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Sunday, July 17, 2011

The last post

This will be my final post for the Scrap Tales blog -- not because I am quitting, but because the store is closing.

From the owners ...


With deepest regrets we are closing Scrap Tales.

Unfortunately the economy is not working in our favor and we are no longer able to stay open.
We would like to thank all of you, our loyal customers, for staying with Scrap Tales during
the change of ownership. It has been our pleasure as owners to get to know you, your styles
and your tastes. You will be greatly missed. As Linda said, "What other kind of job can you
go to and know everyone who comes in the door?"


You are friends and family and we will miss you all.

As independent store owners, we would ask that you continue to support the few remaining
local independently-owned stores so that they can stay in business and be there for us.


Sincerely,
Lisa and Melissa


Yes, we are all devastated. As one of my friends said, "Scrap Tales is not just a store."


I couldn't have said it better myself.


I think all of us would agree that we have learned so much from the employees, teachers and croppers who visit the store. I can't imagine how difficult it will be to learn about new products or new techniques without Scrap Tales. And, who will we turn to when we are stuck on a layout or have an idea, but need to know how to make it work?


But, it isn't just the papercrafting products and techniques that I will miss. It is the people.


The store has served as a meeting place -- sort of our own little bar or coffee shop -- where everyone was welcome. Yes, there were often groups of people who came to the store to crop with their friends, but Scrap Tales was also a place where you didn't need friends. Once you arrived, you suddenly found yourself with dozens of brand-new friends who shared tips and supplies and made you laugh. It was a place where everyone was made welcome, whenever they stopped by.




And, in many cases, those friendships extended beyond cropping. 


Today, when I sit back and think of my dearest friends, I don't think there are any who are not associated with the store in some way -- well, at least the ones who are not related to me.
Together, we have celebrated weddings, new babies, birthdays and graduations and we have supported each other through all sorts of traumas and frustrations. 


Whether we wanted someone to celebrate with us or just listen while we vented, Scrap Tales was the place to go. And, no matter how much we spent, we knew it was cheaper than therapy.


And, that is what I will miss the most. 


So, I would like to raise a glass to Lisa and Melissa to thank them for buying our favorite store, stocking it with our favorite products, and trying to make a go of it. I am sure I speak for all of us when I tell you how much we appreciated your efforts.


And, to Linda: Thank you for all of those hours you put in. We especially appreciate all of those times when you were not supposed to be working, but took the time to answer questions or show us a new technique.


Finally, to the rest of the staff, thanks for always being there and always having a smile on your face no matter how bad your day had been.


We appreciate all of the fun you collectively have provided us with crops, classes, contests, Scrap League, yard sales, Scrap Wars and more. None of us would have such amazing scrapbooks, cards, friends or memories without you.


And, so I say my final goodbye and post the last time for Scrap Tales. Thank you for letting me be a part of the store. It was a really special place.


Love forever,
Candy


P.S. Don't forget, one of those little shopping baskets is mine!


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Vacation memories

I just returned from a wonderful vacation with my husband. It was the first vacation we have taken together without children since our honeymoon. I came back relaxed, sporting a sunburn and with a camera filled with photos.

I knew I would be taking lots of photos of water, since we were going to Lake Michigan. When scrapbooking water photos, I always find it difficult to match the paper. The blues always seem to clash.

So, when I saw the new Travel Light line from We R Memory Keepers, which uses a lot of yellow, green and red, I knew they would be perfect for my pictures and I bought quite a few of the papers before I left.

Here is the first page I made from our vacation ... it features a photo of my husband and I taken by a stranger at the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The papers are all from We R Memory Keepers. I cut the ones in the middle to 8x8. Then I inked the edges of each paper with Walnut Distress Ink. For the background paper, I folded the corner and used a Craft Glue Dot to secure.

For the smaller papers, I used a distress tool to add a bit of texture and added a few tears here and there. Then, I layered them and used Ultra Thin Glue Dots to hold them in place.

I cut a piece of white card stock to serve as my photo mat and then inked it with Distress Ink and attached my photo and then attached it to the page.

Next, I added twine from My Mind's Eye. I wrapped it around the back of the page, secured it with a Glue Dot and then cut out a small piece of leftover paper and layered it over the top.

For the title charm, I attached a clear charm by Tim Holtz to one of my photos of the dunes with Glossy Accents. This takes a long time to dry -- I let mine dry over night. Then, I trimmed the charm, added a bit of twine and attached it to my page with Craft Glue Dots. Finally, I used the Zig Photo Writer Pen to write the title on top.

For the final touches, I used metal flowers by 7 Gypsies. The one at the bottom features a button from Tim Holtz, which is attached with Craft Glue Dots to the flower and then I used Craft Glue Dots to adhere the flower to the page. The top one is adhered with a brad from Bo Bunny. The little coin is also from Tim Holtz and is also attached with a brad.

I like how the page turned out ... simple, rustic and relaxed -- just like my trip!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Pretty Posing Peacocks

It's Candy, returning with another layout idea ....

I take a lot of photos of animals, birds, landscapes and nature. I end up with plenty of beautiful photos, but I always seem to be challenged when it comes to scrapbooking them. It seems all of the products on the market either take away from the photos or are too childish. I have spent hours trying to find the perfect paper and often end up carrying the photos around for years, figuring I will find some inspiration, somewhere, eventually.

So, for these ones, I decided to try something a little different. I worked with plain cardstock, made the photos the stars and then added accents from Crafty Secrets. The journaling block, tag and vintage art piece were all on one sheet. I cut them out, added some Distress Ink and attached them to the page.

To keep it elegant, I used beautiful ribbons from Maya Road and 7 Gypsies. I also added several Dew Drops from Robin's Nest.

For the title, I colored chipboard letters from Maya Road with Distress Ink and then layered a thin coat of Diamond Glaze over the top. I love the shiny, elegant effect. Don't you?

Sunday, July 3, 2011

A little patriotism

Scrapbook pages do not have to be difficult to be beautiful. If you look carefully, many companies, like We R Memory Keepers, do all of the work for you.

On this page created by Candy, she used decorative edge paper as the background. Then, she cut out the title, journaling tag and striped ribbon paper out of a sheet of accents by We R. Finally, she added some embossed stickers and a few little gummy accents, also by We R.

The page took just a few minutes, but has plenty of texture and enough elements to make it look like it took hours.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Glitter Butterfly Tee

Our very own Laura is famous!

She earned a position as a guest designer for Art Glitter for the next three months.

For her first project, she put her scrapbooking skills to use and made this fabulous glitter T-shirt:

Isn't it beautiful?

Here is a closer look at the butterflies:


Here, in her own words, are the directions:
 Hey, it is Laura.  I have been chosen to be a guest blogger for Art Glitter this summer!  I am very thrilled, as I have used their products for years now. This post was the first project that I made for them and has been on their site. I started with a project that showcased the beautiful range of Art Glitter colors and allowed me to use the holographics. I also got to combine this with my love for the Silhouette Machine.  This butterfly shirt was so easy! 
      First, I used my Silhouette Machine to cut the butterflies out of their black flocked heat transfer material.  All of the designs were available on their site, so I didn't have to create any of the butterflies from scratch.  After I removed the inside pieces and ironed them on to my shirt, I got to the really fun part.  I had a "coloring book" to fill with glitter. For each butterfly, I used the Dries Clear Fabric Adhesive fitted with the fine metal tip to fill the "wells", leaving a little white right around some of the edges to create extra interest.  I used a variety of glitter styles and colors, but focused primarily on opaques, because I wanted the intensity on this project. It was like painting with glitter, each individual container a new well on my artist palette.  
     I let the glue dry for a few hours.  Then, I used a large stencil brush to remove the excess glitter. I set the glue by leaving it for 30 minutes in a warmed oven (according to package instructions).  Then, I washed it inside out in cold water so that I could wear my piece of glittered art.
 
The Glitter I used:
32 True Blue Ultrafine Opaque
62 Copper Canyon Ultrafine Opaque
66 Yellow Ultrafine Opaque
94 Key Lime Ultrafine Transparent
128 Quark Ultrafine Holographic
140 Canadian Blue Ultrafine Opaque
155 Red Velvet Ultrafine Opaque
189 Pearl Ultrafine Pearlescent
329 Egyptian Blue Ultrafine Opaque Holographic
336 Alien Ultrafine Opaque Holographic
500 Ruby Red Microfine Opaque
501 Monarch Microfine Opaque
510 Terra Blue Microfine Opaque

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Ready to shop til you drop?!

Tell your friends ... we still have this great stamp set to give away.

All you have to do to enter is sign up to follow our blog. When we get 50 followers, we'll choose one and send this great set of stamps designed by Leere Aldrich for Stampavie.


Aren't they adorable? Stampavie always make high-quality clear stamps that produce crystal clear images and are beautiful colored with Copic markers. Plus, they are made in the USA!

Right now, we have 41 followers.  When we get to 50, we'll choose one randomly to receive this special gift.

So, tell all of your friends, spread the word on Facebook and if you read the blog, but aren't signed up as a follower, be sure to sign up. Good luck!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Jamie created this adorable layout with products from My Mind's Eye and the Sew Easy Tool and Banner Attachment.

Here is a close up of the banner


And some of the details ...

For more information, visit Jamie's blog at http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/

Time for Cupcakes

A new trend in paper crafting is decorating cupcakes. Candy created this one using American Crafts' City Park papers and the Scalloped Cupcake Liner from Lifestyle Crafts.


On the opposite side, Candy used the button die and threaded the baker's twine through it.

But, cupcake liners are not just for cupcakes. Look at this 12x12 layout Candy did using papers from My Mind's Eye:

The scalloped edge is actually the cupcake liner. The flowers are made from the extra dies that come in the set.

Monday, June 6, 2011

With My Mind's Eye

Jamie created these adorable cards with My Mind's Eye products ...



For more information, visit Jamie's blog at http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 3, 2011

Celebrate the 4th of July

From Candy ...

When this line of patriotic papers from My Mind's Eye came into the store, I knew I had to use them. Slightly softer than traditional 4th of July paper, yet not quite rustic, they have just enough vintage appeal. And, the die cut sheet that accompanies the set provides dozens of quick and simple options.

For my first project with these papers, I decided to make an entire place setting. I made a place mat, name card, and napkin ring, along with a decorated bottle to hold working pinwheels.

Here is a close up of the bottle ... I cut one piece of paper to use on it and the rest is from the die cut sheet. It has borders, die cuts, labels and more.

And, here is a close up of the napkin holder and place card. Both are made with things off of the die cut sheet.


Click here, http://candyspiegel.wordpress.com/2011/05/21/summer-party/ for step-by-step directions on all of these projects, plus the WORKING pinwheels!

The jar and pinwheels are also in the store, for a closer look.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Flower Garden

Here is another amazing page from Heather. I love how detailed and layered her pages are.
Here is a closer look ...
For details, visit her blog at http://heatherahudson.blogspot.com/2011/05/flower-garden-scraptales-mega-meet.html

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A beautiful mermaid

Heather created this amazing page with Creative Imaginations paper ...


Here is a closer view of the mermaid she cut out.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Handmade Decorative Border

Die cutting machines, decorative edge scissors and punches can make some amazing borders.

But, don't discount stickers and die cuts. They can make unique borders on cards, too.

Just look at this one Candy created ...

First, she created a card out of cardstock. Then she tore and inked papers from Creative Imaginations and then layered them onto the front of the card.

Next, she took a die cut from Creative Imaginations, inked the edges, and used dimensional foam to adhere it.

Then, she ran flower die cuts (from the same package by Creative Imaginations) ran them through the Xyron Sticker Maker to turn them into little stickers and then adhered them to the bottom and right corner of the card.

Using detail scissors, she cut the cardstock and paper away from the areas below the flowers.

Finally, she added a touch of Distress Ink to the bottom edge to finish it off.

Simple and unique.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Pebbles Mr. & Mrs.

Jamie created these with the Mr. & Mrs. collection from Pebbles ...


Although it is perfect for a wedding, it doesn't have to be. Look at these scrapbook pages ...

For more information, visit Jamie's blog ...

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Creatively escape to the islands with Candy

Sometimes paper companies create beautiful papers that are, what Candy calls, "unscrappable." As much as we love to look at them, we cannot figure out how to incorporate photos without either covering too much of the paper or taking the focus away from the pictures.

But, every once in a while, a company comes out with a fabulous line that is perfectly scrappable, like the Sonnets of the Sea Collection by Creative Imaginations.

The collection is small -- with just three double-sided papers -- but it covers everything. There is a sheet with island maps, another with travel words and a third with sand and shells. The backsides offer larger shells and two patterns that could be used as mats, backgrounds or letters.

For this design, Candy used one sheet as her background. Tore and inked two others and attached. Then, she cut out one of the shells from leftover paper and adhered it with dimensional dots as an accent. The title was cut out of another paper using a QuicKutz font and the journaling block was taken from another leftover section, torn and inked. Eyelets and a bit of twine finish off the look.

The final result is inexpensive, but elegant and allows the photos to take center stage.

Friday, May 6, 2011

There's still time ...

There's still time to make it to the Great Lakes Mega Meet in Novi.

We're in booth 435 ... and we have some great specials and items that are not currently in the store.

When Lisa arrived this morning, she was carrying the much anticipated, brand new bag for the Silhouette Die Cutting Machine. It is an amazing bag  ... it holds the machine and a 17-inch laptop and has lots of additional pockets for tools, mats and extra stuff. There is even a little pad on the shoulder strap to make carrying all of your stuff comfortable. I don't even have a Silhouette, but I want the bag! They are $49.99 at the show ...

Speaking of Silhouette, they are on sale at Mega Meet as well. And, Creative Imaginations kits are there ... buy two, get one 1/2 price. And, if that isn't enough, Stampavie Stamps are buy 3, get 1 free. There is also a special on vinyl, which works in the Cricut machine, too, and Stampscapes are available in kits to purchase.

Trust me, just the Scrap Tales booth has enough deals to make it worth the time, gas and price of admission.

And, I spotted Melissa Frances, Darcie and Wendy Vecchi doing demos ... just saying!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Here we come ....

The Great Lakes Mega Meet is coming to Novi May 5-7.

Scrap Tales will be there, of course, offering quite a few product lines including Creative Imaginations, Northwoods Rubber Stamps, Stampavie Stamps, Stampscapes and Silhouette America.

Laura will be offering demos of many of the products throughout the weekend and I'll be in the booth Friday and Saturday mornings, so be sure to stop by and say hi. We'll be in booth #435.

During the event, there will also be on-site album embossing, demonstrations, make and takes and so much more. You can crop during the day (for free), shop until you drop, enjoy refreshments, take photos of sample projects, get lots of ideas and so much more. It isn't to be missed!

For complete details, visit the official website, here.

You'll find discount coupons, information on classes (you can buy your tickets when you get there, as long as seats remain), special offers and more on the Mega Meet website.

See you there!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A mini album for a little one

Jamie has been busy again creating this adorable mini album with Creative Imaginations papers.

Click on the images for a closer look.
or visit Jamie's blog at  http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/ for details.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

We're on YouTube!

BREAKING NEWS!

Jessica is going to make us famous with our own YouTube Channel.

She plans to post a new video featuring techniques, giveaways, new products and more.

Hop on over to the Scrap Tales YouTube Channel and check it out.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Oh Sweet Baby

Jamie has been working with the Lullaby Baby Boy line from Creative Imaginations. Here are a few of her creations ...




Visit Jaimie's blog for details ... http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Giveaway continues

Tell your friends ... we still have this great stamp set to give away.

All you have to do to enter is sign up to follow our blog. When we get 50 followers, we'll choose one and send this great set of stamps designed by Leere Aldrich for Stampavie.

Aren't they adorable? Stampavie always make high-quality clear stamps that produce crystal clear images and are beautiful colored with Copic markers. Plus, they are made in the USA!

Right now, we have 36 followers.  When we get to 50, we'll choose one randomly to receive this special gift.

So, tell all of your friends, spread the word on Facebook and if you read the blog, but aren't signed up as a follower, be sure to sign up. Good luck!

From Heather

Design team member Heather created this amazing page. You can find the directions on her blog.

http://heatherahudson.blogspot.com/2011/04/dusty-attic-contest-at-swirlydoos.html

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Accu-Cut Gifts

Did you know that Scrap Tales has a HUGE Accu-Cut die center?

There are envelopes and cards, boxes, frames, mini albums, alphabets and much, much more. All are available for your use at no charge -- as long as you buy your paper at Scrap Tales.

Accu-Cut dies can cut through chipboard, grungeboard, shrink plastic and multiple sheets of cardstock.

Here is one of the projects Candy recently created ...



The chipboard letters are from Maya Road. The dog tags are made with a QuicKutz (Now Lifestyle Crafts) die and metal adhesive paper, cardstock and Alcohol Ink. The stars are made with cardstock, a gold Paint Dabber and a QuicKutz die. The paper is from Creative Imaginations and the doily inside (under the cookies) is from Little Yellow Bicycle. It is all held together with Glue Dots.

The sample, minus the cookies, will be in the store soon ...

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Gone Fishing

Jess, one of our design team members, created this beautiful layout using the TPC Studio's Reel Me In collection.

The alphabet letters are from My Mind's Eye.
 
Techniques she used were stitching, computer journaling and edge distressing