Welcome to the CSD Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Creative Scrapbooking Divas Blog Hop of 2011.   If you're coming from Alecia's blog (http://freakalecias.blogspot.com/), then you're on the right track.  If not, go to http://divascreativas.ning.com/ and start at the beginning. 

Christmas and New Year's have come and gone, so this year the Design Team of Creative Scrapbooking Divas wants to help you document your holidays from start to finish. The CSDivas Design Team Members have created challenges especially for the holidays, and some are offering individual RAK's besides the three (Yes, 3!)  Prizes we have at CSDivas--http://divascreativas.ning.com.

New to blog hops? No problem, here is what you have to do:

1) Hop among the 7 blogs in order to see what each talented DT member has created, and take note of the challenge.   Here is the order:

Ann - http://annlenth.blogspot.com/

Alecia - http://freakalecias.blogspot.com/ --Xmas Recipes Layout

Lori - http://scrapmomsmusings.blogspot.com/ -- Xmas Traditions Layout

Cheryl - http://tickledpink04.blogspot.com/ --Xmas Gifts Layout

Sandy - http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/ -- New Year Celebration Layout

Pam - http://dreamersklub.blogspot.com/ --New Year Traditions/Superstitions
Luisa - http://creativedesignsbyluisa.blogspot.com/ --

2) Create a Holiday In Review project by visiting the Design Team blogs.  You do not need to do all the projects.

3) Upload your entries at the CSDivas Challenges Threads.

There are 3 amazing prizes for 3 CSDivas members! To be eligible to win any of these prizes, you need to:

1) Be a CSDivas Member.  Register to be a CSDivas member here:  http://divascreativas.ning.com/

2) Upload to the proper discussion challenge.  Each of us will have a Discussion for our Challenge under our names.  Here is mine: http://divascreativas.ning.com/forum/topics/loris-hir-blog-hop-challenge

3) Due date to submit entries is Tuesday 1/18, 2011 at 5pm EST. 

Do you want to see what you could win?   Check out the prizes: (1st, 2nd and 3rd place)

Above:  First Prize

Below:  Second Prize

Below:  Third Prize

I hope you'll join me and the other design team members for a fun and 'festive' time.  Let's get those photos documented!  

My layout is unique in that you can add so many photos by adding two 8x8 page protectors!  Yes, page protectors!  I found this idea on You Tube and re-worked it for me.   This layout incorporates three 8x8 layouts with two of the layouts encased in 8x8 page protectors (one that lifts UP and the other flips to the left).  This layout holds 14 photos on just one 12x12 page.  Take a look---

Above is the first page protector lifted UP to display the next page (shown below)

This is the next 8x8 page protector opened to the LEFT.   How did I do it?  I just created an 8x8 layout and glued the flap (the tab with the holes) over the top of the 12x12 cardstock to the back. Take a look:

 The 8x8 layout that flips out from the side was glued beneath the bottom 8x8 layout:  (oops, it's sideways)

I'm sorry if I confused you.  I will be doing a tutorial on this, but can't include it here. 

My challenge for you is to create a layout using a page protector OR create a layout using as many photos as you can with some sort of inter-active element:  pull-out tags, flaps, hidden photos, etc.  Use your imagination and have fun!   When your layout is completed, follow the directions above.   If you want to win my RAK, become a member of my blog and add a comment to this thread. This is what you could win:  

I can't wait to see what you create!  Please note that in order to be in the running to win this stamp set, I need at least 5 comments from non-DT members who are also members of CSD.  If I don't get 5, then I will not draw for the RAK.

Now it's time to head to the next CSD DT.  Check out Cheryl's project at: http://tickledpink04.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Try This Technique--Heat Emboss Your Photos!

I'd like to share with you a technique that I recently discovered and thought was unique--but considering the rage in mixed media and how scrapbooking has changed over the years, perhaps this technique isn't that new.  But, it is new to me and maybe some of you will agree.  I should say that I found this technique through an old article that I had saved.  I'm not sure where it came from, to be honest.  I hope you try this.  Let me know what you think and/or if you have any problems.  I'll tell you up front that you will need to use a photo that has a light colored background.  The lighter the background, the easier it will be to see the paper beneath.  I originally used a photo that I thought would work, but as I embossed, I discovered that it got too dark.  Have Fun!

Materials Needed:
*  Photo with a light background
*  Designer Paper cut to the size of your copied photo
*  UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)
*  Glue Stick (it has to be a glue stick as any other type of adhesive will not work)
*  Versamark ink
*  Heat Gun

Steps:
1.  Copy your photo onto ordinary copy paper (the kind you use with your computer printer).  Cut the copied photo from the paper.

2.  Cut a piece of Designer Paper to the exact size of your copied photo.

3.  Apply glue using the Glue Stick to the back of the copied photo--cover the entire back

4.  Attach the copied photo to the top of the Designer Paper.  The pattern of the designer paper should be facing up.  Trim excess paper from around the photo.

5.  Apply Versamark Ink to the entire surface of the photo.  Check to make sure you don't have any 'dry' spots.  You might have to tilt it to see where you might've missed.

6.  Immediately cover the surface with UTEE and shake off the excess onto a paper towel or scrap of paper.  Set the paper/paper towel to the side or pour it back in the bottle.

7.  Next, place the photo in a pan (I used an old baking pan).  This helps keep the photo in place so the photo doesn't 'fly' around while heating.

8.  Apply heat to the photo using a heat gun specifically made for embossing.  DO NOT use a hairdryer!  If you're unsure of how to heat emboss, please read the manufacturer's instructions.  Just hold the heat gun a few inches from the surface and move it around your surface as the UTEE melts.

9.  Repeat steps 6-8 two to four times.  You should start to see the image of the designer paper showing through the photo.  In my photo, the vintage writing can be seen through the white of the jacket and of the bridal gown.  NOTE:  I had to do this project over using a different photo:

10. Can you see it? These are my parents when they were married in 1955. Today (the 9th) is their 55th anniversary! Note: Your paper may curl as your add the layers of UTEE. If you want to create a distressed look, just curl the upturned edges and the UTEE will crack. (after 4 layers) If you only use 2 layers, you can set your photo beneath some heavy books to flatten it, but it shouldn't crack.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  Share any comments you might have!