by Sharon | Apr 6, 2016
I’ve learned quite a lot about paper crafting from various YouTube videos.
Several years ago I started seriously getting into paper crafts.
I wasn’t thinking in terms of scrapbooks, but in making boxes for hostess gifts and also making my own 3-D houses for centerpieces and a village for various holidays.
There are so many generous people showing how they make various items with die cutting machines, punches, stamps, designer papers and the list goes on and on.
Most paper crafters use various products from various sources. They buy their tools from local craft stores as well as from Amazon. But there is one company that requires their demonstrators to use their products exclusively.
Stampin’ Up Demonstrators have taken YouTube by storm.
For some time now, I’ve found the videos I’ve been turning to have been from Stampin’ Up Demonstrators.
My favorites have been from the UK. They seem to show me how to make different boxes for different holidays. Yes, they have some great punches and lovely papers and use the Sizzix Big Shot for embossing and die cuts. They have their own line of stamps that work right along with their punches.
From listening and later talking with various paper crafters, I’ve learned that you do need to have numerous finished products for your on-line store and you need a variety of tools, papers, punches, accessories, etc. in order to have the materials at hand for what you want to make.
Stampin’ Up seems to do that for their demonstrators . . . but at a price. There is value added in there. For example if you purchase $100. let’s say, you may receive $130. in product value. My numbers may be inaccurate, but you receive value for what you pay. You may be able to select a “free” item or two.
On the surface, this seems to be a good deal . . . and if people buy from you, that is less you’re obligated to buy.
But, if you want to buy products at a discount from Stampin’ Up and you don’t care about the business end of it, this is an excellent way of building an inventory of craft supplies and tools in a relatively short time.
Many Stampin’ Up demonstrators are busy making YouTube videos plus holding craft parties where they may have a make and take type of class . . . they may make sales . . . or not . . . they may get others to sign-up . . . or not . . .
I did some research in my local area.
I found that they’re basically into their own hobby.
They have no website, no videos . . . some will set up a live demonstration in my house if I could gather a number of people together . . .
Well, I have to agree with many of these ladies. My crafts are my crafts. It is a solitary thing. I wouldn’t mind doing how to videos, but being obligated to live demonstrations on even a monthly basis isn’t something I want to do.
I’ve been burned in the past . . . not by any company in particular, but in joining with others at a senior center . . . basically, they don’t spend money . . . they want what they can get for nothing . . . and leave you with a mess to clean up. Yes, that may be extreme, but that seems to have been my experience.
It may be my location . . . or I stink as a demonstrator . . . or so many other factors I haven’t even tried to figure out.
I’m just saying, it isn’t as easy as it seems . . . or as others would like you to believe.
So, nothing against Stampin’ Up, but I think I’ll continue on my own . . . doing my own thing . . . maybe make a video or two . . . build up my inventory of holiday products to sell . . . and have fun crafting . . .
Any hobby does cost money . . . and to get into it to make money isn’t the proper approach, in my humble opinion. It’s important for you to know what you want, how you want to spend your time . . . is your personality one in which you want to work alone or with others in a hands on teaching and learning situation.
Can you show others how to make a product? Do you want to supply the paper, tools, etc.?
I suppose you could set things up so that each person has to pay upfront . . . There have been some YouTube demonstrators who have close to 100 videos, receive little feedback and no contacts to buy their products . . . or people even interested in their challenges or giveaways.
This is truly sad . . . but I could see this happening . . . if you don’t have a lot of friends and people who love what you do.
I believe you need to be involved with those who share your “hobby” and spend time in those venues on-line. They may be curious enough to visit your website or watch your videos . . . it is a beginning. It does take time . . . goodness, I can’t tell you how many videos are uploaded to YouTube daily . . . but it is a large number . . . Then, in your area . . . there is a lot of competition. There are many who have been at it for years . . . they know their stuff and they are comfortable in their videos and with themselves.
As with anything, you need to do what you can . . . knowing it will take time . . . And your comfort in making videos will improve as will your videos. So, I’ve been told . . .
I love it when someone turns on their camera, does their greeting and gets to work . . . they’re relaxed and have everything in place . . . they speak naturally about what they’re showing you . . . some give you some insight into who they are and what they’re doing. It’s fun to be able to blend the two . . . people want to know you are a real person and what you have to say or what you have to show is worthwhile.
I don’t follow a lot of people on YouTube, but I do follow a few . . .
I do look forward to their videos.
And, some for different reasons. Some for the chatter . . . some for what they can teach me. Some, because they seem like nice people.
I don’t know if I’ll ever feel comfortable when the camera is on . . . I’m in the privacy of my own home office . . . I know what I want to say and show . . . I don’t have to upload it . . . I’m not doing it live with millions of people watching . . . I find it strange . . . and then disappointing when no one can find my latest video . . .
Well, when I get into this crafting thing and have a video worth watching, I’ll let you know right here. I may be better with blogging . . . I’m comfortable, relaxed . . . I can stop and think . . . I can take a break . . .
I wonder if blogging was initially as frightening for me . . .
Enough of this . . . thank you for stopping by. I do hope this was informative for you. There are lots of crafts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, wedding favors . . . maybe even for the 4th of July . . . and, of course, for Halloween and Christmas . . . and Easter, if you want to get a jump on next year . . .
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Apr 4, 2016
This is a delightful image for a card or to make a 3-D house.
It all begins with the concept.
Then you can use clip art or stamps you colored or make 3-D flowers . . .
You can find plenty of templates and free printables for whatever project you decide to create. YouTube is also very helpful.
I find I enjoy learning from the free paper crafts available on-line. But the idea of creating something of my own is what I truly want to do. I found the image on the right to be quite inspiring. I wanted to make this concept my own.
I’ve watched a lot of how to videos and have been amazed by the confidence people have when building their own templates. Then continuing on to make it original and exciting.
I’m sure these people have gone through a lot of trial and error before they got the concept down. Some use die cuts or punches to give them some help . . . while others don’t care how long it takes, they want to master the concept.
But you can do it yourself. You may need to fold a paper in half to get the angles right on the cottage and for the roof, then you decide whether you want to use the image for a card or a 3-D free standing model.
Once you get started there is no telling how far you’ll go with your project.
This works well with scrapbooks. Building up a scene to go along with the pictures of your family and friends . . . on vacation.
You can also write about it and include that in your card, mini-album or scrapbook page. There is always a story to tell.
A picture or sculpture would remind my father of a place he visited when he was a boy . . . he knew the details of the place and the people . . . even a song someone made up when his brother was stung by a bee.
Pictures are magical . . . you never know what creative things you can make . . .
Here are some helpful links:
I always get a bit carried away. This will get you started creating some great cards and paper craft projects.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon
by Sharon | Apr 1, 2016
What is one to do when we’re in between holidays?
Prepare for the next one . . . or look ahead . . . or combine two classics . . .
Yes, think Halloween . . . and Christmas . . . Two holidays when people do go a bit crazy with decorating.
I have just the thing for you to try making now . . . so when it’s time to impress your family and friends, you’ll be able to make an impressive Gingerbread Halloween House.
Click the image on the right and you’ll be taken to the free template.
I was thinking of using this concept for a mini-album or a card . . . just discovering ways of making things from one medium to another. Free templates are always great to get you started creating your own designs. We always can use a starting point for making something different and special.
And this is a good time to try making something for another holiday. It seems we never have time to finish things . . . Probably because we’re inspired by other new ideas . . .
That’s the thing with inspiration . . . we never know where it will take us. But it is a wonderful ride . . . or journey . . .
It’s good to relax and think things through without pressure. You can adapt this to fit several different holidays . . . using food or paper products. You can make it spring or summer . . . it doesn’t have to be Halloween . . . The template provides the bare necessities . . . you provide the theme.
This is something to explore when you’re not busy doing other things . . . or planning other celebrations.
Have fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 29, 2016
This is an opportunity to get into crafts.
Rainy days seem to be creative days for me.
An opportunity to write or make something.
I am completely captivated by this. It works for all seasons and holidays. You just need the basic structure and then allow your imagination to run wild.
You may be inspired to have a little cabin figurine included with your flower display. Or something else may come to mind.
With the bare bones of this craft idea, you can make dozens of original pieces you will be proud to display in your home or to give as gifts.
You may even want to use something else to suspend in the air and cascade onto your plate or saucer.
It’s nice to look at finished products, but I find it more enjoyable to see the basic structure and then decide how I can make something that is meaningful to me . . . or to someone I may make it for . . . we all have our favorite things . . . or things we associate with others.
It make a wonderful centerpiece for your dining table. If you need a little nudge in any particular direction, I would make one for each of the four seasons or each of the major holidays you celebrate.
Also gather ideas from family and friends. It is amazing what a little brain storming session may bring out. Be sure to keep a list of those suggestions . . . no matter how far out they may seem . . . it could inspire you to create something awesome. And get the children involved. You can glue all kinds of stuff together.
What do you imagine spilling out of your cup or goblet or mason jar . . . ?
There is no right or wrong way of adding embellishments to your basic structure . . . just cover up the fork . . . you do want to retain some of the mystery.
Since I’m into paper crafts, I was thinking of making the cup out of paper . . . to make it lighter, chip board works and core board works, too. You can also incorporate this into a mini-album that could be displayed right along with this . . . with pictures of your family and friends on vacation or involved in some celebration.
It could be completely imaginative . . . that would be a good thing, too. You could be inspired by a favorite movie or book . . . or a place you once visited . . . or a picture you saw . . . the possibilities are absolutely endless.
It may be fun to go to a favorite thrift store . . . or craft store and see what inspires you . . .
And, if you get your children involved, it would be fun to video it or take pictures during the construction . . . this may add to the completed project.
Remember, this is only the bare bones concept . . . you can use whatever you want . . . a box, a hat, a shoe . . . you can begin with something other than a cup . . . it can have whatever theme you want it to have . . . for any season or “just because.”
Here are some links you may find helpful:
I may revisit this from time to time . . . just to think and imagine . . .
Like I said earlier, write down all your ideas . . . then take a picture of your finished project or while it is in progress. Even if it didn’t come out as well as anticipated . . . you can always change it . . .
The important thing is to have fun . . . and share that fun with family and friends.
Until next time,
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 26, 2016
Life is truly precious. And beautiful days are days to celebrate.
I love being outdoors with my precious Yorkshire Terrier Diva. There is something about being outside, enjoying the flowers, blossoming trees and my vegetable garden.
It is important to dig in the dirt from time to time and to thoroughly enjoy the abundance nature has to offer. Diva enjoys being out in the sunshine and sniffing around. Also sitting with me on the patio.
I like to work on craft projects. Gluing paper together to make 3-D houses or pop-up pages for mini albums. I never outgrew that need to make stuff. Or the fascination of opening up a page that pops up.
I wonder if this comes from wanting things to be life-like. I find when looking at pictures, i want to go beyond the flat surface and make it third dimensional so I can actually see around it. I know many people put those dimensional dots on cutouts to make them stand out . . . and doors and windows are able to be opened . . . and there may be a scene behind it . . .
Spring is a wonderful time of year . . . it’s not too cold and it’s not too hot . . .
After Easter, we’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day and Father’s Day . . . then we get into summer . . . and the Fourth of July . . . then we anticipate fall . . . and all the fun that season brings . . .
As many of you know, fall is my favorite time of year. I feel it is a new beginning, but it truth spring is that new beginning with the budding of fruits and vegetables that we’ll be enjoying through the summer and into the fall.
I guess we’re all geared a bit differently . . . . having a preference for different seasons and holidays. I do know many people who love Halloween and come alive with their creative genius in making mini albums and related craft projects. Some go with the spooky while others go with the sweetness of youth and the wonder of it all . . . and others do a bit of both . . .
And those who adore Christmas . . . that magical time of year . . . with the carols and the anticipation . . .
But, spring, I’m now beginning to appreciate more . . . the beauty of all the flowing trees and plants . . . the abundance of color springing forth . . . mild temperatures . . .
Then come the vacations of summer . . .
And that anticipation of fall . . . Sorry . . . that’s where the seasons seem to take me. I do enjoy the moments of each season . . . but my true love is fall and winter . . . those two popular holidays of Halloween and Christmas . . . and I do love Thanksgiving that it squeezed between . . . and I’m very fond of Easter, too.
Those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” with beach outings . . . picnics . . . camping . . . being carefree and fancy free . . .
Yes, each season has its advantages and its special moments . . . which you’ll notice centers around family . . . and friends.
Spring and summer seem to be the seasons of S’mores . . . but I make them the treat of all seasons . . . but there is something special about making them over an open fire . . . things “cooked” in nature seem to taste so very much better.
Whatever season is your favorite and however you celebrate traditional holidays and seasons, I would like to leave you with some links of jigsaw puzzles you and your family may enjoy:
Yes, I do go for the nostalgic . . . there are jigsaw puzzles available for all seasons and all things that are meaningful to you and your family. I find having a puzzle out, brings people together. It is a relaxing activity where you can visit, have a conversation and find pieces that will fit in completing the puzzle.
I do find them relaxing throughout the year.
Have a fun!
Sharon
by Sharon | Mar 24, 2016
Brother ScanNCut CM100DM Home and Hobby Cutting Machine with a Built-in Scanner
I’ve been hearing about this cutting machine for awhile from crafters. 
At first I wasn’t understanding the significance of it . . . plus the price knocked me off my chair. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but you decide whether it is worth it to you. If it saves you time from fussy cutting and the cutting of your pieces without effort on your part, then it may be well worth it.
I’m warming up to it. It all depends upon how you want to use it. For me, if I have a printed out image of a printable I got online or purchased, I want to get going on my project instead of spending so much time cutting out. That’s why we purchased cutting machines or dies for die cutting machines. It’s a time saver — especially if we’re going to make several.
Yes, you can do the same thing on the Silhouette Cameo which I am doing . . . so why am I looking at the Brother ScanNCut machine?
I’m reviewing it for you . . . and if you haven’t bought a cutting machine, it is worth knowing about.
It is easy to use right out of the box. It’s easy to set up and has a user-friendly interface. It was originally designed with fabric cutting in mind . . . but paper crafters found it was a time saver for them as well.
You won’t need design cartridges or your personal computer. There are over 600 built-in designs plus you have the ability to scan anything. Many people stamp and color those stamped images and then use this machine to cut it out for them. So I can see the value of using this machine for stampers who are making dozens of cards.
I am interested in seeing what users of this machine have to say about it. I’m wavering a bit while reviewing this machine. I see the value for certain projects and the ease of getting your images scanned and cut out . . . It makes sense to me. Time is valuable and some people just don’t like fussy cutting . . . and at times I can’t blame them.
The reviews are mixed. I think some people have legitimate complaints while others haven’t taken the time to experiment with the machine . . . and there are positive comments where people haven’t even tried it out yet. So . . . all I can really say about this machine is to do your research . . . check out YouTube videos to see it in action and decide if this cutting machine is right for you and the projects you work on most.
I do like the ease of use. The mats are expensive and don’t retain their stickiness to hold the paper in place. Some have solved the problem by taping their paper on the mat with painters tape.
As with any cutting machine, you have to take the time to learn how to use it. Each machine has its pros and cons. Yes, and they all have quirks. The thing is, get a machine that is within your budget and works with the products you use the most. One person made a valid point when she said that she wanted a cutting machine that didn’t require more purchases in order to use the machine. Yet, if you’re a stamper, you’ll buy more stamps . . . and you’ll always want more designs of some sort to create new products . . . so, that it is bit of a stretch for me.
There are people who love their Silhouette Cameo, then there are the Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore Air people who love their machine . . . then the Cricut die cutters people and the Big Shot die cutters people . . . now there are the Brother ScanNCut people.
I’ve concluded that it isn’t necessarily the machine, but the people . . . those who take the time to learn the machine they’ve purchased . . . or return it, if it doesn’t work as they thought it would or should. And, there are defective machines . . . so get it checked out, if it isn’t working properly.
For me, I’m sticking with my Silhouette Cameo . . . yes, I’m one of those people. It does what the Brother ScanNCut does only differently. The Silhouette Cameo does have a bit more of a learning curve . . . but I have found it well worth it.
Let me know what you decide. I’m really not pushing any product. I’m here to check things out, tell you about them and allow you to make up your own mind. I know it does take time to decide. All machines cost money . . . even the Big Shot plus the die cuts or the Cricut with the cartridges . . . It is all an investment. Only you know what is best for your crafting and your budget.
Here are some links you may find helpful . . . it’s all part of your research:
I hope this review was helpful. I wish you all the best in your crafting endeavors.
Sharon
