12 Days of Christmas

Starts tomorrow and will be held in the Divas Free Classroom - link is on the left hand side.

Hope to see you all there. We have some wonderfully talented ladies sharing some great projects over the next 12 days.

Natalie

WEEK 2 - PAPER STORAGE IDEAS

Firstly how did everyone go with last week's challenge. Did you write your lists and know what stuff you have to work on. Well I did and I hope you did too.

Now this week we are going to get a start on Paper Storage. The main staple of scrapbooking. We can't do without our paper.

Firstly we must decide how we are going to sort our papers before we decide on storage ideas.

CARDSTOCK

Now what I just did was sort my cardstock into colours like pinks, browns, blues, greens etc. You might like to do this or to sort into themes or into manufacturers. I found for cardstock that sorting into colours was very easy.

How do you shop for cardstock and patterned paper? When you come to my crop days or you go to your LSS how do they have their cardstock in their store displayed. Or when you go online to buy do you head straight for your favourite manufacturer and paper line. Do you shop by colour, theme or manufacturer. When you have answered these questions these might help you decide what style you would like to go with.

PATTERNED PAPER

Now I found this a bit harder. I think I had my patterned paper in my containers by colours but when I was cleaning and deciding what I wanted to do in my room I decided it would work better by manufacturer. So that is what I have done. Again use the method above to decide what your style you would like to go with.

Maybe you scrap predominantly event-based layouts, do mini albums on a certain theme or have lots of themed patterned paper, then you will want to organise your papers by theme.

STORAGE

So now you have decide how you are going to store your papers whether it be vertical or horizontal.

One tip if you are using a wire paper rack you need to have the paper on the top of the rack either in a zip lock bag or a page protector so that the dust and dirt does not ruin the paper.

Here are some images of some storage ideas I have found.

 

 

  

There are hundreds of vertical and horizontal storage solutions out there you just need to find the one that fits what you are looking for and of course make sure it fits the papers that you wish to store. Take a piece of the paper/s that you want to store with you when you go shopping. I didn't actually have to go shopping, I used what I had already at home. I will post a picture of my paper storage. I use the wire paper racks. My only problem is that my wire paper racks also come to the crop days to put my patterned papers in. So it means that I will have to take my papers out of the racks to take to the crop days so I think I will be hunting around for some cheap ones.

Use rigid containers or dividers to avoid creasing the papers.

Consider placing the vertical storage containers on an adjustable bookshelf so you can minimize the amount of wasted space between shelves. Warning: Paper stacks can be heavy, so don't put too much on one shelf.

As inexpensive substitutes for upright shelf dividers, consider stackable plastic sorting trays found at office supply stores. 

Whichever storage method you choose, look for see-through containers. It's much easier to work if you can quickly identify the contents inside your bins.

To really cut down on searching time, label your containers as well.  If you're using rigid containers, simply computer-print or handwrite a label on a strip of card stock or a tag and attach to the box front. Even when using see-through containers or open, vertical storage, an easy-to-read label will make finding things at a glance easier.

SCRAPS

Now for those other bits of paper that we seem to collect called SCRAPS.

Again how do you store those SCRAPS or another question do you even use your scraps. If you don't touch them (like me LOL) get rid of them. Either donate them to your local school or to a charity. If not put them in the recycling bin.

You can again store them by colour which I think is the easiest way, you can sort them by size or their intended use eg, photo mats, frames.

Now I have a big plastic storage container that has a few drawers in it and when I was cleaning last week I only had one large draw left so I chucked all my scraps in the one draw. Not ideal but at least they are all in the one spot.

I think the ideal way would be to have a similar plastic storage container that has say about 6 drawers and put them in colours.

These drawers from Ikea are only $24.99.

 

Put scraps in zip top bags - you can hang them from a Clip It Up, a rod, or a skirt hanger, or sit the bags upright in bins or boxes.

Saving your scraps is a great way to stretch your scrapbooking dollar, but keeping them organized is the only way you'll really be able to take advantage of the little pieces. 

Here are a few tips from the book Organisation Tips for Scrapbookers on how to Scrap Savvy.

1. Trimming - Make scraqps appealing - trim torn, punched or bent edges befroe filing.

2. Sizing - If you typically need scraps for photo mats and letter blocks or strips for punching, consider precutting scraps to those sizes and designating a bin specifically for each size.

3. Sorting - File scraps with the same system ou use for cardstock and patterned paper to help you locate colours and designs quickly.

4. Viewing - Situate your scrap container where you'll consistently check it.

5. Combining - If you always bypass the scrap bin, store pieces in folders next to your full sheets of cardstock and paper.

6. Remembering - Routinely sift through your scraps first thing when making cards and gift tags, mini albums, die cuts, punches,labels, collages and accents - before you ever look through your full paper storage.

So this week I want to see some photos of your paper storage and I also want anyone else who has any suggestions that might help us regarding paper storage to post them either here or in the forum.

Divas Scrap Room Organisation Tips and Hints Week 1

WEEK ONE - GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SCRAP SPACE.

Welcome everyone to a weekly post of hopefully some useful and fun information to get you started on organising your scrapping area whether it be a room, desk or the dining room table.

Lots of people including myself have said that this year is the year for Organising. So I thought I would help you and myself and hopefully we will get organised together.

Probably the first thing everyone needs to do is to PURGE, THROW OUT, GET RID OF, DONATE, CULL whatever you would like to call it before you start. Let go of those items that you have had for years and still have not used. If you want you can go to the forum and participate in our hot potato swap cause as the saying goes someone's trash is someone else's treasures. http://www.scrapbookdivas.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=1458

Tonight I sat down to scrap and couldn't find anything that I wanted. You don't have to do everything all at once but start with little baby steps.

So this first week is about looking at your scrap space as a whole.

So what I would like you to do is whilst you are scrapping this week, have a pen and notepad beside you and write down at every step whilst completing your layout or project how your supplies are helping or hindering your scrapping process.

for example So where are your photos, do you have to go look for them!!!!. Your journalling tags, pens, inks, stamps etc. does it take you half an hour to find your scissors or tape.

you should go through all your supplies and take note of whether they are easy to find. Hopefully you will see a trend in what supplies and storage works well for you. Maybe you have them labelled clearly, they are close to your scrapping desk, they are in vertical files. Then you can start to apply the things that work for you to the things that are not working so good.

Like I said earlier I couldn't find anything tonight when I sat down. LOL

So firstly I would like you to post your list of what works and what is not working for you here in the comments section or in the forum under week 1.
I would also like you to take a photo of your scrap space now as it is. Don't worry about what it looks like but hopefully at the end you will see the transformation. And post it either in the comments or in the forum.

I would also like you to during the week to close your eyes and visualise your dream room and think about the things that are not working for you in your room and how or what you would like to do to make that easier and better. For example at the moment I have all my patterned paper and cardstock in vertical paper storers in my crop tote under my roll top desk in my scrap room. So in my dream space I would like to have paper racks where my roll top desk is with all my patterned papers and cardstock within easy reach of my scrapping area. Jot down the possibilities as you go through each of the problem areas on your list.
Because when we get to paper storage you will have an idea of what you would like and I will be giving you hopefully more suggestions and ideas as well. So by jotting down the ideas as you go you will be well on your way to an organised scraproom.

What Works.


1. Photos - I print as I want photos to scrap plus my photos are stored in a box




2. Magazines are in magazine holders and I have made some of my own with cereal boxes.


3. acrylic stamps stored in a A4 folder in plastic sleeves but this is not ideal


What needs help


1. Paper storage - it is in colours but is not accessible




2. Tools - this only needs a little help as it is accessible just needs some further organisation


3. Photos are stored in a box but in no particular order


4. embellishments are in need of a total overhaul. they are currently stored in clip lock bags


5. Ribbon is stored in clip lock bags in my tote


6. stickers stored in a clip lock bag in my tote


7. stamps stored in a box still in their packages.


Scrap room photos before I started this morning......

And yes that looks disgusting doesn't it.

so come on and enjoy the ride. I started cleaning out this morning and it feels great.

Thank you Diva Designers

WOW!!! and WOW!!! again ...

THANK YOU to all the Diva Designers who presented the 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza over on our Free Classroom Blog during the last few weeks. What an amazing array of beautiful, clever projects you have all come up with for us.

Special thanks to our Guest Designers -

Sarah Gladman

Kellie Lusted

Anne-Marie Cox

Marion Werren

And of course thanks also to Diva Rach, and all the Diva girls who have been our guest design team members throughout the year, and not forgetting the lovely boss lady who decided to make it the 13 Days of Christmas LOL.

We hope you have enjoyed our scrappy Christmas ideas - they will remain on the blog for you to refer back to at any time.

5 sleeps to go ...

Have you been gathering your supplies ... check out the FORUM for more details.

See you there !!!

Design Team Competition - Ready, Set Go !!!

And they're off and racing ... well, tomorrow anyway LOL.

Yep, Michelle is kicking off her Design Team Competition tomorrow, Monday 23rd November 2009.

Do you have what it takes to be a part of the Divas Team in 2010. It's not too late to register today ... check it all out on the FORUM.
Or maybe you just want to cheer along from the sidelines, that's ok too.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL DT COMP ENTRANTS :o)

And it's only 9 more sleeps until our Divas 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza !!!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Get Ready for the Divas DT Comp

Have you got what it takes to be the next Divas Designer???? Michelle will be hosting a Competition commencing MONDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 2009.

Sign up HERE ...

Check out the requirements HERE ...

And answer THESE questions ...

Bring on the challenges !!!

More happening at Divas

So have you signed up yet for our Divas 12 Days of Christmas Extravaganza? It's going to be a fabulous, creative 12 days. You dont want to miss it.

And coming soon ... Divas Design Team Competition. Yes, Michelle is looking for a fresh new team in 2010. Could it be you?

Register your interest here ... and keep watching for more information coming soon.

Photoshop Tips

I found these tips whilst looking for photoshop brushes to download and thought it might be useful.

15 Photoshop Tips that you may not have known

1. Increase the Canvas Size with Crop Tool:

We usually use Crop Tool (C) the images, but holding down Ctrl + Alt whilst dragging the Crop Tool to quickly increase the canvas size of a image from all the 4 sides.

2. Duplicate a Layer Style:

To quickly duplicate or to copy and paste a layer style to a object on another layer,just hold down Alt key and drag on the "fx" which indicates layer styles. Alternatively if you just want to move a layer style just drag the "fx" and drop the layer where you want it to move.

3. Toggle between several open documents:

If you have more than one documents open at same time, you can quickly toggle through them pressing Ctrl + Tab keys.

4. Layer Visibility:

To hide all the layers except just one, hold down Alt key and click on the Eye Icon on the Layer Palette, this will hide all the other layer. To again make all the layers visible just do the same.



5. Select Alternative Layers:
Now, I am sure you might know that selecting a layer and then clicking on some other layer whilst holding down Shift Key selects all the consecutive layers between them, BUT if you just want to select say Layer 1 and Layer 3 and maybe just Layer 6, then just hold down Ctrl key and click on the layer which you want to select in the Layer Palette, this way only the alternative layers (i.e only the layers that you want) will be selected.



6. See The Text Color:
When you’re working with type, the obvious way to change color is to highlight the text and then pick a new hue by double-clicking the Foreground Color and choosing from the Color Picker. But the problem with this method is, because the text is highlighted, you can’t see the color change. To get around this, click the color square in the Options Bar. As you change the color, you’ll see the type alter accordingly.

7. Plotting Points on Curves:

Curves can play a great role on perfecting the tones in a image, and you can end up with a lot of different effects simply by playing about with the Curves dialog. You can plot the specific color(s), just open up dialog box and hold down Ctrl key and click on any color in your image, a point will appear on the curve that represents the color, ready for you to edit.

8. Reset Any Dialogue Box:

You can easily Reset any open dialogue box, press Alt key and click on Cancel button which has automatically become a Reset button when you pressed the Alt key.

9. Centre Point of a Document:

A quick trick for finding the centre of an object is to Go to Edit>Free Transform and you’ll see a bounding box appear. There’s a useful handle in the centre of the top, bottom and side lines, so go to View>Rulers and then pull out to those guides. Alternatively you can use the following Photoshop Action I have made especially to locate the guides to the centre point of the document.

10. Do away with Palettes, Toolbox and Option Bar:

Hit the Tab key and all the Palettes, Toolbox and Option Bar will disappear. This is particularly useful when you just want the image to be on the artboard, hit Tab again to get them all back. Alternatively, if you just want to do away with only Palettes hold down Shift key and hit Tab.

11. Image on a Specific Angle:

If you ever want to get an image to follow a specific angle, with your image open, go to the Measure Tool (I) and click and drag a line to the angle you want. Now go to the Edit menu select Transform>Rotate. The layer will then snap to the line you drew.
Note:Remember that your layer should not be locked.

12. Add, Rename or Delete a Swatch:

Right click on a swatch in Swatch Palette to quickly create a new Swatch or rename it or delete it. Another tip to quickly delete a swatch.
Hold down Alt key and notice how the cursor changes into Scissor icon allowing you to delete a swatch.
Same is true for Brush, Style Palette etc.

13. Move and Transform Selection:

Drag on the document with the Marquee Tool (M) without releasing the mouse, hold down Spacebar, it will let you move the selection anywhere you like.

Also, you can transform a Selection by choosing Select>Transform Selection.

14. Scale Layer Style/Effects:

If you apply a layer style to a object and are picky like me to have it only this much or just that much, worry not, you can easily adjust how much of a layer style to be applied by Right clicking on Layer Style icons (fx) and choosing Scale Effect, in the corresponding dialogue box you can easily scale effects by moving the slider.

15. Open a Layered File as a Flattened Image:

If you want to just have a quick look at the file, it can be a time consuming task waiting for all the layers to load, if your file has lots of layers. But there is a nifty trick to turn it around, Go to File>Open and find the layered file you want. Before clicking Open, hold down Shift+Alt and Photoshop will open a flattened version of that file.

Get Ready for Christmas

Mark your calendar now, you dont want to miss this!!!
12 days of scrapping and creating goodness - heaps of ideas for gifts and cards and making your home look festive for the Christmas season.

Register here today!!!

Jen Hall's Sneak Peak

Hi ladies

Here is a sneak for what is to come in Jen Hall's class for this Saturday commencing at 10 am and using the fantastic Cosmo Cricket Earth Love papers. The below shows you a sneak of 2 different layouts that you will be making on the day.

You will be required to provide one 6x4 photo in landscape orientation for one layout and 5x7 in landscape orientation for the other layout. Plus your usual scrapping supplies and Jen will provide the ink and border punch!!

If you wish to purchase a spot in this class or the kit you can do so by clicking here.

If you have any questions please let me know.

The raffle tickets will be $2.00 per ticket or 3 for $5.00 and will be sold throughout the morning.

Fundraiser Update

Not long to go now till the fundraiser and you get time to yourself to scrap and chat LOL
Here is one page from Marion Werren's beautiful class.


MARION WERREN'S CHRISTMAS ACCORDIAN FOLD ALBUM CLASS
Extra requirements not provided in the kit -

Adhesive: Foam Mounting Tape.
EMBELLISHMENTS: Pearls: Red & Green, Rhinestones: Red & Green. Ribbon: 1metre of any ribbon of choice to tie up your album, (I used a 1” wide striped organza), Pen: Black for journaling
PHOTOS: 4” x 6” Portrait Colour (4), 4” x 6” Landscape Colour (2), 2 ¼” x 3 ½” Landscape Colour (1) for the front of the house.


sneak peak of one other page.

We will also be having in the shop on the day some Mystery Diva Paper & Flower Packs ranging in price from $2.00 to $15.00. The flower packs are jammed packed with all sorts of flowers and the paper packs have matching papers with embellishments. It will be like a lucky dip and you won't actually know what you have received until you unwrap your parcel.

So make sure you sign up for the classes and the kits as soon as possible.

Scrapbook Divas and Girls Night In October Fundraiser

Well ladies the Fundraiser is not that far away so I thought that I would try and give you an update on the progress.

When: Saturday 24th October 2009

Where: Edgeworth Bowling Club,

Edgeworth

Time: 9am to 9pm

We will be holding 2 classes during the 12 hours.

These will cost $12.00 for each class and the whole of proceeds from the classes will be donated to the Gilrs Night In. The kits for both classes will be $25.00 per kit or the 2 kits for $45.00.

These will be available soon in the Divas shop or on the day. If you wish to purchase the class and kits now you can by going here. Once Marion and Jen have done their samples I will post sneaks and I will also post a copy of the kit when I get them.

The first class will be with Jen Hall from 10am to 12pm using the Cosmo Cricket Earth Love papers and during this time she will be making 2 layouts. Further details will be coming soon as well as the kit to complete this class. To view Jen Hall's work you can check out her blog.

The second class will be with Marion Werren from 2pm to 4pm. Marion is planning a Christmas project that I am sure will be stunning. She will be using the Bo Bunny St Nick and Tis The Season ranges. Further details will be coming soon as well as the kit to complete this class. To view Marion's work you can check out her blog.

We will also be conducting a raffle with all the proceeds going to the Girls Night In.

The major prize for this raffle will be the Making Memories Limited Edition Pink Slice with a RRP of $416.90. This comes

with the Starter Kit and the bonus Think Pink Design Card.

Another prize will be 4 x $10 gift vouchers from my friend Kim Archer from Kim Archer Workshops at Home http://www.kimarcher.com.au/.

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me at michelle@scrapbookdivas.com.au.

World Card Making Day

Yes it's world card making day this Saturday, 3rd October.

Card making apparently goes back to ancient Chinese times ... and today there at least 1 in 6 American households that participate in card making and over 80% of scrapbookers are also card makers.

So join the SCRAPBOOK DIVAS girls this w/end for some quick and easy card making challenges ... and there are RAK's up for grabs.

Check out the forum here for all the information.

Diva Rach has already whipped up a sample for us ... here's a sneek to whet your appetite.

Crazy Crop Winners

Announcing our next QUEEN OF THE CROP ... KAREN !!!
Congratulations Karen, you've completed all our challenges and they are all gorgeous and inspiring. You will be joining boss lady Michelle, Rach and myself for the next 3 months (yep, extra month in there this time) as our Guest Design Team member. Cant wait to see more of your lovely work gracing the gallery and inspiring us in the forum.

Congratulations also to the winners of each challenge ...

Rach's Challenge 1 - Jacqui

Dannielle's Challenge 2 - Karen

Rach's Challenge 3 - Lyndal (allacallyn)

Dannielle's Challenge 4 - Tam

Boss Lady Michelle's Challenge 5 - Amanda

These lovely ladies all receive $10 shopping vouchers ... go nuts in the shop girls :o)

Congratulation again to the winners, and the Honorable Mentions, and the EVERYONE for participating and the DT for coming up with all the challenges and samples.

Crazy Crop Week now over

Yes our crazy week of challenges and lots of fun has now finished but the hardest task of all has only just begun ... choosing winners !!!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the challenge winners and Queen of the Crop.

In the mean time, check out the awesome display of creativity and inspiration in our gallery HERE.

It's on ... right now ... today ... and all week!!!

CRAZY CROPPING WEEK has started ... check it all out here.

Rach and our Guest Designer Dannielle have some wonderful challenges for us this week, and the Boss Lady herself is posting a challenge on Friday.

Shopping vouchers, prizes and RAK's up for grabs PLUS a 3 month Guest Design Team spot for Queen of the Crop. What a great opportunity, so get Crazy with us this week :o)

Happy Scrapping ...

The next Crazy Crop Week ...

Mark your calendar for Divas next CRAZY CROP WEEK commencing Monday 7th September.

5 challenges, 1 each day
Friday night Games & Chat
Prizes and more prizes
Queen of the Crop

Register HERE and keep checking for hints.

FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN

Welcome to the "Queen Team" ...

Another CC done and dusted. OMG it gets harder each time to chose not only winners for each challenge but the Queen of the Crop too. The scrapping world has such a diverse range of people with such a diverse range of talents - I find it constantly amazing at the endless designs and styles people come up with on their pages. Rarely is there any pages alike.

But I digress ..... my apologies.

I'm here to announce the winners and QOTC. So firstly, a big round of applause to DANNIELLE who has been chosen as the Queen of the Crop. Well done Dan and congratulations. We look forward to working with you over the next 2 months in your Guest Design Team role.

How much work is in this lovely mini pizza box and card set. It's just gorgeous isn't it.

Dan is the winner of Mel's Challenge 1.

And the other winners are ...

Mel's Challenge 2 - MANDY

Rach's Challenge 3 - KARENF

Rach's Challenge 4 - MILLYMOLLY

Amanda's Challenge 5 - AMANDA (yes, a different one LOL).

Blind scrap challenge - KEZOD

You can see all the winning entries HERE.

Thank you EVERYONE for joining in our Crazy Crop week. We hope you had lots of fun and mostly importantly, got lots of pages and projects done.