My Mind's Eye Blog

3 Papers + 2 Embellishments=1 Amazing Layout

This month I gave the designers a challenge. How many of you could use three papers and two embellishments to make a page? How would you design the page? What would you use?

Tina accepted the challenge and today she is here today to share how she interpreted my idea.

Enjoy, and happy Thursday!

You Are by Tina Walker

Supplies: Nostalgia:6x6 paper pad,decorative brads,chipboard elements

Tina's thoughts on the challenge:  At first I thought this would be an easy challenge and I would be able to create a layout with these guidelines.  But, whew, It was harder than I thought.  I actually created a layout for this challenge, *thinking* I followed the challenge guidelines, but then had realized I used 4 patterned papers, instead of 3.  This challenge really makes you realize how you scrap and what supplies your always reach for.

I used three patterned papers from the Nostalgia collection, using cardstock for my background.  This gave me more options when choosing my pattered paper.  I also added some spray mist to the background for more visual effect.

My embellishment(s) of choice are two of my favorite MME products:  chipboard elements and decorative brads.  Both embellishments are so versatile and you can create a variety of layouts using just these 2 types of embellishments. 

I layered chipboard elements over other chipboard elements and placed my brads down the right side of my page in a random fashion.  Using both chipboard elements and decorative brads from the same collection, you can mix and match them for a great look!

I would really love to see what you create using this challenge recipe!  Please share them on our Facebook page.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Lea Part 2

Today we are sharing two more cards that our August guest designer ,Lea Lawson, created. For part one, make sure and check yesterday's post.

We love what she did with Nostalgia and we just know that you will too. Enjoy and happy Wednesday!

Supplies:Nostalgia:6x6 paper pad,accessories sheet,chipboard elements,decorative brads:Misc:red ribbon,cardstock

Lea says:"Today I wanted to showcase how easy My Mind's Eye makes it to create cards!!  With all the fun embellishments and accents they provide, I was able to create both of these cards in less than 30 minutes.

Card making doesn't have to take hours to create just one card (although, it is okay if it does), and with the way that MME matches everything together perfectly...they take out a lot of guess work!! 

Supplies:Nostalgia:6x6 paper pad,accessory sheet,decorative brads;Misc:cardstock

 

Thanks for playing this month,Lea. We love what you came up with!

August Challenge!

Welcome to our first August challenge! This is Shelly and I'm here today to issue an extra fun scrapbooking challenge. My challenge to you is to scrapbook a page that includes ten photos. Yes, that's right, TEN!

Supplies:Nostalgia-Classic patterned paper,Chevron patterned paper,Jacks patterned paper,Diamond patterned paper,Random patterned paper,Scallop patterned paper,chipboard elements,accessory sheet, decorative brads;Indie Chic-Ginger:twine;Misc-American Crafts thickers, eyelets,photo corners,adhesives

Seeing that most of my layouts are doublers, I have to say that I almost always have 10+ photos on any given layout of mine. Well, more often than not anyway! I tend to summarize several days on a layout. Whether it is a long weekend of guests or an entire season, and if it isn’t several days, then it is a bigger event that I ended up taking plenty of pictures to document. I am pretty sure I can’t be the only one out there that does that, right?!

For this page I wanted to document a visit from my parents. They live in a different state, so when they do come to visit, plenty of fun takes place! After shuffling through my pictures, I knew I had to use Nostalgia. The soft palette coordinated effortlessly with what everyone was wearing that week. I don’t always do that, but it was just too perfect to pass up. I also did lots of layering of the accessory and chipboard sheets too; the perfect little accents to document my memories.

Since all my pictures were horizontal, my go-to is to do a photo block, and then I chose two of my favorite pictures to stand off on their own.

I know I have been doing this a lot lately, but banners are just the perfect little thing to fill in some of that dead space on a layout. The “Sweetest Little Angel” die-cut from the accessory sheet was the perfect little banner and pattern, but since the title didn’t go with the theme of my layout, I took “The Best” sunburst die-cut with some pop-dots and layered it on top of that to create my own layered die-cut. I had a strip of the pink Scallop paper that I trimmed with my pinked edge scissors and then added a banner chipboard piece to add a little texture. Then, I finished it off with some stitching and brads.

Behind the journaling block, I layered some of the die-cuts from the accessory sheet. To add a little more visual interest to any pre-made journaling card, I love to add an eyelet with a little twine threaded through it. I love that “clothing tag” vibe that it gives off. And yes, I did say eyelet!

Of course, no layout of mine is finished without a few more brads. I also carried the twine across my layout by stitching down some of the letters in my title, tying a chipboard piece, and even wrapping a picture with it.

I had so much fun making this layout!

I can't wait to see what you can do with 10 photos! Here's the nitty gritty:

What: August Challenge- 10 photos

When: Due Tuesday August 14th at by midnight

Winner announced: With 2nd challenge on Wednesday,August 15th

Rules: must "look" like it is a MME project,must be created new

Prize: collection of your choice.

Keri Part Two!

Today Keri Babbitt is back with us to share what she did with Nostalgia,On the Sunny Side,and Indie Chic.

Just wait until you see the mini album she came up with, it is an absolute delight!

You Make Life So Sweet card

Supplies: On The Sunny Side: Flutter patterned paper, 6x6 designer paper pad, layered stickers, accessories sheet, , brads; Nostalgia: Label patterned paper, layered stickers, chipboard; Indie Chic-Ginger: Pictures stamps; Other: popsicle sticks, ink, computer font

Keri Says:The idea for this shaped card came together when I combined the frozen treat accents from On The Sunny Side, with the “sweet” word accents from the Nostalgia collection.  The “so sweet” stamp from the Indie Chic stamp set added simple detail to the popsicle-stick card openers at the bottom. This card would be perfect tied onto a plastic beach pail filled with a bag of popsicles for a fun summer gift. 

Our Big Adventure mini album

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Adventure, Direction, Pictures, Relax, Travel patterned papers; 6x6 designer paper pad, border stickers, layered stickers, metal medallions, brads, mini garland, wood frame/label, twine, titles, layered chipboard, stamps, decorative tapes, pearl medallion, buttons, journaling card. Indie Chic-Saffron: Dreams patterned paper, border stickers, brads, layered chipboard, layered stickers, decorative tape, pearl medallion, label stickers, decorative stickers. Nostalgia: Label patterned paper, brads, layered stickers. On The Sunny Side: 6x6 designer paper pad, brads, layered stickers. Other: thread, ink, scallop punch, vellum, computer font, glossy accents.

Keri Says:When I saw the Indie Chic-Ginger collection, I knew the colors & theme would be awesome for our recent summer trip photos.  I chose 3-4 patterned papers to make the 5x7” album base pages.

For uniformity, I stitched a border around each page, and then went to town with my MME embellishments & tapes.

The wood accents and mini garlands were especially useful for the mini album format.

I love the results…I don’t think I’ve ever actually COMPLETED a mini so soon after a trip before, and it feels great!

 

To say we love this album would be a massive understatement. Keri will actually be back next week sharing one more layout and a sketch. We are so thrilled with what she came up with...we had to ask her back again!

Hope your Tuesday is wonderful!

Introducing Our July Guest Designer!

Please join MME in welcoming the amazing Keri Babbitt!

Hi there, I'm Keri Babbitt.  I'm a mom of two, who’s been happily crafting since high school.
I love capturing life’s moments and expressing myself artistically through scrapbooking. I'm obsessed with anything vintage and love trying new techniques, as well as finding creative ways to make my supplies stretch.

I love to experiment with any and every scrapping style, from minimalist to shabby chic. I am often a grid-based, multi-photo scrapper, and enjoy finding well-designed ways to include lots of photos.
 

I enjoy contributing layouts to Creating Keepsakes, and have had the pleasure of designing for several kit clubs, sketch sites, & a few manufacturers.  Other than crafting, I enjoy: curling up with a good book, dancing, junking, and being in the outdoors or watching Mythbusters with my family.

I’m a messy scrapper who loves to turn on the music & craft late into the night. Thanks so much for letting me join in on all the fun as guest designer this month…it’s such an honor!

Read more about Keri on her blog.

Q: What did you have the most fun working with?

A:I had so much fun using accents to create the mini album…all the fabulous textures & types of embellishments (wood, twine, tape, metal…love them all!) really brought the whole album together for me.

Q: What is your favorite MME line and why?

A:I love so much about each collection I worked with, but I think I’d have to say my heart belongs to the Nostalgia collection this time around.  I adore each detail of this collection…from the retro pastels & vintage fonts, to the gorgeous, subtle patterns.

Our Life in Pictures layout:

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Direction patterned paper, brads, title, decorative tape, paper strips from bottom of each paper sheet; Indie Chic-Saffron: Dreams patterned paper; On The Sunny Side: brads; Nostalgia: brads; Other: ink, computer font.

Keri says:Something I love about MME papers is the bottom strip that has a little patterned section you can cut off and use on a project.  I combined several of the thicker ones here, to add a fun vertical element to this otherwise simple-and-straightforward photo-collage layout.

The “Our Life in Pictures” title accent was perfect for documenting the first half of 2012 for our family.  A scattering of gorgeous MME brads completes this quick page.

 

Spark of Life gift set

Supplies:Nostalgia: layered stickers, chipboard; Indie Chic-Ginger: Pictures stamps, twine, decorative tapes; Other: white ink, cellophane bags, sparklers, snaps, sparkling lemonade, container

Keri says:Taking my inspiration from the “You Are Such a Happy Spark of Life” layered sticker from the Nostalgia collection, I put together this “sparkling” gift basket filled with sparklers, snaps, and sparkling lemonade.

Stamp technique: Clear stamps work wonderfully on curved surfaces…simply ink the stamp evenly, using an acrylic block…then remove the stamp and use your palm to wrap & press the stamp onto the curved surface.

Holy smokes, Keri...you blew it out of the water! I am SO glad you could join us this month, I am in love with all of your projects, they are incredible!

Y'all make sure to come back tomorrow, we will have two more creatively stunning projects from Keri!

Using 6x6 Pads on Your Layouts

Happy Thursday folks! We are so glad you stopped by today!

Today our blog topic is using 6x6 paper pads on your layouts. Many of you have mentioned that our 6x6 pads are perfect for cardmaking. We agree wholeheartedly,but don't discount them for your layouts!

Today Jana and Tina are here to show you fresh ways to incorporate our 6x6 pads on your layouts.

Long Beach Skyline by Tina

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Mellow patterned paper,Stripes patterned paper,Ric Rac patterned paper,Tulips patterned paper,6x6 paper pad,twine,layered chipboard,stickers,layered stickers,decorative tape;Misc-Lily Bee alphabet stickers,American Crafts thickers,Studio Calico Mister Huey's,adhesive,sewing machine,thread

Tina says: Frequently, when you see the cute little 6x6 pads of patterned paper in the store, you immediately think 'cards'.  Well, those cute little pads of paper aren't just for cards, they are actually perfect for your scrapbook layouts. 

What I like most about the 6x6 pads is the cute, smaller pattern on the paper. 

Generally, the pattern on a full 12x12 sheet of patterned paper is large and works well for a larger impact.  But if you are looking for a new and different way to add color, dimension, and fun style to a layout, try one of these 6x6 pads.

The other reason I love these smaller pads of paper is that you don't feel guilty when you cutting into a small piece of paper.  If you only use 12x12 sheets of paper, you might feel guilty for cutting a small section and not be able to use the rest of the paper.  With the smaller size, you can use smaller pieces for your layout and still have your 12x12 sheets for background use.

For my layout, I wanted to create a quilt like pattern for my background.  I cut random sized squares and adhered them to my background sheet.  I added some decorative tape framing each square and stitched the entire background, resembling a quilt.

I then used each square as a mini canvas, adding embellishments, layered stickers, banners, and my title. 

This grid design is a design I go back to frequently, as it is so versatile to your photo and product choice, and it just looks great!

Toothless by Jana

Supplies-Nostalgia:6x6 paper pad,brads,chipboard elements;Follow Your Heart-Be Amazing:stamps;Misc-cardstock,spray mist,letter stickers,Cricut and cartridges,inks,pen,sewing machine and thread,adhesives

Jana says:Lately I have been using 6 x 6 paper pads on my layouts a lot! The smaller scale is perfect with the smaller size photos I like to work with and they work beautifully with my electronic die cutting machine.

 

For this page, I used my electronic die cutting machine to cut out several asterisk and artisan label shapes from the Nostalgia 6 x 6 paper pad. I layered the label shapes together to create a background for my photos and then framed each corner of my design with the asterisks.

 

I even used the 6 x 6 ledger paper as a journaling block. I added a few Follow Your Heart "Be Amazing" stamps as some decoration to the corner of the block.

Next time you are at the scrapbook store, pick yourself up a 6 x 6 paper pad by My Mind's Eye and give it a try on your next scrapbook page. You will be thrilled at how fun and easy they are to work with!

Wednesday Layout and Card Inspiration

Hello everyone!

Today I'm quickly sharing a couple of projects from our talented designers.

First up is a layout by Tamara. Tamara uses the Follow Your Heart collection beautifully here. I love the stitching and the clusters that form a visual triangle.Lovely layout, lovely girl!Next up is this darling card by Danni. I love the way Danni uses our fabulous new Indie Chic tapes combined with Indie Chic papers and the sweet die cuts from Nostalgia.

Hope you have time to make something beautiful today! Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Altered Baking Tray by Anam

Hello everyone! Anam here with a special Mother's Day project.

I took an everyday kitchen item and made it into something pretty for my kitchen – you could use it for photographs, memories, recipes or even your never-ending to-do list.

I also made a matching clipboard to write down those one liners you hear that make you smile – like my little one who “doesn’t want to be a sister:  I want be a super hero because they are better than sisters”.

Supplies:

I thought the Nostalgia release would be perfect for the vintage feeling I wanted for the tray. I used the chipboard, brads and the paper pack.

I used a baking Tray (I got mine from the dollar store) and some magnets. I chose to use E600 to adhere them but you can use a hot glue gun.  I added some Ranger Glossy Accents and I found a badge maker kit that I made into a magnet instead. I used Martha Stewart punches for my decorative edges.
Directions.

Cut your paper to fit into the tray – I pressed mine into the corner to make sure I got the correct inner shape. 
Select some papers to make the upright paper strips. I used a punch to make since borders.

Arrange your diecuts to make a cluster than works for you – I adore buttons so I went for the button packaging.

 I then added the layered cardstock stickers and some chipboard elements. I added Glossy accents to areas to give them more texture.

Pick our your pieces to turn into magnets – I used brads and chipboard diecuts. Snip the prongs off the brads to make them into magnets.  Make sure your magnets are strong as more paper reduces the strength between the tray and the magnets.

The diecuts I covered with glossy accents and left to settle. Once it was dry I added a second layer of glossy accents to give it a more epoxy glass look.

The giant magnet was one of those kids badge kits I found and all I did was use a diecut from the paper pack and a circle of paper behind it – you could even put a photo in there if you wanted instead.

I have actually put some big magnets on the back of my tray so that it sticks to the side of my fridge!

The clipboard is exactly the same – find a clipboard and cover it as you fancy. 
So there you have it- how to make a kitchen item into a Mother's Day treasure. Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Nostalgia with Tamara

Hey everyone! It's Tamara and I'm here to share a page I made using the brand new Nostalgia collection!

supply list: Nostalgia "Classic" Paper (b-side), Nostalgia "Vintage" Paper (b-side), Nostalgia "Diamond" Paper (a and b-side), Nostalgia "Scallop" Paper, Nostalgia "Label" Paper (b-side), Nostalgia Brads, Nostalgia 12x12 Chipboard, Nostalgia LayeredStickers, Nostalgia Acessories Sheet

 

I love the new Nostalgia Collection!!  The colors, patterns, and elements have the unique feel from the 1940s.and 1950s - but with a fresh new twist.

 

The colors worked perfectly with these photos I snapped of my little guy on the school playground after Kindergarten.  I can't believe he is in 3rd grade now, where did 4 years go?!?! 

 

The layered stickers, chipboard, and brads add such great dimensional elements and visual interest to the page.

 

Another fabulous new line from My Mind's Eye!

New Collection Reveal-Nostalgia!

 

Welcome back to the MME blog! We are so exited to share our very first mid-release collection today....Nostalgia!

Nostalgia is fresh and happy, full of beautiful yellows,blues,and pinks.  Classic patterns coupled with current trends...this collection is sure to have something for everyone!

 

This collection includes 9 double-sided papers:

as well a 6x6 paper pad, brads, 12x12 chipboard, layered stickers, and accessories:
This color scheme can be used to create sophisticated and subdued layouts or bright and playful projects.

Here's a layout made with the Nostalgia collection:

by stephanie howell

Would you like a shot at winning the Nostalgia collection?

Leave a comment on this post letting us know what you think about this collection. What's your favorite piece? Comments will be open until midnight EST on next Friday, April 13. One lucky winner will recieve the entire collection!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, we'll see you tomorrow with another brand new mid-release collection!

Happy Tuesday-