Mixing Pattern Papers: Double Page Layout

How do I mix pattern papers in a scrapbook page layout? I've taught scrapbooking classes for years, and this is the most common question I get.

Using multiple patterns is easier than you think. Start by looking at the colors in your photos and pull a group of papers that contrast and complement your pictures.

This layout uses a floral print, stripes, solids and a textured background to make these outdoor photos shine. Notice how the blues and greens blend together to highlight the outdoor pics? A simple title and accents pull the page together.

Photo Credit: Melissa Anderson. Papers by: SimpliCraft.com

Here is a quick tutorial showing the way the papers combine and measurements I used. Use your own paper, or if you want this layout in a kit, order here.

Left side: Green texture print 7" x 12". Right side: Green texture print 5" x 12".

Left side: Stripes 4"w x 9 1/2"h (Note: Double check direction of stripes before cutting). 

Right side: Stripes 8"w x 9 1/2"h

Left side: Floral print 9"h x 9"w. Right side: 3"h x 9"w.

Add frame mats and photos: White frame 4"x 6", Green Frame 3 3/4" x 5 3/4", Photos 3 1/2" x 5".

Add a simple title and accents. I used punch shapes centered in a key tag along with some flowers and die cut letters.

This page layout is available in a kit from SimpliCraft.com. Would you like to have all the pieces you need? Just assemble and add photos. Order Fun Family Page Kit.

Enjoy!

Vicki

Black and White with a Pop of Color

Nothing is more elegant than black and white scrapbook paper. It's also very simple to work with. I love using it with a pop of color, depending on what colors are in my photos.

This double page layout features wedding photos and a pop of red, but has many uses. Just change the title and accent color.

Photo Credit: ShutterStock

Here is the page without photos. I bet you have pictures to go with it.

Grab your favorite black and white pattern paper and and accent color and let's get started. Or, purchase a SimpliCraft page kit to make this layout here.

1. Left Page: Cut red card stock 6"h x 12"w and affix to pattern paper.

2.  Left Page: Cut black card stock 5 3/4"h x 12"w and affix to the center of red card stock.

3.  Left Page: Cut white card stock 5 1/2"h x 12"w and center on top of black card stock.

4. Left Page: Trim 2 photos and affix to the left and right edge of the white mat before this next step, or leave room to place the photos later. Add a 5"w x 7"h red mat to center of layout. I tilted the mat, but it can go on straight. Optional: Use foam tape for dimension.

5.  Left Page: Affix a 4 3/4"w x 6 3/4"h white mat to the center of red mat. Optional: Mat your photo to black card stock before adding to the center mat.

6. Left Page:  Add a title. I used a bow and mixed capital and lower case die cut letters. The same can be done with leftover stickers. It's hard to see in the photo, but three rhinestone gems were placed on the top left side of the page.

7. Right Page:  Triple mat card stock to "extend" the border mat used on the left page. Red 4"w x 6"h. Black 3 3/4"w x 5 3/4"h . White 3 1/2"w x 5 1/2"h. Layer the pieces flush left with the edge.

8.  Right Page:  Before placing the two horizontal mats on the page, cut ribbon in pieces to reduce waste. Tie a bow in the top and fold edges over the back of the paper and glue in place.

9.  Right Page: Double mat card stock and add photos. Red 4"h x 6"w. White 3 3/4"h x 5 3/4"w. Photos 3 1/2"w x 5 1/2"h.

10.  Right Page: Add flower accents and/or journaling.

Purchase this layout as a page kit from SimpliCraft here. Most pieces are pre-cut and simple accents already assembled. Scrapbooking can't be any easier than letting me do some of the work for you. Enjoy!

Love Elegance 2 Page Kit by SimpliCraft

Creative fun! Simply done!

Vicki

3 Creative Las Vegas Photo Opps for Scrapbookers

The Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) summer show is in Las Vegas this year, bringing thousands of scrapbookers and crafters to my hometown July 22-25, 2013. In addition to the famous Las Vegas sign and other spectacular photo spots around town, I'd like to share a few spots you will definitely want to visit for amazing photos.

1. The Neon Museum (aka the Neon Graveyard)

Photo: The Neon Museum

Where do old neon signs go to retire? The Neon Graveyard. Located off Las Vegas Boulevard near Downtown Las Vegas, this unique museum is a fabulous place to take photos. Famous signs from legendary hotels and attractions are displayed in this outdoor wonder of colorful fun.

Tours are available 7 days a week, and evening tours are available in the summer. Reservations are not required, but recommended. Details for tours available here.

2. Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame

Photo: Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame

Gather up your quarters for something other than the slot machines and visit this unique collection of pinball machines housed in a 10,000 square foot facility just off the Las Vegas strip. (It's really close to the convention center and airport). Definitely worth a visit for some throwback worthy photos that can't be found anywhere else.

Note: They are also available for private parties. How fun is that?

Open 7 days a week 11am to 11pm. Cha-Ching!

3. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area

Photo: blm.org

The desert southwest is home to gorgeous scenery beyond the neon of the Las Vegas strip. You may have seen the gorgeous red-hued mountains to the west of our valley as you flew in or drove into the city.

This park area provides a gorgeous backdrop for photos and is a quick drive from the city center. Park hours and details can be found here.

If you go, take plenty of water and re-apply sunscreen often. I promise, the drive is definitely worth it.

Las Vegas offers many surprising photo opportunities beyond the usual glitz and glam. I'm looking forward to seeing your creative photos and scrapbook pages. Enjoy your visit to Las Vegas!

Opinions are my own. I have not been compensated to mention any companies or website in this blog post.

Cooking along with MasterChef Eddie Jackson

And now for something completely different ... Cooking!

Many scrapbookers have a variety of creative interests. I have been passionate about cooking for a long time, but lately I have been inspired to try new recipes and techniques. It's a common sight to find me in the kitchen pretending to create something from a basket challenge or channeling my inner chef-ness to attempt something yummy I saw on one of the cooking competition shows.

Cooking is like scrapbooking ... always something new to learn or try. Love it!

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to be one of three home cooks cooking along with a MasterChef contestant during a live Google+ hangout. How cool is that?

Personal trainer and former NFL pro, Eddie Jackson shared a delicious recipe for Red Snapper, sweet potato succotash and a sauce during the 45-minute event. The home cooks, along with a hostess asked questions and cooked our meals step-by-step following his instructions.

Substitute a different fish if you choose. This was the first time cooking Red Snapper for me. I made one portion for the segment, then my family insisted I cook another batch for dinner. They loved it.

This cook along was the second in a series through Google+ hangouts. If you miss the live segments, catch the replay on YouTube. I learned a few tips and enjoyed the relaxed way Eddie showed us how to cook his favorite summer recipe.

The entire segment is available via YouTube here MasterChef Cookalong with Eddie Jackson

Note: In the segment, Eddie starts cooking the the Pineapple Curry Sauce first, It's better to cook that after you start the  succotash. The first time, it reduced down too quickly and became a paste. The combination of flavors truly smells like "Summer in a pan." (You hear me say that in the video).

Give it a try - truly delicious! Thanks, Eddie and MasterChef!

Here is the recipe:

Crispy skin Red Snapper

1 Snapper filet

1t butter

1 sprig thyme

Salt 

Pepper

½ t lemon zest

Sweet potato succotash

2 sweet potatoes - peeled ½ inch chunks and parboiled

1 ear of fresh corn

1 sprig thyme

½ red onion

¼ red pepper

1 garlic clove

1t cilantro

1t lime zest

1t fresh lime juice

Salt 

Pepper

Pineapple Curry Sauce

½ red onion

1 clove garlic

Sprig of thyme

2T curry powder - *note: If you're not a fan of curry, cut this back to 1/2 to 1 T

½ cup pineapple nectar

¼ cup coconut milk or 2T coconut powder

   *Note - I substituted pineapple/coconut nectar found in the juice aisle

Habanero Pepper (or substitue your fave pepper)

Salt 

Pepper

Lemon zest to finish

Succotash

Preheat oven to 400. Clean and remove any hairs from the ear of corn. Rub with olive oil and place in oven to roast 15 min. rotating every 3-5 min. Cut the kernels from the ear.  Set aside. Place peeled and cut potatoes into a medium saucepan filled with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender about 15 min. Drain.  Place 2T olive oil in medium sauté pan sauté onion and red pepper until tender.  Sprinkle with pinch of salt add garlic and thyme. Add the potatoes and corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper. Add lime juice and zest. Cook 10 min. Finish with cilantro.

Sauce

In medium sauce pan place 1T olive oil sauté onions until tender then add curry powder. Sauté for 1 min. Add garlic. Cook 1 min more. Add nectar, milk, thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let sauce reduce. Finish with zest of ½ lemon.

Snapper

Score fish on skin side. Season fish with salt and pepper. Place fish skin side down in a medium sauté pan over medium high heat. Pan should be very hot, but not smoking before placing fish in. Add pat of butter and sprig of thyme. Cook 5-6 min. Flip and cook 30 sec on the other side. Remove fish to rest. Sprinkle with lemon zest.

A Whole Lotta Pink - 2 Simple Cards

These gorgeous PINK cards were made for Breast Cancer Awareness month but could easily be adapted for birth announcements, bridal showers or birthday girl cards.

Breast Cancer Awareness Handmade Card by Vicki Shepherd

Instructions:

1.  Cut Pink Base Card 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and fold to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

2.  Cut White Front Card 4" x 5 1/8"

3. Add Triangle Shapes to bottom of white front cards. I didn't have a punch or an easy way to do it at the time, so I cut triangles from pattern paper on hand.

4.  Glue 4-5 Ribbon Strips (or paper strips) to the card. Wrap the edges around the back and glue in place.

5.  Layer Flowers and secure Pink Ribbon with a Gem Brad. TIP: Poke a hole through the ribbon and cardstock first to make it easier to get the brad prongs through the paper without tearing it.  I used a bead reamer (pictured here) but a thumb tack or safety pin can be used.

6.  Add foam dots to the back of White Front Card and affix to front of Pink Base Card. (Option: Use a corner rounder on the edge of white front card.)

Breast Cancer Awareness Handmade Card (Vertical) by Vicki Shepherd

Breast Cancer Awareness Handmade Card (Horizontal) by Vicki Shepherd

Check out our workshop schedule at SimpliCraft.com to learn simple and fun paper crafting techniques. We will be in Denver and Sacramento in upcoming weeks.

xo
Vicki