AWDML Design Team Blog

Our blog is now officially moved

We have moved our blog over to the website and you can find it HERE.

 We are working on getting you subscription methods posted soon...until then, you can head over to the site, and enjoy all the awesome posts from the store and design team!

Step by Step - Using Picture Frame Mats!

I have this habit of buying frames with mats and then never using the mats.  Of course, being the hoarder that I am, I can't bring myself to throw them away.  I have a stack of them collecting dust in my scrap space, so I challenged myself to use one on a layout.  It was fun!  Here is my process:

1 - I collected all my supplies:

 

2 - I cut my background paper 10 x 10, inked the edges, and adhered it to my cardstock.  Then I placed my photo behind the mat and attached them both to the layout on an angle. I cut a 1 inch strip of blue patterned paper, cut them into 2 inch pieces, folded them in half and then attached them to layout - tucking them behind the mat. 

 

3 -  Then I cut 3 more strips of the striped paper and inked the edges. Adhere these down to your mat overlapping edges.  Using the extra strip on the patterned paper, adhere the paw print strip to your mat as shown.

 

4. Using my EK Success Large Punch Real Estate Sign, I created two journaling areas.  I inked around the edges and adhered them to layout.  Using pop dots, I added dimension to my letter stickers before appying them to my design.

 

5 - Then I completed my project by adding the rest of my title directly to the photo and placing my felt embellishments!

 

Here is the finished project using the fun Pebbles line- Cats & Dogs!

 





 

Inspiration Friday

Hi Everyone!  It's Scarlett with you today to bring a little inspiration into your Friday.  Did you know the forum is filled with sketches and challenges for you everyday?!  There is a whole lot of mojo kick starters there and you need to check it out.  I love going to the sketch section because sketches are such a great way to get a LO planned, started, and completed with ease. So my inspiration for you today comes from one of the sketches. 

Here is the sketch:

This was created by our wonderful DT Coordinator, Lucy Chesna. 

Now, I must say I am not a 2 page LO girl very often at all, but that certainly doesn't mean this sketch is not doable.  I adjusted it to fit my needs.  I took the left hand side of the sketch as my starting point and instead of doing a 12x12 LO, I went with 8.5x11.

Here is my LO:

The Best Gift

I really love these pictures of my kiddos when they were younger and was glad to finally get them scrapped!  I hope this inspires you to go and check out all the fantabulous sketches there are in the forum.

Products Used:

Patterned Paper, Letters, Trim, Sticker - The Girls' Paperie Tinsel and Twig (remember The Girls' Paperie is 25% off)

Twine - The Twinery

Snowflake Punch - Martha Stewart

 

 

Thursday's Tip-Holiday Uses for Your Scrap Supplies!

Hey guys, it's Erica!  I'm here today with a few tips on how you can use your scrapbook supplies to help you out during the holiday madness!

First up, teacher gifts!  I saw these awesome gift wrap caddies on a crafting blog and I figured they would be awesome for teachers!  Useful and non-caloric!  ;)

 

The base of these are fast food drink carriers.  I got mine at Sonic.  Then, I prettied it up using some super cute Jillibean Soup paper and Just Rite Stamps.

 

Then, they are filled will all sorts of wrapping goodies.  Tissue, bows, curling ribbon, scissors, tags, and pens are in mine.  If you were really cool, you could even make your own gift tags!  ;)
 

I used my Crop-o-dile to punch the holes in the back for my curling ribbon.
 

Here's a little top view to show you how I fit it all in. 
 

You can also use your scrappy supplies to dress up gifts to classmates.   

 

My Little Man and I made these fun star shaped crayons and then he helped me punch out the circles, ink up the stamps and staple them on the baggies.

 

Which brings me to my last tip, don't be afraid to let your kiddos get involved.  Here, Little Man is stamping wrapping paper for his preschool gift exchange.
 
 
I hope these tips help you navigate all the holiday madness! 

A Walk Down Memory Lane DT Call

A Walk Down Memory Lane Design Team Call

We are so excited to announce that we are looking for designers for our February 2011 - July 2011 team!!

The call is open from December 15, 2010 through January 4, 2011.

We will be announcing the new design team on our blog and newsletter on January 8th.

So WHO are we looking for?
We are looking for inspiring designers who are creative, ambitious and who can design not only with our products from the store but can write step-by-step instructions for a blog, and have fun on our message board.

We are looking for designers who can display the following:
- Open communication skills
- Unique individual style
- teamwork and cooperation
- Ability to display and teach different techniques
- Ability to create layouts from a basic to a more advanced skill level
- Creativity in the use of our products to help promote A Walk Down Memory Lane
- Ability to teach online classes and write up instructions
- Must be able to work within deadlines and under pressure

What do I need to apply?
Please let us know which one you are interested
Tutorial Design Team
Card Design Team
Layout Design Team

We would like you to submit Three (3) original layouts and one paper craft project that best represent you and your style. Acceptable paper craft projects would be altered items, cards, mini albums, etc. All submitted items must be your own design (they don’t have to be made specifically for this call) and e-mailed to DesignTeamCall@awalkdownmemorylane.net

Active participation on message boards and in galleries is important and will be considered when we chose our team. You will also be required to have an active blog.

You need to register in the forum while the call is going on. Here is the link : AWDML Forum

What to include in your Application besides your projects?
1) Your name, address, e-mail address
2) Links to online communities (forums, message boards, galleries) in which you are active in and regularly post to. *Please include all links and your board name*.
3) Link to your blog where you post your scrappy/stamp/paper craft creations.
4) Links to tutorials and videos that you have done
5) Links to other Design Teams you are currently on, and scrapbook resume (if you have one). Prior design team experience is not required; however, preference may be given to those who are not committed to another DT. If you are currently on a design team please include how long you've been there, and when your term will end, also include your title there (for example: DT coordinator, strictly LO designer, etc) Also Let us know if you've been published and where (here's your chance to TOOT!).
6) Answers to the “Time to get to know you” questions below.
7) A headshot and bio for our website and newsletter announcement

Time to get to know you!!!
Please include your answer the following questions in your email submission:
- How would you or others describe your style?
- What are both your strengths and weaknesses when designing?
- Why do you want to be a part of our design team?
- How much time would you be able to devote to your duties at A Walk Down Memory Lane
- Give us your best idea for promotion our store. (ie. Blog hop, advertising in a magazine, etc.)
- Do you have a unique skill (for example, do you create sketches or make handmade scrappy items?)
- What is your favorite food?
- Give us an example of an online class that you could and would be willing to teach (you do not need to provide a write up or sample for this call!)

Now for the Nitty Gritty...What we expect from a Designer:

1) Your DT term would be from February 1st to July 31st, 2011
2) You are responsible for ordering your own products from the store and making sure that you have enough time to get your assignments done for your deadlines.
3) Each DT member will be responsible for posting challenges and help running crops on the blog and Message Board.
4) Post your DT layouts on galleries and blogs throughout the web, whenever possible, link to AWDML. Watch other promotion Message Boards and Blogs for product chats and talk us up where possible.
5) Participate in Message Board and DT blog discussions on a regular basis and keep the message board going by regularly posting new topics, games, challenges, tips & tricks, project examples, etc.
6) Leave praise and encouragement regularly in our gallery for our message board members. This is a HUGE part of your requirement. Members like to receive feedback on their work!
7) Help moderate the MB and alert the Admin if you find anything inappropriate
8) Newsletter participation
9) You must have a blog that you talk about scrapping on and update it regularly each week with a post about projects you’ve used from the store, featured manufacturer, or whatever. We ask that you also have links to our site and your DT blinkie on your blog and other sites where allowable.
10) Be the eyes and ears for AWDML online, finding new inspiration or ideas and sharing them to help our community grow.
11) Each DT member will be required to post to the AWDML DT blog once per week. You will also be required to post challenges and create tutorials each month.
12) You must sign and return the AWDML DT contract before your DT term begins.

We are looking for 3 Layout Designers:
* Creating 4 layouts and 2 projects per month. We may also ask you to create an occasional extra project for special events
* All above as quoted

We are looking for 1 Card Designer:
* Creating 6 to 8 cards per month. We may also ask you to create an occasional extra project for special events
* Knowledge of using copic markers and other techniques used in card making
* Creating innovative and unique cards to display in the design gallery. For each project submitted, you must include a materials list
* All above as quoted

We are looking for 1 Tutorial Designer:
* Creating 4 to 6 creations per month. We may also ask you to create an occasional extra project for special event.
* The knowledge to create videos and step by step tutorials twice a month that the owner will sometimes create a kit to go with it
* Work together with the DT Coordinator and designers
* All above as quoted

What do you get in return?
- As a Design Team Member you will receive your choice of product, with a $30 value, from AWDML free of charge, including free shipping.
- DT Members receive 30% off of orders placed in the AWDML store and free shipping on those orders as long as they are shipped with their monthly DT package.
- DT Members who choose to place an affiliate blinkie on their blog or website will earn 5% on any orders placed through their affiliate link
- DT Members bio and head shot will be featured on our design team page.
- DT Members designs will be featured in our monthly newsletter.
- DT Members blogs will be linked from both the DT blog and the AWDML store blog.

** *If you have been a Design Team member on AWDML in the last 6 months you can't try out again at this time. You need to wait for one term to reapply.
** At this time we are only accepting US applicant

Step by Step: Making Snowflakes

Hey there everyone Stacy here.  I was messing around with some paper and my Xyron 150 and came up with this cute little snowflake, so i'm going to show you how to make one.

First you need your paper of choice..mine is Echo Park Wintertime line, and a Xyron 150.  I used the Cricut machine to cut out 6 snowflakes.  I made mine 1" in size, but you could make them as big as you want for this.

 
The first thing you want to do is run your snowflakes through the 150.  Obviously if you make them bigger you can either use one of the bigger machines or use a different adhesive.

 
Next what I did is peeled the plastic off and while the flakes were on the sticky part I folded them in half.  One by one I stuck one side of each together working all the way around until they were all stuck together to make a cute little snowflake that is totally dimensional.

 
There are so many possibilities that you can do with this.  You could make several and place them around a candle for table decor, you could also place ribbon on it and hang it on a mini tree, or even tie it on a package.  This is a super fun and easy project to do so give it a try.  It's perfect to do on a cold winter day with the kids!

Until next time everyone...happy creating!

~~Stacy~~

 

Made you look Monday: American Girl Scrapbooking Products!!

You read that right, folks!  American Girl (together with EK Success) has released a line of scrapbooking products that are PERFECT for your little girl!  They are great to give to your daughter so she can start scrapbooking, or so you can make some decorations for her room with them!

This album is a perfect gift to introduce your daughter to scrapbooking.  It includes 3-D stickers, templates and pages for every part of your young lady's life.  There's a page for her room, her favorite things, her family and her classmates.  There are even templates to use so that she can cut her photos to fit the layout of the pages in the book.  This book is SO fun, I can't wait to give it to my daughter on Christmas morning!!

Check out this paper pad!  The colors and patterns are so cute and just right for making decor for your daughter's room!  You get to get scrappy, and she is excited about what you made!  See?  It's a win-win!

The American Girl products also feature markers, punches, stickers, and several different super cute- crafting kits!  You can check them all out ----> HERE!!   

Order SOON if you'd like to have these great gift under your Christmas tree!!!

--Nicole

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12

Hey everybody!  This is Erica and I'd like to welcome you to the final day of the 12 Days of Christmas here at A Walk Down Memory Lane!

Today's sale item is KI Memories Lace Cardstock for $1! Be sure to check back everyday from December 1st through the 12th for new sales each day! You can wait until the 12th to "checkout" if you'd like. But, when the items are saved into your shopping cart, it doesn't take them out of inventory, so you may miss out if items go out of stock. The best thing to do is check out every day and we'll combine the orders on the 12th. The first day you will pay shipping...every order after that, just click "store pickup".  Leave us a little note on your order and let us know you are combining shipping at the end of the sale days!

Now for today's project! 

I'm using Teresa Collin's Stampmaker to create return address stamps for some of the people on my Christmas list!  I'm going to package them up with a Hampton Arts Studio G acrylic block and a Catseye black inkpad and I'm sure they'll love this useful gift.

 First up, I wanted to link you guys up to a couple of videos that were very helpful for me.  (I was going to create my own video for you but then I realized I'd pretty much just be quoting her word for word.  Heh!)   She's got a lot of wonderful tips and tricks and it's just really helpful to watch someone else do it first.  LOL!  The first time I made a stamp, I had my laptop on the counter and played her videos again while I made it.  :)

Part I

Part II

Part III

 When I created my address stamps, I fit two on each small sized Imagepac that comes in the kit.  You can fit more on the medium pac. 

For my sample here, I used my own address (I realized that I hadn't made one for myself and I don't want anyone to know what I'm giving them!) and a couple stamps to put on the backs of photos I give to my family.  You can create the same sort of stamp to put on the backs of your cards.

First, I created this in PSE 4.0.

 

Then, I inverted it.  (You need to do this so that when you create your stamp, the light from the Stampmaker can shine through the transparancy and harden just your image.)
 

Next up, test print your image!  I can't stress this enough!  Before you print your image out on your Inkjet Negative Film, try it out on regular paper and hold it up to the light to make sure that no light shines through.  You also want to move your image to the corner of your sheet so you don't waste any of the Film.  Once you have your settings the way you want them (choose max DPI and the highest ink output) print it on your film.  Then, cut out your image.

Here's my test print and my cut image.

 

Now, dig out those instructions!  They will give you all the tips you need for layering the image pack and the negative so that are the right side up and that your wording will come out the right way.  :)

Pop it into the machine UPSIDE DOWN for the count of three (this step is necessary only if your stamp has tiny details or a very small font like mine) then take it back out flip it the right way up and pop it back into the machine for three minutes. 

After the three minutes are up, cut around the edges of the pack, retaining the stamp side of the pack and throwing the rest away.  Then wash away the unhardened goop (technical term) in a sink of soapy water.  Be very careful to get all the goop off without accidentally scrubbing off some details or letters. 

 

Now, put it into the provided tray, cover with water and put it back into the machine for two minutes to harden further.

When it comes out this is what you'll have.   

Now trim around your stamps with craft scissors. 

 
 Here are my trimmed out stamps.  Oh, and I'm blurring the address line on our stamp just incase you wonder why it came out looking so bad!  LOL!

 

Now, you just need to mount your stamp on your acrylic block.  These don't automatically stick to your block like most stamps and you need some sort of adhesive.  Most people (me included) don't recommend the adhesive that comes in the kit, it's just too strong.  I used some vellum adhesive but I've heard wonderful things about stencil adhesive and I plan on trying that next.

 

 Here it is!  My first try with my new return address stamp. 

 
There were a few places where I didn't scrub well enough so I went back after and removed those very carefully with my craft knife. 

This is going to make my addressing the envelopes of my Christmas cards a lot easier!  And, I know that my friends and family on my Christmas list are going to love them!

Well, that's it.  Our final day of The 12 Days of Christmas at A Walk Down Memory Lane.  Thank you so much for joining us and don't forget to head on over to the store before all the good deals are gone!  ;)

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11

We have another fabulous deal for you today!  All the wonderful Hambly Rub-ons in stock are only $2!  That is a savings of almost 60%!  WOW!  Let me tell you that these rub-ons go on like butter, smooth and easy.  They are top of the line and you just can't beat that deal! 

The journaling blocks are some of my favorites and they come in so many perfect colors!

My other favorites are the Christmas Decor ones:

 

I used my white ones to create a couple fun examples for you:

 

In addition to the fun Hambly rub-ons, I used the new Basic Grey Christmas Line, Jovial.
 
 Make sure to stock up on the Hambly Rub-ons because they are going to go quick!

Kim :)

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10

**Don't forget to read all the way to the bottom of this post to find out what today's sale item is!!**

Hi, All!  Have I got a TREAT for you today!  I have made a gift jar to give as a gift this Holiday season.  I plan to make these jars for my kids' teachers, folks at work and neighbors.  They are a great way to show you care with something homemade, and they are easy to produce a large numer of them!

 

First of all, you need to assemble your jar(s).  For this recipe, use a QUART sized jar.  Wash and dry it before beginning.  Then, layer in the following ingredients in order: 1tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour.  Be sure to pack (or tamp) each layer before adding the next one.

Once the ingredients of your jar are assembled, it's time to get out your scrappy supplies and decorate your jar!  I used Daisy Bucket Merry Wishes papers.  They are a wonderful texture and weight for this project.  In order to make the paper fit under the jar lid and to give it the look of fabric, I crumpled it tightly and then smoothed it back out again.  I also used the Just Rite Ensemble Christmas stamp set along with some Cat's Eye ink and my Nestibilities dies.  I also wrapped a piece of ribbon around the jar lid and added a bow.  I used Provo's Terrifically Tacky Tape to ahdere all of the projects pieces to the jar. 

On the back of the jar, I printed the directions for completing the recipe: 

Chocolate Chip Bars

 1 jar Chocolate Chip Bar Mix
3/4 C Butter or Margarine, softened
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 375.  In a large bowl, cream the butter, eggs and vanilla.  Add the Chocolate Chip Bar mix and stir until the mixture is well blended.  Spread batter into a lightly greased or sprayed 9X13 inch pan.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.  Cool in pan.  Cut into 2 inch squares.

I printed out the directions and adhered them to the back of the jar with Terrifically Tacky Tape.  Here's what it looks like on the back of the jar:

 

Today's sale item is IDEA BOOKS!  They are all 50% off!! Be sure to check back everyday from December 1st through the 12th for new sales each day! You can wait until the 12th to "checkout" to save on shipping. But, when the items are saved into your shopping cart, it doesn't take them out of inventory, so you may miss out if items go out of stock. Merry Christmas from A Walk Down Memory Lane!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed today's project and that it inspired you to make some yourself!  Have fun!

~~Nicole

12 Days of Christmas: Day 9

Hello everyone and welcome to the 10th day of Christmas.  Guess what is on sale over at the store today!!!  Maya Road keychains.  I love these things...they are on sale for 50 cents!!  They would make perfect stocking stuffers for the scrappers in your life!

Today I played with a Maya Road chipboard coaster and turned it into a gift tag.  I used the mitten shape and traced it onto my paper.  Next I placed the paper over the chipboard and simply started to decorate.  You can punch a hole in the corner and tie some ribbon on it which works perfectly to tie it on a gift.

 
The paper I used on this gift tag is BoBunny Winterfrost line.  It has a super fun element sheet that you can cut out the little tags on there which is perfect to write a name to make this a fun gift tag! 

Well everyone I would love to see you gift tags that you make.  Make sure you upload them to the gallery.

Have a fabulous day!

~~Stacy~~

12 Days of Christmas: Day 8

It's Scarlett here again today to welcome you to day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas here at A Walk Down Memory Lane.  Today's deal is 40% off all mists!  WaHoo!!!  Now's the time to add to your collection or start one if you haven't been bit by the misting bug yet! Be sure to check back everyday from December 1st through the 12th for new sales each day! You can wait until the 12th to "checkout" if you'd like. But, when the items are saved into your shopping cart, it doesn't take them out of inventory, so you may miss out if items go out of stock. The best thing to do is check out every day and we'll combine the orders on the 12th. The first day you will pay shipping...every order after that, just click "store pickup".  Leave us a little note on your order and let us know you are combining shipping at the end of the sale days!

Today I have some home decor inspiration for you using the fabulous Crate Paper Snow Day line!  This collection just brings a smile to my face every time I use it and believe me I've been using it a lot. Since CHA Summer, I had my mind set on making a cutie Christmas tree with this line after seeing Lolly Chessie's creations reveled there.  I have had the base done up for quite some time and decided it was time to trim my tree so I could share it with you all. 

I used a variety of things, as you can see, to trim up my tree.  Most were from the store and some were from my stash.  Hope you have enjoyed looking at this as much as I did making it.  If you are inspired to create a tree of your own, please hop on over to the gallery and share it there.

Products Used:

Patterned Paper, Diecuts, Cardstock Stickers - Crate Paper Snow Day

Trims - My Mind's Eye

Perfect Pearls

Tim Holtz Memo Pin

Distressed Stickles

Mist - Tsukineko Psst! Shimmer Spray

12 Days of Christmas: Day 7

Scarlett here today to welcome you to day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas here at A Walk Down Memory Lane.  Today's sale item is a Fiskars Premium Personal Cut-line Trimmer for $20! Be sure to check back everyday from December 1st through the 12th for new sales each day! You can wait until the 12th to "checkout" if you'd like. But, when the items are saved into your shopping cart, it doesn't take them out of inventory, so you may miss out if items go out of stock. The best thing to do is check out every day and we'll combine the orders on the 12th. The first day you will pay shipping...every order after that, just click "store pickup".  Leave us a little note on your order and let us know you are combining shipping at the end of the sale days!

Now for today's project. 

Poinsettia Flower Tutorial

  Step 1:

Cut 12 strips of paper to 3"x.5".  You will use 6 now and 6 later in the tutorial.

Step 2:

Fold strip in half.

Step 3:

Fold strip in a diagonal, creating a flat bottom V.

Step 4:

Fold strip diagonal again in the opposite direction.

Step 5:

Push in sides of strip at the folds you created.

Step 6:

Fold strip in half to look like above picture and place a glue dot at the end to hold in place.

Step 7
Crease folded piece lengthwise and then fold over edges.

Step 8:

Pinch ends together and place glue dot to hold in place.  You may have to play with the shape of you petal a bit to get it the way you would like it to look.

Step 9:

Repeat steps 1-6 with remaining 6 strips.  Punch out circle for base of flower. Adhere folded pieces to circle.  This is what it will look like when all pieces are placed:

Step 10:

Adhere the first 6 petals you created onto the circle in between base petals.  You are ready to embellish the center.

Step 11:

Your completed poinsettia will look like the above picture.

Products Used:

patterned paper: October Afternoon - Good Cheer

circle punch - Marvy

adhesive - Glue Dots

Hope you have enjoyed today's tutorial!

Merry Christmas from A Walk Down Memory Lane!!!