Step by Step Using Kit #2

Hi All,

While these directions will be generic enough to follow to create any page, for those of you who got kit #2 for December, all the supplies you need are in that kit except for the basic tools. I really like how this page turned out and I hope you do to. I did try to scan this page several times (ok, more like 20 times) but my scanner hates anything off center and tries to straighten it and so sometimes I just can't make it work no matter what I do. I think I own the first scanner ever created, lol. So I took some photos and hope they show the detail well enough.



Materials:
1 5x7 photo
1 cardstock for your background
2 different patterned papers
2 scrap papers to edge(the paper came that way but if you have any edge punch like the martha stewart ones or EK Success ones, they work great too)
1 rub on
1 pattern paper to cut designs from. I used the monster paper but you can use anything to get the effect
pop dots
black ink
distress tool (I use the Tim Holtz one...it's awesome!)
1/2 alphabets for title

Directions:
1-Use the cardstock as your base to build on. I cut one pattern paper to 10x5 and distress all edges and ink with black ink.
2- I use the other pattern paper to cut two rectangles, one 4x2 and one 6x2. I distress and ink those as well and put aside.
3- I used pre-edged Sass paper but edge two other scrap pieces of paper with any edge you like and put aside.
4- Adhere the smaller squares first. Placing the 6x2 at the top on an angle and the other smaller one in the bottom corner about 1/3 in from the edge of the page as shown.
5- Then adhere the big 10x5 square
6-Line your edge scraps up on either side of the 10x5 paper and adhere. This gives a nice layered look but still leaves some open space.
7-I cut some monster frames from the monster paper that came in the kit. You can use anything or even just do circles if you like. I used 3 and put pop dots under them to give a nice dimensional look to the page.

8-Use a rub on as shown (the robot)
9-Arrange your title as shown overlapping some of it onto the patterned paper.

Gift Tags with TTT Transparencies!

TTT transparencies are a great way to add a personal touch to your gift tags this holiday season.

Here are a couple examples I used on my mom's presents:
Just add a piece of patterned paper to the back of a TTT coaster block. Here I used a star shaped piece of paper. Then, add to and from to the front, attach some embellishments, and add a ribbon to the top.
Here I added another star shaped piece of cardstock to the back of a TTT coaster block along with a piece of patterned paper cut to fit the circle. Before I attached the paper I painted the back of the Santa Claus. Then, I added to and from to the top along with some embellishments and completed my tag by tying a ribbon to the top.

So break out some of your scrap stash and create some personal tags today with TTT transparencies!

Christmas Tags

All Christmas packages need a fun tag attached saying who it's to and who it's from. Instead of using the generic stickers you can buy at the store why not make your own out of your scraps! Not only will it add a fun flair to your package but also help use up your scraps.

For my first two sets of tags I used scrap pieces of cardstock that I cut into 2.5"x3.5" rectangles and then snipped the top two corners. I added strips of patterned Christmas paper to the bottom and embellished with shapes cut from patterned paper or cut out stamped images. Then i punched holes at the top and tied with ribbons.

Tag set #1:

Tag set #2:


For the last two sets I used a to/from circle stamp that I had but this same technique could easily be done by using letter stamps and just stamping the words to/from next to each other and then using a circle punch to cut out. Or you could hand write the words or use rubons too! After wards I mounted the to/from circles to a bigger cardstock circle and then mounted that on an even bigger patterned paper circle. Then I embellished them with cut out shapes from patterned paper or cut out stamped images embellished with Stickles! Punch a hole in the top and tie with ribbon.

Tag set #3:

Tag set #4:

Can't wait to see your Holiday tags too! Post them in the Off the Page thread of the TTT Message Board.

Homemade Embellishment Fun

Making the Most of Your Patterned Paper Scraps

Sometimes the patterns on patterned paper are too cute to throw away the scraps. So cut them out! Cut out the rest of the whole images left on your scraps and set them aside to decorate and turn into fun embellishments for your cards, tags or even layouts! Here I cut out the leftover snowmen, stars and trees from scraps of Christmas paper.

Then I added Stickels and Glaze pen to them for a fun look!
Now use them on your Holiday cards and tags!

Handmade Holiday Gifting by Chrystal Riddell

With the holidays already here, those hand-crafted gifts you'd been planning may have gotten skipped over for more urgent things, like shopping, baking, or most likely, life itself! Don't worry; you still have time to put a personal touch on those special items you worked so hard to find. With just a little planning, you can make lots of treat boxes and bags in a few hours or less. If you have kids, get them involved. These are great for teachers gifts, friends, cookie swaps, and more! The small size of the treat boxes makes them perfect for homemade candy, one brownie, a few cookies or even a gift card.

Supplies needed:

*blank bags and treat boxes (found at craft stores)
*several sheets of coordinating paper--can be 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12
*fun accents--I found mine in the gift tag/craft/kids sections of my local craft store
*rub-ons, stamps, or stickers for sentiments

The smaller bags shown here are generally 8 x 4. If you use 8 1/2 x 11 paper, you can get (2) bags and (2) treat boxes from each piece of paper. If you don't want to buy paper just for this, use up those scraps!

TTT JANUARY MONTHLY KITS!

TTT JANUARY 2010 kits are up!

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

Today is reveal day at TTT! There are 4 great kits offered for the month of January...plus some great add ons and extra things available!

NEW MONTHLY CONTEST RULES: We have a new rule with the monthly contest...you can use ANY TTT KIT to create your layout for the monthly contest. It no longer has to be the current kit. What a great way to have fun with your TTT kits and possible win something to go with your next kit! Details are on the Blog or you can also go here for more details: http://www.transparenttouches.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=65

DECEMBER CONTEST:
With all the sparkle of Holiday lights every where this time of year I thought why not put some of the sparkle and shine on our pages! For this months contest I want to see glitter, Stickles, rhinestones, bling, Shimmerz, Maya Mists, anything sparkly on your pages!
The main requirement is that you need to use a kit from Transparent Touches, any kit. Please refer to the rules on the TTT message board for additional details.

Due date this month will be midnight PST Dec 31st. Winner will be determined by drawing.

You can enter as many times as you like. 2 page LOs count as one entry.

You can post your pages here in this thread to share but in order to be in the contest you must post your pages in the gallery under the "December 09 Contest Work Gallery"


I wanted to remind you that TTT offers 3 and 6 months kit subscriptions! If you sign up for a subscription this month you can start with December kit #2, or you can start with one of the January kits. Just send me an email after you sign up letting me know which kit you'd like to start your subscription with.

REFER A FRIEND TO TTT! If you refer a friend to TTT and they sign up for 6 months, you will BOTH get a goodie bag with your kit! Once you refer a total of 3 friends to TTT and they all signed up for 6 months, you will receive a FREE KIT!

CLICK HERE for more information about TTT kit subscriptions.

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



To see full list of each kit description, CLICK HERE

JANUARY KIT #1: We R Memory Keepers: Twirl




JANUARY KIT #2: Scrap Within Reach: Paper Boy




JANUARY KIT #3: Fancy Pants: Frosted



JANUARY KIT #4: Fancy Pants: Frosted (Project Kit)

PICTURED BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR SALE.

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)

July kit #1 $24

August #2 $24 (I have two left)

September#3 $24 (I have two left)

November #1 $25

December #2 $27 (add on also available)

December Ideas

by Nathalie

This past month or so, I have been spending way too much time online checking out all the cool ideas that crafters come up with during this time of year. I decided to share a few of my favorites with you here. None of them are too complicated and a lot of them come with a tutorial. So here we go:

1. Virginia Nebel's advent calendar... I know this one is a little late (and time consuming) but I put it in my favorites for next year! It is totally made from scratch and she explains how here:

http://scrapbookandcardstodaymag.typepad.com/scrapbook_cards_today_blo/2009/11/3ts-with-virginia-nebel.html

2. I think those paperback trees by Kayla Aimee are awesome and they seem pretty easy for me to make! Great tutorial here:

http://kaylaaimee.com/index.php option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=60

3. I recently made some of those for my tree (you can see them on my blog). They are very simple and are also very cute on a gift. The tutorial is available here:

http://domesticali.typepad.com/domesticali/2008/11/origami-wreath-tutorial.html

4. Pretty, green and practical, I love those bows made out of magazine pages! The tutorial can be found here:

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-gift-bow-from-magazine-page.html

5. Staying on the recycling (or upcycling) idea, I love the look and price of this paper wreath! Here are the instructions: http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2009/11/book-wreath/

Of course, there are a lot more to be found and to be created but I had to limit myself to my favorites! Do not hesitate to share yours in the comments below! I wish you all a wonderful and crafty Holiday Season!

All photos belong to their respective sites and blogs as mentioned.

December Member Spotlight

by Nathalie

You have probably seen Anna's wonderful creations in the TTT User Gallery or have chatted with her on the Message Board. We are lucky to have her around because she is one talented scrapper and I very recently had the chance to find out a little bit more about her.

Your TTT member name? annaBananna

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family (and pets?)
I live Bremerton, WA with my husband of 11 years and 2 kids Abby (3) and Jamie (4), with number three on the way. I am mostly a SAHM, but sometimes I do computer programming contract work, which is what my previous career was! With the economy the way it is, I haven't done any computer work in almost 2 years, but that's okay - more time to scrapbook!

How did you get started in scrapbooking? How long have you been scrapbooking?
I got started by attending a DOTS stamping party (now called Close to my Heart). That was about 13 years ago.

What are your favorite place and time to scrap?
I love to scrap in my scrap-room (which is in the attic) because I have easy access to my entire stash, as well as a computer, printer and scanner. I usually scrap at night once the kids are in bed.

What is your favorite scrapbooking technique right now?
Sewing on my pages, it gives it such a homemade feel.

What product(s) are you addicted these days?
I'd have to say that I add some sort of rhinestones or pearls to just about every page! I love collecting journaling tags too!

What inspires you creatively?
Sketches, especially ones I can easily find online and just print out. I love a good challenge to get me motivated too.


What brought you to TTT?
I met Monica at a scrap retreat in Leavenworth, WA and she told Carrie and I about her kit club. I've been hooked ever since!

What do you enjoy the most about TTT?
Well, the kits are the best out there but I love the friendly people too!

Do you have anything on your scrappy wish list?
I think it's time to break-down and finally get a cricut.

What is something about you that we may not know??
Did you know that I'm 32 weeks pregnant??? and it's a BOY!

Well, that's a surprise! Congratulations Anna! And thank you so much for spending the time to answer my questions. I look forward to seeing more of your creations with (and without) TTT kits!

Monthly Kit Layouts- Kit#1

It's Reveal Day!!!!

It's time to reveal the December layouts created by the TTT design team for kit #1. Some of the designers created mini albums or home decor projects as well as layouts. For the mini albums, some of what they created is posted here. To see all the inside pages and close ups, please check out the design team gallery here on the TTT website: http://www.transparenttouches.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=322

Carrie's creations:






Chrissy's Creations: