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Post by pas2 on May 10, 2017 10:43:07 GMT
Thanks for the folding in half idea. Thinking of them as semi-circles gives me more options. Actually, my advice to you is along the same lines: Cut them in half. My 'why did I buy this' item is also Heidi Swapp. I have three or four packages of ghost frames. I just cannot get them to work on a layout! I have a bunch of printed cardstock frames that were just sitting until I learned a new trick recently. I watched a video (Asa Malm? or maybe Shimelle) cut a frame on the diagonal and just tuck the ends under her mats/ photo block/ papers as just another layer peeking out. I was like, dang, that's so easy, why didn't I think of that? Just because it starts off as a frame doesn't mean you have to use it as a frame Thank you for the idea, I have had these in my stash for ages.
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Post by pas2 on May 10, 2017 10:35:21 GMT
The second best advice I ever got relates to that. Don't crop away backgrounds or only take photos of the face because we live in a world that is more than just a face. There was an entire period of time when sentiments layouts were popular with one photo that we were advised to focus on the face. We cropped out everything to make photos close up. Leave some of the details - the furniture, the street, the dishes, the toys because they are the things that make the memories more real. Exactly what I was going to say.
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Post by pas2 on May 4, 2017 9:32:16 GMT
I have purchased multiple dies from China/Hong Kong. They seem on par with my US steel dies. I have not looked for matching stamps. However, the stamps manufactured in China/Hong Kong tend to be a lower quality acrylic when compared to the photopolymer most US-based (and I think European-based) companies have switched to. That's not to say you shouldn't look for them, or buy them-- it's just to warn you to be prepared. The acrylic stamps tend to not stamp as nicely as photopolymer or rubber, and it frustrates a lot of stampers. You can try to counter that by using a stamp positioner to allow restamping, or try an ink like Versafine. I've tried the stamps from China/Hong Kong, and they are of really, really poor quality. A lot of them aren't even seconds-they're trash. I'd say about 25% of the ones I tried were passable quality, the rest I ended up getting refunded, and I tried about 25 stamps from 7-8 different sellers. Getting refunds was a real pain in the behind, too. They had dirt, bubbles, rips, holes and many would not stamp properly because of the damage. One had some kind of rock like kitty litter throughout the whole sheet. The sellers wanted to "discount" the sheets instead of refunding. Oh--and I bought one set that was planner words, and 50% of the words were misspelled. If you ever have a HAHHOGRAH (mammogram), I have a stamp I'll send your way!
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 14:43:08 GMT
I don't know how to add a pic (I'm technology challenged) and the first attempts aren't pretty either. Maybe when I've had some practice under my belt (both stamping and technology) I'll share. I would love to see others attempts though.
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 13:25:56 GMT
Ok, I couldn't resist and did a quickie test. Keep in mind that I am a newbie stamper so others might have different results.
It definitely will take a bit of practice to master.
I found a pouncing motion worked better than a swirling one to apply last color. The ink dries much quicker than on paper.
I wiped ink off with both a dry towel and a wet wipe and had the same results with no damage to the glossy paper.
Do not use a self adhesive stencil by mistake like I did, it rips the gloss off the photo paper. It isn't pretty unless you want shiny and matte on the same pattern.
I LOVE the glossy results. Then I stamped on it with Stazon Ink. The stamped image does come out slightly matte.
Using bolder solid stamps gives a more appealing result, I think the finer detailed stamps get lost on this technique.
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 10:45:31 GMT
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 8:34:30 GMT
JoAnn's is putting them on clearance. Michael's sells them for $120, and I found one on clearance at JoAnn's today for $40. They had just put two of them out. It's a pretty blue and white model. For those who may not know, the Big Kick and Big Shot are the same, just cosmetic differences. This is exactly how I bought my Big Kick last year. I would never have bought it otherwise.
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 8:32:03 GMT
I have both a manual and 2 electronic and I use all 3. I actually got the manual one after the electronic. I use the manual one a lot for stamping then die cutting an image with a coordinating die. I also use it for basic circle/oval/square frames when I am only making one or to cards - less work then pulling out my computer to use my electronic ones. Same for me, I got the manual on a deep discount because I wanted to be able to emboss things I cut on the Cameo. Ended up buying some infinity dies and some cheap tiny alphabet and doily dies because it is faster. I love both machines.
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Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 8:23:46 GMT
2000-2006 My family was doing so many fun things so I had lots of variety to scrap. There was variety of product in stores and I even had some great local scrapbook stores around. I had 2Ps to keep me informed and chat since I have no friends that scrapped (thank you 2PsRefugees). Most of all I had TIME since I was a SAHM and my kids were in school full time. Then life got in the way and I am now always busy doing stuff for someone else. I am slowly reclaiming ME time and getting back into this hobby I love so much.
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Post by pas2 on May 2, 2017 19:16:14 GMT
My pages are all in albums but my albums are a hot mess. I don't scrap chronologically. So one album could have layouts of my grandparents as teens, my teens as babies and last months Disney pages. I also buy tons of Disney papers and embellishments but never use them because the red/black/yellow doesn't coordinate with my photos. OMG yes, I am addicted to buying Christmas and Disney papers but seldom use them! I'm also addicted to TM, can't help just stopping by every Wed after work "just to look" and end up buying a pile of stuff I really don't need.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 30, 2017 12:06:55 GMT
My two girls would only pose if it was Christmas or they were with their cousins for group pics. I resorted to lifting pics from their facebook pages! They are getting better now that they are in their 20's. Usually the photos are at restaurants when we are all together, and yes alcohol is involved.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 28, 2017 9:59:37 GMT
Scrapbook.com always has these pop ups for you to sign up for coupons from specific brands, but has anyone ever really gotten a coupon offer from them to use on the site?
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Post by pas2 on Apr 27, 2017 23:48:04 GMT
I picked up some doodlebug frills some fuse sleeves, and a Tim Holtz die. There were also Downton Abbey paper, dies and embossing folders.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 27, 2017 0:03:04 GMT
I search for cutting dies, embossing folders, clear stamps and washi. I then choose to view starting with lowest priced and free shipping. You will find multiple sellers offering the same product so I opt for the lowest priced. It takes time to browse all the pages, but it is worth it for the savings. Using the mobile app also offers even lower prices. Make sure you read the descriptions carefully. I've had delivery range between 2 weeks and 3 months and only 1 stamp was of poor quality. I do find some of the embossing folders are thicker than what is sold here but they still work.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 24, 2017 10:49:03 GMT
That moment when you find that the die you finally splurged big bucks on is being offered on Aliexpress for under $4.00! Had that happen to a stamp set too. Or when you wait forever to buy a stamp or die and finally give in thinking it won't ever go on a decent sale only to have the price drop dramatically right after you placed the order and can't cancel it.
What makes you go GRRRR everytime?
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Post by pas2 on Apr 24, 2017 10:20:34 GMT
I'm sorry about the breakup. I think keeping the layouts - either in your regular album if they are more 'things we did' that include him or in a separate album you can tuck away for now if they are more 'all about us' I have pics of past partners both of myself and family members. I don't get rid of them but I do have them discretely covered up if possible, or placed in another album or tuck the photo behind another photo in a photo pocket. I found that (most times) years later my feelings about these people mellow and that I can remember the "event" rather than the person with no problem. I'm glad I didn't purge the photos from my stash. They are all part of our life and we grow because of them. I would only totally purge a person if the memory of them causes me great pain, then they become a dart board!
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Post by pas2 on Apr 24, 2017 10:09:36 GMT
I have stamped on ribbon for years but the painting on the tape looks fun. Nice way to customize for a layout AND use up that stash of not so favorite rolls. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 24, 2017 9:48:32 GMT
I have a few sheets of flamingos because they are dd2 favorite bird and she collects them. It also works for some Florida vacation pics. The pineapples I would have trouble with but probably use them for Lilo & Stitch layouts. Glasses are easy since we all wear them. No on cactus, llamas and lumberjacks. Penguins I associate with winter not summer. Those darn mustaches and chandeliers were the worst!
Why can't they just leave the trendy images for the sticker sheets. I would prefer to be able to buy them as accessories only, it really prevents me from buying most paper lines. So many times I see paper I love only to glance down and see an image I don't like. I won't buy the paper if it has limited potential.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 17, 2017 13:44:35 GMT
Scrappy wise...my DD (13) is using my supplies for her own craftiness and I'm both happy and annoyed. She doesn't scrap but she sure does art. She used up a whole bottle of my Heidi Swapp "tinsel" colour mist on a huge project board for school, and she is using my stencil brushes and inks all the time now. I have to remind myself to share My 15 year old dd who is obsessed with comic con and cos play asked for a empty 12x12 album today. She wants to make a special album, but you're nicer than me. She has to ask before using anything. Scrap stuff is my 1 thing that I am very territorial about! My DDs are always using my scrap supplies for their projects (usually they ask first). refugeepea my eldest dd is also into cosplay, I'm collecting lots of photos of her work for an album for her. My youngest is an actress so I want to do albums for her too. These are going to be fun albums to work on.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 15, 2017 11:18:27 GMT
I use the. Inserts from an Oreo package to hold Momento dew drops or washi rolls in their drawers. I cut down cereal boxes to make small trays for the same purpose. They are less bulky than the plastic ones from the stores. I save the tiny safety pins from clothing tags to use on layouts. Zip lock baggies.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 15, 2017 11:08:20 GMT
Greens and blues followed by fall colors.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 15, 2017 11:06:32 GMT
Horizontal or vertical strip of paper or ribbon, computer journaling and titles, sometimes just matting a photo or inking the edges does it.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 14, 2017 2:27:22 GMT
How long did it take to get shipped to you? Delivery takes 2 weeks to 2 months. One package was a no show so I contacted the seller who asked me to request a refund. The package then showed up 2 weeks later (3 months total). The item cost less than $2.00 so I wasn't to worried about it. I have noticed that items shipped from Singapore seem to take the longest to arrive. It is fun when those tiny packages start showing up in the mailbox!
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Post by pas2 on Apr 14, 2017 2:22:33 GMT
I'm really curious about the Russian package? Did you open it too? No just marked it "delivered to wrong address" and put it back in the mailbox.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 18:49:40 GMT
My girls use the larger versions for their makeup. BTW - I just found tupelo designs and I love their sale prices and free shipping.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 18:47:03 GMT
Bottom line is there is no right or wrong way to do it. I believe that is the best advice you can give your Goddaughter. I have posted before but I think there is a right and a wrong way with very loose parameters. It depends what your goals are. but I know what you mean, though! People should not feel bad about their pages, except me who has some real crappy pages from early on! Remind her to always work with copies not originals of her photos and that if she doesn't like it, it can always be redone. That may take some of the fear out of doing her first pages.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 18:43:51 GMT
Oh fun! I always have a cart full there but have yet to order from them! I like the prices when you use the mobile app, they are usually a few cents cheaper still. I buy dies, stamps, embossing folders and washi from them.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 18:29:16 GMT
What paper do you prefer to use with distress inks and oxides? I'm looking for paper other than the little packs and tags by Ranger? I've been using 80 lb neenah cardstock but it warps something awful. Is this avoidable or am I doing something wrong?
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 18:16:34 GMT
Two tiny butterfly dies.
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Post by pas2 on Apr 12, 2017 17:26:00 GMT
I would approach it like, "here is the stuff you can use, here are the basic tools you will need, measure twice cut once, and let me know if you have any questions." Then let her do whatever she wants. If she wants more direction, she will ask for it, but she won't be as inclined to tell you you're helicopter scrapping. I definitely agree, let her dictate how much input she wants in her creative process. Instead, have some technique mini lessons such as stamping, playing with punches, using stencils, hand lettering then let her go play.
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