Monthly Round-Up

Katie updated her “roundup tool.” This is an easy and great way to keep track of your memories and many scrapbookers swear by this simple exercise. Even Ali Edwards referred to this tool in one of her past newsletters. So while the month is still young, take a few moments to jot down your memories from April. You will be so glad you did!

Thursday Tip #8

Use a Jar to Get Inspired

Make a list of techniques, both tried & true and new to you. Cut them into individual strips and place them in a jar. When you need inspiration, pull 2 or 3 techniques out of the jar & use them on a layout or card project.

Write a list of your supplies and tools. Again, cut them into individual strips and place them in a jar. Some items to include in this list, would be patterned paper, eyelets, brads, ribbons, die cuts, beads, and so on. It's also supposed to help use up your stash if you tend to hoard your supplies.

May Supply Challenge

Use up your flowers, any kind of flowers, silk, paper, punch art, stickers, buttons, etc.

May Daily Inspirations

The May 2009 edition of Daily Inspirations is now available. Download for FREE here and start scrapping! Thanks, Jill.

Thursday Tip #7

Unstick the Sticky

Have you ever had the problem of sticky adhesive from tapes, photo squares and stickers "gum" up your scissors, tweezers, craft knives and punches? Undo it with UN-DU! UN-DU safely removes the sticky residue that can be left behind from these products. Just apply a few drops and wipe away with a soft cloth. Before you know it your tools will be as good as new!

Recipe Challenge

Every two weeks we will introduce a Recipe Challenge. You have two weeks to get the challenge done and link back to us. We will give a list of three items that must be used on a card or layout. You are not limited to only the three items listed. You can use as many items on your layout or cards as you wish. But the minimum on it must be what is listed in the recipe.

Create a card or layout using the following items:

• Repeating Pattern (patterned paper or a pattern you make yourself)
• Numerals
• Staples

The topic/theme for your card or layout is up to you.

Projects are due by Wednesday, May 13th. Upload your card or layout to a gallery or to your own blog then sign Mr. Linky below.

365 Days of Memories

My personal scrapbooking blog is hosting a giveaway in honor of its blogoversary.

The giveaway is a surprise . . . there may be embellishments, fiber, ribbon, rubber stamp, pen, who knows? Also included will be two of my handmade cards.

To enter, go to 365 Days of Memories.

What Would You Do Differently?

This program is a place for you to get serious feedback on your scrapbook (and other paper-craft projects). This activity concentrates on scrapbook design.

Please keep in mind that this is not the place for you if you are only looking for the “good job” type responses to your projects. We request that responses contain comments meant to help improve design capabilities. If you are not the kind of person that can handle the constructive criticism, this group may not be a good fit for you. Remember, criticism of your work is not criticism of you as a person!

We are also hoping to learn about the basics of design and how to apply them to scrapping. We are all still learning so we welcome everyone’s input on all the layouts posted. We will all learn and grow together, and we’ll all have different opinions about what works and what doesn’t. Please be respectful of other people’s opinions. We want to make sure that this is a place that you will not only learn from, but that you will be comfortable when sharing your opinion no matter what it may be.

Aside from creating special memories, scrapbooking is a craft where you also develop your artistic skill and design concepts. If you would like unbiased and positive reinforcement of your pages, then please submit your layouts under the heading "What Would You Do Differently?".

Come, share your work, get some feedback, and share your feedback. Let’s make this a great activity here at Cherished Memories.

Thursday Tip #6

Inspire to Be Creative

No matter what size your work space is or where it is, put something in that inspires you to be creative. A family picture, a favorite knick-knack, a radio, whatever will get you motivated and feeling creative. Small or large, it doesn't matter, just let it be an inspiration to YOU.

Thursday Tip #5

Chalks for Hand-Tinting

Have you ever tried to hand-tint your inkjet computer prints only to find that the finish rubs away with the inks? A great way to hand tint Sepia or Black and White photos printed from an inkjet printer is to print your photos on Matte Photo Paper and then color them with decorating chalks. You'll have a beautiful hand tinted photo in no time!