Sketch idea with sample layout: transforming an 8.5X11 sketch into a 6X12 page

by Nathalie

I love to look for different options when using a sketch. Rather than automatically use the format given, I look at it and see if I can interpret it in a different format. Some sketches are really adaptable and when I found this one on pagemaps, I could easily imagine it as a 6X12 by simply narrowing it down a bit:

Here is my interpretation:

If you give this sketch a try (whether in 8.5X11 or in ANY other format!) or if you would like to share with us another sketch format change, please link us to your creations! I would love to leave you a comment!

And stop by in a couple of days because I will have a brand new 4th of July project to share with you!

A reminder and a favorite summer recipe

by Nathalie

You have two more days to submit your pages for the June monthly kit contest and for the June challenge! And there's a prize package for each one! So please get your pages photographed, posted and linked by Wednesday night!

I will also take this opportunity to share one of my favorite summer recipe. It is super simple and can be made year-round but to me, it is best savored during the summer.

Ingredients:

- a bunch of fresh basil

- fresh mozzarella balls (2 large)

- the best tasting tomatoes you can find (4/5)

- salt and fresh ground black pepper

- olive oil

- balsamic vinegar

1. Slice the tomatoes and place them in a single layer on a big plate.

2. Slice the mozzarella balls as thin as you can (doesn't have to be perfect and it most likely won't be) and place them on top of the tomatoes.

3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the whole plate making sure that there's at least a few drops on each slice. Add salt and fresh black pepper to taste.

4. Finally, snip basil leaves directly on top (using kitchen shears) across the plate. The last step is optional but it makes the dish even more enjoyable on a hot day: place the plate in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving, with a baguette!

Tags

Here are a couple of ideas to use up the tags from your scrap pile or inspire you to purchase or make your own.

I have seen tags used in a couple of layouts as a backdrop for large titles. Adhere three tags behind your title and then add your title on top. It's that simple. If you don't have enough tags, simply trace one of the tags on to your scrap paper and cut it out. Punch a hole at the top and now the problem is solved!! If you don't have tags you can always create your own with a ruler/straight edge (create a rectangle) and finish it by cutting off two corners at the top.

Here is an example of using tags as a backdrop:
For added inspiration you can also organize small tags in to a circle to create a sun, flower, etc.

Here's an example of how to create a sun to incorporate on your layout:
I hope you are inspired to use tags on your next layout!

Transparent Tuesday!

Checkout the amazing layouts creating by the TTT design team using TTT transparencies!

Created by Nathalie and Carrie:


Created by Jen and Chrystal:


Created by Chrissy:

Cool Technique

Making your Own transparency Journal spots

I love the journal spots that the TTT store has to offer but sometimes when I run out or need one in a certain shape I improvise and make my own. All you need is a few simple supplies and you are ready to go!

• Staz On Ink (any color)
• Transparency sheet
• Stamps
• Scissors

Coat your stamp well with Staz on ink (any color…make it FUN!)

Stamp directly on transparency making sure not to let it slide.

Cut out and walla you have your very own transparent journaling spot!

Use glue dots, staples, brads, vellum glue runner, etc to attach to your page. American Craft Slick writers work well to journal on them too!

TTT July Kits!

TTT JULY 2010 kits are up!
Each kit features *NEW* papers each manufacturer!!

(You do not have to be a TTT kit member to purchase kits and sale items)

If you haven't already emailed me to let me know which kit(s) you'd like for JULY...please do so. If you would like to order an extra kit, just let me know which ones you'd like and I will put you down for those. I try to keep up with the kit emails as they come in so I know when a kit is sold out...but you may not get an email response from me confirming your choice for a few days. It takes me quite a while to go through them individually. Thanks for your patience! If you have a question in your email, I do try to answer those quickly.

~TTT KIT CLUB SPECIAL PROMOTION GOING ON NOW~

Refer a friend to TTT for 6 months and you will BOTH receive a FREE GIFT! (must mention the special to receive the gift)

There are3 great kits offered for the month of JULY...plus some great add ons, mini kit and extra things available!


CLICK HERE for more information about TTT kit subscriptions.

CLICK HERE to read the FAQ's about TTT's kits.

Have you seen the upcoming paper companies I'm using for upcoming TTT kits???

TAKE A LOOK HERE TO SEE WHAT'S COMING UP THROUGH AUGUST!!!

I will be attending CHA in Chicago next month to pick out and plan the TTT kits for the next 6 months! I can't wait to see what new products will be introduced at the show :)


To see full list of each kit description, click on the kit picture below

JULY #1 Echo Park Paper: Sweet Summertime (now sold out)






ADD ON STILL AVAILABLE:





JULY #2 Basic Grey: Max & Whiskers












JULY#3: Little Yello Bicycle: Boardwalk

You don't have to be a kit member to purchase these items. You can send me an email letting me know what you'd like to order. Thanks!

I have a couple of monthly kits available from past months (prices vary) (Click on the name of the kit to see a picture of it)


August #2: $20

September #3: $20 (I have two left)

November #1 $20

December #2 $20

January #2: $25

February #3: $25

March #1: $25

March #3: $25

May #1: $25

May #3: $25

June #1: $27

June #3: $27

PLANNING A VACATION THIS YEAR?? COME ON A CRUISE WITH TTT!
7 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
October 10, 2010
prices start at $593 per person+taxes

TTT June Monthly Guest Designer

TTT Guest Designer:

Candy Rosenberg

This month TTT was excited to have Candy design with one of the June Monthly kits! Her work is fabulous and so creative. Here's a little bit more about her:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family (and pets?)
My name is Candy Rosenberg, and I have been paper crafting since I was born, my mom tells me that she thinks that I was born with scissors in my hand. My husband of 16 years, and my two talented daughters live in Southern Oregon. My oldest, a navy boy is getting ready to be deployed and his new family is expecting a new little one late this year. This is forcing me to use pink a bit more than I am used to. We also bunk up with our border collie, "JJ" and a few cool fish.

I am the fortunate enough to work with some of the top companies in the industry as Education and Design Team Coordinator for Graphic45, endorsed educator for Tattered Angels and Copic Markers along with designing for Punky Sprouts Mixed Media Albums. I will say that being asked to be the guest designer for Transparent Touches was a big thrill, I have been a supporter and fan for so long!

How did you get started in scrapbooking? How long have you been scrapbooking?
It all started with a fellow boy scout mom. She was working on her sons scout scrapbook and asked me to join her. That was over 5 years ago, and long story short, I got quite hooked. I never did finish my sons scout book, but it is on my to do list. I do not scrap chronologically, I go with what inspires me.

What are your favorite place and time to scrap?
I am fortunate enough to have a studio, however, it has been under reconstruction for months. I have been working with the Scrapbox company to show how to use their beautiful furniture in a studio setting and the final look will be shared in a future magazine spread. Once I can share I will post it on my blog.

What is your favorite scrapbooking technique right now?
I am a distresser and inker. I dont over do it, but I have always used it to bring out elements of my pages and projects. I am also known for my extensive hand cutting, patterned paper beware!

What product(s) are you addicted these days?
I love vintage products, whether they are new and just look old or if it really is old. I love ephemera; old tickets, magazine ads and buttons. But the thing that I keep grabbing the most these days is canvas!

What inspires you creatively?
I am always thinking of new ways to scrapbook and craft with paper, but what inspires me the most is pulling out some fun products, piling them on my desk and challenging myself. That is why I love the Transparent Touches kits, I have a ton of product all in one place to play with.

What brought you to TTT?
I have been a TTT cheerleader for 4 years, at one time I owned a kit club as well, however, I remained a customer of Monicas. I just love how well her kits are put together. I have always been a fan.

What do you enjoy the most about TTT?
The fabulous variety of papers and embellishments and the choice of kits. There is one for everyone. Most people do not realize how hard it is to put one kit together nevertheless three to choose from and Monica does a fantastic job.

Do you have anything on your scrappy wish list?
I love to discover fun new products and companies, however there is one thing that is on my wish list always: one each of every thickers product ever made.

What is something about you that we may not know??
That I own a graphic design and marketing business and started out on digital scrapbooking design teams. I will do hybrid layouts from time to time. I am always amazed at the talent in the digital scrapbooking world, most traditional scrappers dont think about the fact that nearly everything they use started out being designed digitally, then printed or produced.

Be sure to check out the layouts and projects she created with TTT's June kit #1 on our blog and also the User Gallery! Thanks for being part of TTT this month!

Here are a few more favorite projects she has done :)

June Kit Projects- Kit #1

Take a look at the designs made by TTT designer Carrie and TTT June guest designer Candy Rosenberg (a short bio will follow in an upcoming post on our guest designer) with TTT June kit #1- Bella Blvd- Estate Sale. Thanks Candy for sharing your talent with us.

Created by Carrie:




Created by Candy:

June Kit Projects- Kit #2

Take a look at the designs created by Chrissy and Chrystal with TTT June kit #2- Bella Blvd- Man of the House.

Created by Chrissy:





Created by Chrystal: