Cord Scrapbook Studio

A Way Out of the Rut

Raise your hand if you're not afraid to admit that you often find yourself in a scrapbooking rut... and I'll readily admit that I've raised mine as well.  And now everyone's kind of looking at me funny. I mean, who raises their hand in a cubicle? By their self? While writing a blog post? I ask you...

But it's the honest truth. Sometimes I'll spend an entire week or so gearing up for some "me time" on the weekend and naturally, I choose to spend my "me time" scrapbooking. (Or sleeping. But that's beside the point...) And sometimes it works out just so perfectly that I actually have a plan--I know what pictures I'm going to scrapbook or what projects I plan to get done and I go in, get started and come out feeling like I've accomplished a great deal--having the disaster of a scraproom littered in leftovers to show for it!

Most of the time... I head to my scrap space with the best of intentions and I spend a good 15-20 minutes cleaning up the scrap-disaster I failed to take care of the last time I had "me time".  And then I sift through all of the photos I've had printed, hoping something will jump out at me and if nothing does, I head to the computer and wade through my digital files to order some prints I hope to have ready for the next time I have some "me time".

And then I'm pretty much stuck.

Back to the pre-printed photos I go to pull out something I know I need to get scrapped (but have obviously been putting off) and I resign myself to scrapbooking something I want to scrapbook, but am not necessarily all that excited about. Anyone else have this problem sometimes?! Anyone?!

I eventually get the job done--layout finished, into the album it goes. But I miss the fun & excitement of the process, you know?! Sometimes I just need a little inspiration! A little "nudge" that points me in a creative direction!

And that's where these babies come in...

 
Sometimes glancing through them means I'll find a layout or a card or a project of some kind that I'm literally itching to scraplift. BONUS! Other times, there's a theme I spot that reminds me of photos I have waiting to be scrapped and just seeing that theme on a page is enough to strike up "the mood". And well, while I'm being completely honest here I might as well mention that yes--there are still times I browse through and I get nuttin'.
It happens.

More often than not, however... there's a little something in there, somewhere that get's the creative juices flowing and for that I'm grateful! If it weren't for all of the talented designers out there willing to share their passions with the world or some pretty nifty products available to work with in the first place, I'm afraid my mojo just might have taken a permanent leave of absence! Know what I mean?

 
So, for those of you who raised your hands with me (or did so, but at least kept it to yourself so as not to make a fool of yourself in front of your co-workers)... these books are just one option for getting up out of the rut. They're a start, anyway... and sometimes, that's all we need!

Here's to a weekend filled with inspiration and at least 1 or 2 finished layouts for the books! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

TGIF!

Got Buttons? Washi Tape? Baker's Twine? Chevron?

Beginning early next week, you'll start to see full product releases on the web along with industry reporters doing their best to tell you what's trending this year. Though I'm far from being an expert in this area, with the sneak peeks that have already appeared on company blogs and websites, I've noticed a few things over and over I thought I'd make mention of. The CHA Winter Show starts this Sunday and I can't wait to show you what's coming to stores!

One thing that started to make headway this past Fall--wooden buttons. You saw them pop up here and there, but now it feels like they're everywhere! You'll see wooden buttons, etched & colored buttons and even woodgrain chipboard epoxy buttons from Basic Grey, Jillibean Soup, and Bella Blvd--just to name a few. And speaking of wood, be on the lookout for assorted wooden embellishments--from banners to flags to die-cut shapes!

How many of you know what Washi Tape is? Or maybe you've seen it around the web--just not up close and personal? Curious?! Well, I'm happy to report that a number of vendors including Bella Blvd and We R Memory Keepers have introduced some Washi Tape designs that are sure to add a little punch & pizazz to your pages & projects! So if you've been anxious to play around with an increasinly popular crafting trend--you won't be disappointed!

Another exciting movement is more of a handmade, handstitched trend I've noticed. Between the Sew Easy collection of patterned piercers and unique threads from We R Memory Keepers, you'll notice an increase in crocheted accents--like these adorable little flowers here from Bella Blvd. Adding a little bit of a homespun feel to your projects with handmade flowers, knitted accents, real stitched threads or even faux stitching--adds both texture and interest while keeping things fun!

And finally... there's one pattern I've noticed over and over that I can't ignore as an up-and-coming trend in the papercrafting world. If you're a little iffy on the notion that a simple pattern could instigate a hot trend all on its own though, just search "chevron" on Pinterest... go ahead. I dare ya. :-)

Yessiree.. the almighty chevron pattern/element of design has made quite the comeback lately. In fact, one of the collections arriving in stores today--On the Bright Side by My Mind's Eye--features just a few chevron elements in a variety of colors and styles!

  

Ahhh... I love this time of year. It's like a scrapbooker's Christmas all over again! New trends, new products and a fresh batch of inspiration to carry us through the winter doldrums. Love it. And I hope you do, too!

What's New Wednesday: Paradise!

I know there's been a lot of talk lately about how wonky this winter has been with it's up-and-down temperature fluctuations, the mild snowfall and all of the RAIN! So I don't mean to beat the dead horse here, but seriously? This winter has been WEIRD!

But you know... I am certainly not complaining. I don't know about you, but I for one am ready for the doom-and-gloom clouds to pass and for a little sunshine & spring to creep its way in. So a day with slightly warmer temps and no precipitation forecasted whatsoever--I'll take it. And it will be like my own little January paradise--relatively speaking, of course.

And speaking of Paradise... that's exactly what I have to share with you today, as "Paradise" just happens to be the newest collection from Little Yellow Bicycle, available in stores and online now. 

As is the case with all of LYB's collections, there's a little somethin' in there for everyone--from fabric & canvas stickers to chipboard accents, acetate shapes and 3-D flowers you can actually piece together and layer as desired.

  

You'll notice that the collection has a real "springtime" feel with the birds and the trees and the colors, but it's one that doesn't feature a whole lot of pastels and florals. Rather simple, generic prints that you can use for literally anything--from vacation pages to girl pages to pages celebrating family and friendships.

A self-proclaimed patterned paper addict, I've really warmed up to a lot of the little details and embellishments that have come alive on the market lately. And it's not so much because they coordinate beautifully with the pattern papers I like (though that's certainly part of it) but because there are just a million-and-one ways to incorporate a little accent here, another there with a little extra detail there to really highlight the photos & memories we're capturing on our pages.

 
With a lot of the new CHA products preparing for their big release next week, you'll notice a lot of added emphasis (I think) on the details--the little things you can add to make your pages pop. And I am pretty excited to share a little of what's coming with you next week, details and all! So... stay tuned!

Last Call for the SB Studio Design Team!

Howdy, fellow crafters! Just a quick announcement for y'all today concerning Cord Scrapbook Studio's Inaugural Design Team call. And that is...

***THERE'S ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!!***

If you're interested in being a part of our first-ever Design Team, the deadline to submit entries/applications is next Tuesday, January 31st! You can find ALL of the information you need including requirements for applying, requirements for participating on the team and compensation for all your hard work on our Design Team info page, here.

We've pretty much spelled out what we're looking for on that page, but to keep it real, he's a few things we're NOT looking for...

A CERTAIN "FEEL".  Let's face it--everyone has a different style. There are different subjects you scrapbook, different products you reach for, different techniques you specialize in. And EVERYONE has a story to tell regardless of method. So don't be afraid to apply because you fear your style, your artistic "voice" is different from what you think we're looking for.

We do our best to inspire you--and we want to inspire you even MORE throughout 2012! But we can't possibly represent even the smallest smidgen of all of the creative possibilities that exist in this fabulous, paper-crafting world! And that's where you come in!

PERFECTION. When you scrapbook, you do so to tell YOUR story, YOUR way. So there is no perfect mold for anyone to fit into. So please, pretty please... don't be afraid to apply because you feel you're not "good enough". Like I said... EVERYONE has a story to tell!

Hopefully that eases your nerves a bit... Remember, as a local scrapbook store--we are nothing more than a community of scrapbookers who want to gather and share ideas that keep us all involved in this hobby and loving every moment of it! We represent YOU! And what better way to do so than to have YOU represented in our stores?!

DRAMA. We like to have fun and we're a pretty laid-back bunch. So this is not a popularity contest or a competition to see who ranks where among whom. We like what we do--scrapbooking, card-making, even a little dabbling in the altered arts. And we want YOU to like what you do, too!

And you know... we're flexible. Maybe you're not much of a card-maker, however you LOVE to scrapbook. But because of that one-card-a-month commitment for the Design Team, you're a little nervous about joining in for that reason. PLEASE don't fret! We can cater your DT commitment to suit your passion!!

Bottom line? This is probably one of the most exciting endeavors I've ever participated in here at Cord because it's a chance to see styles and techniques that differ from the ones we can provide from within. It's a chance to get to know other papercrafters in our community a little more and to show off their talents a bit! And at the very least, it's a chance to get some displays on our otherwise empty idea boards--and you know y'all have been asking for that one! :-)

ANYONE can apply. I hope you'll consider!
We looking forward to working with you!

Happy scrappin'!

Sketch of the Week: Sweet Cakes

Happy Monday, everyone! I trust you all had a snowy--but-safe winter weekend and are ready to face the week ahead with renewed energy! (And if you're not... well... you just might need a day spent scrappin'... at our "Beat the Winter Blues" crop this weekend!)

Today, the Scrapbooking Coordinator at our Indianapolis (Nora) store--Vicki--is back with a super-cute layout featuring her newest granddaughter--Elli--who is [naturally] sweet as a cupcake!

Vicki's layout features patterned papers from Doodlebug's Sweet Cakes Collection accented with glittered Thickers from American Crafts and displayed in a 12x12 frame! And the sketch that inspired it all? Well, that would be sketch #260 from Pencil Lines, created by Natasha Akers!

Sometimes all you need to get scrappin' is a little spark--a jump start. And that's what sketches do! Find a sketch that appeals to you, suits your needs (1 photo or 2, 3, 4), print your photos, choose your coordinating supplies and just start fillin' in the blanks on your table!

   

Sometimes the end designs closely resembles the sketch you started with and other times the result is completely different. But hey--you'll have finished a layout! And that my friends is what it's all about! Add it to your albums or keep it on display for awhile in a frame for all to see... then stop, grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy the moment.

Have a great week!

What's New Wednesday: It's a Boy's Life

Looking for the latest-and-greatest from Echo Park Paper? Whelp... it's right here--and this one's for the boys!

EP's newest collection features whimsical patterns and masculine themes for scrapbooking the men in your life--both the tall and the small!

 
  
 

Whether you're scrapbooking boys' sports, activities, hobbies, you name it--you're sure to find something in here you can use along with a few complimentary patterned patterns to help bring everything together on your page!

"A Boy's Life" is available in stores and online... and if I had to guess, I'd say there just might be a little somethin' for the gals around the CHA bend. Stay tuned!

#CHAShow Sneak Peeks

Cue the scrapbook retailer's busy season--it's CHA time, folks!

For us, this time of year means seeking out the best of the best, downloading product spreadsheets and sending in multiple orders for shipments dated now through this Spring! And for you, it means NEW products, NEW waves of inspiration and a fresh NEW look to product displays in stores!

I don't know about you, but it all sounds good to me!

This week, the new product sneaky-peeks from various scrapbooking manufacturers have multiplied throughout the blogosphere and you can preview what's coming down the pike for Bella Blvd, Jillibean Soup, Fancy Pants Designs, Studio Calico, American Crafts, Prima Marketing, Bo Bunny... and the list just keeps going!!

I'm especially excited for this season's wave of new products to craft with, as we'll have a Design Team ready and rearin' to go! The goal this year is to keep you inspired... motivated. We want you to ENJOY the products you buy and the process taken in assembling your scrapbooks instead of feeling burdened by the supplies you've collected instead of crafted.

So as you're perusing through your favorite websites and checking out all of the sneak peeks and product teasers for the big CHA release coming up, know that we're open to suggestions!! If you find something out there you LOVE--let us know! If there's a product line you wish we carried--let us know! We really do strive to bring you the products you want and the variety you crave!

Happy Scrappin!

Sketch of the Week featuring Basic Grey's Kissing Booth

If you receive our weekly email newsletter, and a couple of weeks ago saw an adorable layout announcing the arrival of Basic Grey's Kissing Booth collection in stores that made you think "By George, that's adorable!"... Well... I've got good news. And a sketch to go with it.

That's right... today's sketch + layout is brought to you courtesy of our friends at Basic Grey and designer Kelly Goree.

You can tell just by looking at the sketch that there's a lot going on here... layered patterned papers, embellishments, stitching... And when you plug in the right supplies...

  
...and add in a few details like coordinating die-cut shapes and letters, painted brads, and baker's twine... you get a little somethin' like this:

Great. Now I'm itchin' to duplicate this page AND make sugar cookies!!
MmMmMm.... cookies.

For additional ideas & inspiration for using the Basic Grey patterns and accents you've been collecting, check out the Basic Grey blog. They have weekly challenges, lots of sketches, and plenty of scrapbooking eye candy to keep those creative wheels a-turnin'!

What's New Wednesday: Knock Outs

Ok, so... how many of you have a basket full of bulky border punches taking up ROOM in your scrap space? And how many of you would happily switch to a system that allowed you to still create those fabulous, clean-cut edgy borders without all of the clutter?

Yeah, well... me too.
And that's where the Knock Outs come in...  

One Punch.
Multiple cartridges. 

You get the same great design possibilities with a system that's a little easier to manage. Win-Win. 

Here's the gist...

Start off with the punch base. It's sold in a Starter Kit (pictured at left) or as part of an Extreme Value Pack (above).

Then you just pick and choose your cartridges--collect them all, or start off with the designs you love the most (and know you'll be using over and over and over!) Up to you. Each interchangeable punch comes with the little snap-in guide you need to get those edges lined up for clean, continuous cuts every time and of course the punch itself.

Anyone else thinking they wished manufacturers had come up with something like this years ago?

The Knock Outs Starter Kit is regularly $10.99--a savings of $3-5 when compared to some of the other border punches currently on the market. And the interchangeable cartridges ring in at just $9.99 a piece--again, more savings... less clutter.

With CHA Season rollin' around, brace yourself for even more innovations and fresh, new designs as manufacturers seek to bring you the new and improved and the best of the best of what they have to offer.

Whether it's an updated re-invention of the wheel or some brand-spanking new concept, I've not experienced a CHA Winter release yet that has proved to be anything less than amazing!

Sketch of the Week with My Favorite Things!

This week's card was designed by Ruthie from our Graceland location (Columbus, OH).  And what I'm lovin' most about it is the little froggy stamp from My Favorite Things! I'm tellin' ya... those stamps are just darn cute!

 

The sketch that inspired Ruthie's design comes from Ellen Hutson's "Inchie INKlings" series. Inchies are 1" square design elements often used in creative card-making and you'll find a TON of ideas & inspiration using inchies, the inchie + and twinchies on Ellen's site!  This particular sketch was the first in a series of sketch challenges and if you glance through some of the other posts that followed, you'll see several different ways inchies can be added to cards for a truly unique design!

And here's the stamp used... it's called "Feeling Froggy" and it's a part of the Pure Innocence collection from My Favorite Things. MFT releases new stamps just about every month and their designs have quickly become a Scrapbook Studio favorite!

Combine cute stamps with Copic Markers and a simple, basic design sketch like the one above and the end result is nothing short of adorable. Thanks for sharing, Ruthie!