in your order, only refills.
 
3) Put your markers in a bubble wrap envelope (make sure they are well protected!) and mail them to the address listed.
 
See the site for details and get refilled at MFT!

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Treasured Scrapbooking is looking for a Guest Designer for March. Our theme for February is all about beginnings, and the challenge is too! The deadline is February 10th at midnight PST.

Please follow this link for more information about the call.

If you have any questions, please contact Erin at admin@treasuredscrapbooking.com

XOXO Girls - Scraplift Challenge

It's voting time for all of the January Rebels.  Come by XOXO Girls to cast your vote on who YOU think should WIN the January prize and then become a rebel yourself this month by scraplifting one of the XOXO Girls in February. 
 
Team "X" has posted their inspiring layouts for you to scraplift from for the next couple of weeks, until Valentine's Day (Sunday, February 14).  Our February sponsor is Random Shananigans.
 
Come on, be a Rebel!  Scraplift us!

Scrapatale – Guest Designer Challenge

We have a Guest DT Amanda Dovey on Scrapatale and she is hosting an awesome challenge with a wonderful RAK.

Here is the link.

Coordinates Collections – 3 Sketches Contest

Closing date for the call:  February 28, 2010

Monthly '3 Sketches' contest:
Each month we post 3 sketches — a 2-page layout; a 1-page layout; and a card. You may create as many projects as you wish using one, two or all three of the sketches for the month.  Layouts should be loaded to the CC Gallery under January Contests – 3 Sketches

One lucky winner will receive a fun prize from CC! Yes, we accept international contestants.  

Click here for more details.

Coordinates Collections "Trick or Treat" Contest

Closing date for the call: February 28, 2010

Because we are celebrating Valentine's day this month, we want you to fill the gallery with layouts about someone or something you LOVE ! (could be about your hubby, family, kids, Starbucks (this is what I'll be working on!), chocolate, your job, scrapbooking…you get the picture! 

The word LOVE must be in your title and we would like to see lots of reds and pinks in the gallery and a few heart!

–Upload entries to the "Contests and Challenges" section of the CC Gallery by February 28th at 11:59 PST.

Winner will receive a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE to the CC Store!  Winner will be determined by a random drawing and announced on the CC Message Board. There's no limit to the number of entries, but you'll only be entered for the prize once.

For more details check out the Contests Page.

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Colour Challenge

Check out the color challenge on the "A Walk Down Memory Lane DT Blog".  New Design team Member, Kim Holmes, is excited to be sharing this challenge with you! Share your layout on the blog using the Mr. Linky at the top of the blog by midnight on February 28th and you will be entered into the monthly drawing for some goodies from AWDML!! You can check out all the fun here.

 Everything Scrappn' – Guest Designer Call

Have you ever wanted to be a guest designer? Here is your opportunity! Apply by emailing photos of your best layout and project to hgturner@everythingscrappn.com by February 15th to become our March Guest Design Team Member. Also, please provide your name, blog address, forums you frequent, and any special talents you think makes you sparkle.

Guest Designer spots are only open to those residing in the US. You would be required to create 2 layouts/projects due the 14th and 2 layouts/projects due the 28th using products from Everything Scrappn. The layouts/projects due the 14th you are free to create whatever inspires you. I would love to see projects created for the current season or upcoming holidays. The layouts/projects due on the 28th will be an assigned project for a contest or challenge for our blog readers. You will receive $15 gift certificate, free shipping, and a discount for other personal shopping items.

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Beautiful all-in-one card and envelope printable here from How About Orange.

320 Sycamore has a cute idea for making a framed wall-hanging using Scrabble tiles here. See one photo at left. {Via U Create.}

Here's an interesting idea from BHG.  They turned an old wooden cutlery tray into a jewelry display complete with pretty papered backgrounds in each section.

Take a look here to see a pretty altered clock made by Leticia Seki.

Have you joined the new ScrapScene Flickr group yet?  It's a great way to put in a submission for ScrapScene.com.  Click here for details.  While you're there, take a look at this cute anniversary album done by Krista k33.  I love how she did the cover and how she used lots of supplies that could also be used for Valentine's Day in her anniversary album. See one photo at right.

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Spice up your February with KnK's latest kit.  This month's kit was designed by KnK's own Designer, Deb Harter!  The kit features Lily Bee's Audrey Collection, Jillibean Soup, Jenni Bowlin, 7 Gypsies, Tim Holtz Grunge Paper, Coordinating Prima Flowers, Stampendous Class A Peels and coordinating Bazzill.  If you can't get enough of this kit, we have coordinating card stock addons and specially selected add ons in the store.

Blue Moon Scrapbooking

Amy's Creative Treasures

We are excited to announce Amy's Creative Treasures is a brand new scrapbook kit club offering a 6 month subscription plan.  When you sign up for the plan you will receive a free gift.  This kit, Sweet Valentine is fully packed with the new Lovestruck papers by Making Memories, Jenni Bowlin, and Pink Paislee and fun embellishments to go with it.  With this kit you can make 4 to 5 layouts and cards.  Come check us out here and here is our blog.

Dixie Pieces

It is time to take a break and have some fun with the "Recess" kit from Dixie Pieces! You will get plenty of double-sided 12 x 12 patterned paper  from October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket, Fancy Pants and Lily Bee to coordinate with Bazzill solid cardstock to get your creative juices flowing! Of course it wouldn't be "Recess" time without some great alphas from My LIttle Shoebox and Jenni Bowlin, plus some embellishments from Basic Grey, October Afternoon, Cosmo Cricket, Sassafras Lass and more!  Come on and get our "Recess" kit from Dixie Pieces because "It's Time To PLAY!" Recess is only $28, or become a club member and get it for only $25!

Scrap-Friendzy

Love is in the air this month at SCRAP-FRIENDZY with this beautiful kit featuring Pink Paislee's "Cupid" line! It is packed full of special embellishments exclusive to Scrap-Friendzy and has a touch of brown zebra that really adds to it's flare!

Kreatorville Kraft

Kreatorville Kraft is a unique kit club which not only features the latest crafting supplies; it also includes a handmade title as well as a handmade embellishment.  Each month, members will be given a choice of three handmade titles along with three handmade embellishments (examples of these can be seen here).  The chosen title and embellishment will ship with the kit.  Also, any items purchased at kiwithekreator.etsy.com will ship free with the kit!  Make sure to visit our blog for pictures of all three of the available handmade embellishments and the full kit reveal and to sign up for a chance to win an AWESOME prize!  Also, check out what our Kore Kreators and February Kontributing Kreator, Jaime Lynn Lea krafted with this kit!

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

"I simply couldn't see anything that really jumped out at me.  I think that with the change in our economy, many companies were sticking to their strengths and not stepping too far out of their boxes.  Once I got home and really ruminated on everything I saw and heard, however, it came to me.  It's mixed media!  Of course!  What better way to get crafters inspired than to encourage them to work with all the things they already have- with some helpful additions from new products, of course. 

Above project by Lori Gentile for Creative Imaginations using their "Real Wood."

Canvas albums above from Maya Road.

GCD Studios is a great example of a new company that was introducing traditional scrapbooking items but with a collection of hands-on tools that help bridge the gap between "just" paper and mixed media. 

GCD Studios "Chip Art Mallet"

I could even see this trend in the fashions worn by crafters at the show.  There were more examples of handcrafted jewelry and clothing than I've noticed at previous shows.  So there you have it- not really a specific color pallet or a graphic or shape trend but a nice mix of all the things we crafters love."

Thanks, Angela!

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Jen Kershner, of The Cottage Nest, shows her studio space here.  Also, see below for one photo. She has some good ideas for displaying inspiration photos which you can see in her photos.

Speaking of inspiration photo displays, take a look at this great idea from Jessica Wilson on Craftzine.  There is also a tutorial posted.  See one photo below. She made this photo display by covering round cork boards with fabric. (I have some of these cork trivets that I bought from Ikea… I may have to try this!)

Here is another inspiring inspiration board display by Heather Bullard.

There are lots of photos of Amy, from Inspire Company's, studio space shown here.  Also, one photo is shown below.

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Deadline: Feb. 25th, 2010

Details:

Show *Obvious White Space* on a layout, upload your creation in the Contests and Challenges section of our forum - joining is fast and free! – BEFORE Jan.25th to be entered to win a creative kit from Hailey's Bobbins on Etsy.

Log Your Memory – Month Long Challenge

Log Your Memory is kicking off our Sweet Talk Journaling Challenge on February 1st, which features a month filled with 14 scrapbooking challenges focused on helping tell the "real" stories of our lives through the journaling on our pages. Each challenge is centered on a specific type of journaling, with participants who create a layout using that type of journaling earning special "Sweet Talk" awards that appear on their profile page and in their site signatures. Additionally, anyone who completes all 14 challenges will earn a special prize. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun – information on how to participate can be found in our February 1st blog post.

Candy Shoppe Designs – "Cupid's Arrow" Challenge

"Cupid's Arrow" Challenge due on Valentine's Day – Sunday, February 14.
 
The Lollipop Girls and I know something you don't…..Cupid had an accident and love is being delayed. Our first February challenge this month is to include an ARROW on your creations to symbolize all of the single ladies that will be spending this Valentine's Day alone. 
 
Our February Sponsor is Generations Crafting and in order to win the Blog Candy you don't even have to help us in our Cupid's Arrow Quest.  All you have to do is answer this question:  "What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year?" 
 
Come check out the sweetest blog on the block - Candy Shoppe Designs!

Let's Capture Our Memories – February Challenges

February will be a whole month of HAPPY fun challenges at Let’s Capture Our Memories, led by the very talented sketch design team.

With the timeless SNOW WHITE and the Seven Dwarfs theme, now is not the time to be BASHFUL as we ask you to come enjoy a fairytale of a month full of sketches, challenges, prizes and more. Did we forget to mention great prizes?! How DOPEY of us!!!

From SNEEZY wintery themed layouts to a clever DOC style card sketch there is plenty to inspire and motivate you and there will be no time to be SLEEPY.

Join us for the month at the LCOM Sketch blog where we will post a sketch and challenge every Tuesday and Friday with a chance to win a prize for every challenge completed.    Grab yourself a not so GRUMPY blinkie on February 1st (you could win another prize!) and get ready for plenty of inspirational fun!

We can’t wait to see you there!

The Everyday Scrapper - Everyday Scrapper Sketch Team Call

Deadline: Feb. 20, 2010

Details:

Are you interested in being part of a dynamic team? Meet The Everyday Scrapper, an up-and-coming website with tutorials, sketches, challenges, a forum, and lots of eye candy and inspiration!

We're looking for a few contributors who will be able to create a layout based on a sketch for our Sketch Sunday Reveal. This is a weekly commitment. We are also looking for contributors who will be able to promote the website on other blogs and forums. There are no requirements to have been published before, and applicants who hold DT positions elsewhere are welcome to apply. We're just looking for scrappers who love to scrap and share ideas! As a promotion contributor, we also ask that you are active on our forum by posting a minimum of 15 times per week. 

Recognition: As an Everyday Scrapper Sketch Team contributor, your work and blog will be featured on the website and on the forum. 

Please e-mail Catherine (at catherine.bilotto@gmail.com) with Everyday Scrapper Sketch Team Submission in the subject, and the following:

- Your name, and how long you've been scrapping
- A link to your blog OR 5 of your recent layouts/cards
- HOW you see yourself promoting the website (which blogs, sites, etc)
- How often you can commit to promoting the website.

I look forward to hearing from you!

ScrapMuse – "Spread the Love" Event

When you think of February you think of LOVE! At ScrapMuse we are going to dedicate the month of February to spreading the love. "Spread the Love" will be a month long event held on the ScrapMuse message board. We are going to spend the first 5 days of February getting everything ready for you. You will have the rest of the month to earn points by spreading the love about Scrapmuse, participating in weekly challenges, joining our Blog Hop, posting on the message board and much more. Since the contest is all about love…..there will also be random "love" points handed out! You will find a complete list of rules and ways to earn points on February 5th in the "Spread the Love" section of the message board. The grand prize for the scrapper with the most "love" at the end of the month will be a Brand New March 2010 Mega Muse and a July 2009 Mega Muse. We will also select a second place winner from a random drawing who will win a March, 2010 Mini Muse.

A Million Memories – "Banner Bonanza" Contest

It is a banner day over at AMM as we announce our new contest, "Banner Bonanza", in which you have the opportunity to win brand new, not-yet-in-stores product direct from some of CHA's  most popular manufacturers such as October Afternoon, My Mind's Eye, Pink Paislee, American Crafts, Tattered Angels and MORE!

As we fawned over all the new product coming out, one trend we certainly noticed was banners.  We saw chipboard ones, canvas ones, fabric ones, doily ones, wooden ones, banner embellishments, banners on paper, and more. 

So what do you have to do to have a chance to win this awesome prize pack?  Incorporate a banner from any material, any style you want into your project and post it to the contest thread and the gallery by Friday February 19th at midnight in order to win.     This could mean a banner that is on a layout or an actual banner to hang up.  Submissions should be newly created for this contest and not previously posted anywhere else and only one entry per person.  

Scrapbook Heaven – "Be My Valentine" Event

“Be MY Valentine” Special Event! One Day ONLY!

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

Playing with Brushes has a lot of romantic looking backgrounds available that would be perfect for making Valentine's Day cards.  See one below.

Danielle Thompson shows how she made the cute Valentine cards shown below using rejected instant photos here.  See one photo below.

There are free valentine printable flashcards, designed by Rachel Hall, available from A Million Memories here.

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.

ALTERING FABRICS with INK

by Tania Willis

While bleaching and dyeing are both acceptable ways to alter your fabric, there is yet another option: today, I will focus on a two fun fabric projects using reinker drops. 

(Note: If you wish to bleach a portion of fabric for use in on your scrapbooking layouts, I highly recommend using the Clorox Bleach Gel Pen so you have more control over where your bleach lands.  A super fun technique to try is painting some of the gel (a little goes a long way) onto bubble wrap and “stamping” it onto your fabric to create a bubble pattern that will bleach out the stamped portion of your fabric.  Once the bleach dries, the fabric may be used directly on your layouts)

Re-Inker 

It stands to reason that if you can use dye and bleach on your fabrics, then you can also use re-inker.  Re-inker is a dye solution sold as an economical alternative to buying a whole new inkpad.  With just a few drops you can add new life to a dry stamp pad.  I’ve found that it has many other uses, though–especially when playing with fabrics for your layouts.  I will warn you this is a bit messy and takes some special care and time to heat-set and cure.  It is, though, so very worth the mess for the end result.

Make Your Own Spray Mist 

A very popular trend right now is to use spray mist. But, boy, can buying all those individual colors add up!  I decided to try using what I already had on hand—reinker—to see if I could get the same results.  It worked! 

All you need is a fine-mist water bottle, which is easily found in the travel-sized section of your toiletry aisle (usually for less than a dollar), paired with a few drops of re-inker.  It’s the frugal way to create your own colored mist that is so popular among those who scrapbook, art journal, and stamp!   

Here’s how:

1. Fill small fine-mist spray bottle with ¼ cup or less of water. 

2. Drop 2-3 drops of re-inker into water. (Use more for more vibrant color, less for lighter color.) 

3. Replace spray bottle lid and shake to distribute color. 

4. Spray fabric with mist, holding bottle 6-8” from fabric. 

5. Allow mist to soak into fabric for approximately 10 minutes. 

6. Iron fabric dry with the iron set on a hot, dry setting. 

Here’s an example of the homemade mist made from reinker sprayed onto a light pink canvas material.

Use Re-Inker Over a Resist 

The other way I love to use reinker on fabric is to find fabrics that have a tone on tone pattern, like white on white.  The white print on the white fabric acts as a resist so you don’t have to attempt to stamp & emboss the pattern to create your resist.  The work is already done for you! 

Now, roll your sleeves up and get ready to play with some re-inker to alter your fabric!  (NOTE: If you don’t have re-inker, this project can be done using markers or hi-liters as well) 

Supplies:

- Light-colored fabric

- Re-inkers in various colors

- Old Rag or Washcloth

- Newspaper

- Computer or Notebook Paper

- Iron

- Ironing Board

- Spray Bottle with Water

- Cardstock

- Misc. Scrapbook Supplies 

1. Iron wrinkles out of your fabric.  If you use a fabric with a tone on tone print, meaning a white print on white fabric, you will find that the printed areas work as a resist to the ink creating a really cool effect.  I suggest looking in the 100% cotton fabrics for a white or cream with tone on tone.

2. Prepare your work surface by laying down several layers of newspaper. 

3. Lay a washcloth or other super absorbent cloth flat on your newspaper. 

4. Lay your fabric over your cloth. 

5. Apply small amounts of re-inker to your fabric.  Most of it will seep through rather quickly, but if you have ink that puddles, use the nozzle to spread ink. (NOTE: If you don’t have re-inker, you can attempt the same technique using fresh markers.  Allow the tip of the marker to bleed onto the fabric as desired.)

6. Continue applying ink as desired.

7. Allow fabric to air dry for 30 minutes. 

8. Afterward, continue the drying process with a hot, dry iron by sandwiching the fabric between layers of computer paper or notebook paper.  The paper is a way to ensure you don’t transfer ink to your iron or your ironing board cover.  It also helps absorb the excess ink. 

9. Some inks will still have the tendency to transfer after being heat set until they have cured. 

10. I allowed my fabric to completely dry and cure for 2 days prior to completing my project.

11. After the 2 days, I simply cut my fabric around the outermost edge of the ink and adhered it to a piece of cardstock. 

12. Decorative hand stitching was added, but is not necessary. After stitching was added, the piece was further embellished.

13. The fabric piece was then used as a tree topper.  If you desire another shape, you can create a template prior to inking your fabric and then as you ink the fabric, hold your template over top to visualize whether or not you’ve covered enough of the fabric with ink. 

Happy crafting, and please check out my upcoming class, Embellishments: Beautifully Handmade, at Get It Scrapped! and my blog. 

tania 

Reminder: Mini Book Projects E-book!! 11 Mini Book Projects with step by step instructions. Instant download.