FREE Sketch Wednesday #21

I hope everyone had a great Holiday. With Thanksgiving and Christmas I know their are memories you would like to scrapbook. Today's layout is designed to fit 3 photos and lots of space for journaling.



Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tip

  One of the things that is very easy to do in scrapbooking but is not done often is tearing. The patterned paper in the layout is torn on both sides.

Distress your photo mats with a distressing tool for added interest.

➌  To get even more use out of this layout twist it in different directions to create a double pale layout.


- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Gingerbread People

The night before Christmas we like to make gingerbread people. My 19 month old daughter was so happy to help mom in the kitchen. My son who used to love cooking with me is now too "old" for that he said. He did finally show up when the decoration was done and they were ready to eat. Even though he did not prepare it with the two of us while dad took pictures he really appreciated having a delicious treat made with love.

 

I had so much fun making those gingerbread people that I wanted to share that experience with you. The SVG today is very basic - a gingerbread shaped boy and girl. They are a canvas for you to create whatever your memories inspire you to do. This is how I used this week's design.


Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips
There are many way to decorate your gingerbread people. You can make it a simple or complex as you like.

  The white swirls on the boy was done using an embossing pen and embossing powder whereas the lines on the female was made by a white gel pen.

  Use stickles to draw on your project. I have learned that hard way that you should lightly pencil what you are going to draw with the stickles before you actually apply the stickles to the project..

  Be totally creative doing whatever you feel.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE Sketch Wednesday #20

Well as I promised in my earlier post here is today's double sketch. Enjoy!

Sketch #1
 
 
Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tip

  If you use stickers or even chipboard pieces you may have the negative space. If it is chipboard cover it with paint or paper to add to your layout and mix it with regular sticker or chipboard pieces.
 
 
Sketch #2


  For added interest use two different fonts for for your title.


- Let your memories feed your creativity™

Happy Holidays

I have been so busy getting ready for the holidays but I want you to know that I always think of you. Happy holiday to all of you! I want you to know that I appreciate you for sharing this journey with me.  When I started this blog I had no idea that I would have so many subscribers and followers. I am really touched that you have chosen to make me a part of your life's journey. I hope that I continue to inspire you.

More and more of you are downloading my SVG files and I am excited about that. Leave a comment sometime with some feedback. I have been trying to design more 3-D SVG files so that they can add more interest to your projects. I would appreciate it if your let me know what you think about those designs. I also would like to know if you prefer the old way I showed the SVG files or if you like it when I actually make something and show how I use the design.



I will be posting 2 layout sketches later today and tomorrow, I will unveil some blog candy. Free goodies! You are going to love it! I will give complete instructions on how you can enter to win when I post the video.

I have recently added a blinkie to the blog. You can see it over on the right. To show your support for Crafts by Rowena add it on to your blog.  That is also one of the ways you can earn an entry to win the blog candy. When you add the blinkie to your blog just leave a comment with the link to your blog and you have one entry.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Ornament

Today's SVG design was inspired by Christmas. It is so much fun seeing all the decorations and the many ways people interpret Christmas. I decorated my Christmas tree in purple (my favorite color) and gold. So I designed this ornament to coordinate with mt decorations but as you know you can cut this SVG file in any color and any size to fit your needs.


 

Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  To add interest and dimension use dimensionals to pop up various parts of the design and add glitter. You can never go wrong with a little glitter.

  I included the word joy (not included in the SVF file) on the ornament for some added interest. You can personalize it to use as an ornament on a tree, on a card or a scrapbook page.

  When adhering items over glitter or slick surfaces make sure to use a strong adhesive such as glossy accents by Ranger or Gloo by KI Memories.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

FREE SVG Monday: Wreath

Today's SVG design was inspired by my husband. Well, actually I asked him what I should design and he told me a wreath. You can make the wreath as big or as little as you like. I placed mine on my stocking and it looked great. I used dimensionals to pop up the various cuts as you will see in the second photo. I love designing 3-D designs for you. You can enjoy this design on any project.

 

 

Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  To add interest and dimension run your die cut through the embossing machine with you favorite embossing folder.

  For a little shine use Rock Candy stickles by Tim Holtz. It's not all glittery, it gives it just the right amount of shine.

I see that there are many download of the SVG files. If you complete a project using this free file send me a link of your project. I would love to see what you do with this SVG file.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

Pink Mini for Susan G. Komen Foundation

The Silent Auction I participated in a while back was very successful. I had given you a sneak peak of the pink mini album so now I would like to show you some close up photographs and the videos I made of how I put the pink mini together. I hope it inspires you.






 

 
 

 

Pink Mini [Part 1]


Pink Mini [Part 2]



I know that the last few frames of the part 2 of the video was lost so here are some even closer close ups.



Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend.!

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE Sketch Wednesday #19

Another item that has been really popular are bingo cards. They are printed with various words and look very cool on layouts. When making this layout I used very light color for the base and used more vibrant colored paper for the accent pieces for added interest. Enjoy!



Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.

As always, if you create a project inspired by this sketch send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

The Masked Crusader

Both yesterday and today the kids have been home because of the snow. It snowed so much we could not go outside to enjoy it. They were getting a bit restless so I decided to use my crafting skills to keep them occupied. My son played video games but for an 18month old it's a whole different ball game. With a rounded square and two oval designed and cut with my cricut expression, eyelets (for reinforcements) and ribbon I made Hailey a mask. This was so simple but she just loved it. She kept running around so this is the best shot I could get.  This just shows that you can can use your cricut for so many things. The sky is the limit!





- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Gifts Galore

There's less that 19 days before Christmas. I have been busy trying to every just right for the holidays but I know there will be some glitches. Remember that when you are preparing for this holiday season. We cannot control everything especially other people. Anyway, what I have been working on the past few days are my presents and this design popped into my mind. It is a trio of gift boxes. You can't see it in the photograph but I used dimensionals to raise the boxes off the main background. Be sure to keep the proportion choice activated when you are resizing the SVG file. I have created this as part of my Christmas design for December but as always you can tailor this to be used on a birthday, wedding, retirement, baby shower celebration project just to mention a few. Enjoy!



Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  Instead of using patterned paper or just plain cardstock get out your embossing tools and make your custom designs on the gift boxes.

  If you will be using this on a scrapbook page use the wrapping paper so it will coordinate with your pictures plus you help save the environment. :) Using the gift wrap paper on a thank you card could also be sweet. The person will be so pleased that you enjoyed not only the gift but the effort they put into choosing and wrapping it up.

Send me a link of your project. I would love to see what you do with this SVG file.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

FREE Sketch Wednesday #18

One of the hottest products lately are journaling cards. Making Memories has a note book of journaling sheets that is especially popular. If you have heard of Tim Holtz you may be familiar with his adage tickets. Both products have been out for a while but I wasn't sure how I could incorporate it into my style of scrapbooking. Well, I purchased both of the items this week and decided to include it in this week's sketch layout. Enjoy!




Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  If you do not have journaling sheets simply cut some cardstock to the desired size and use either of these tools.
The EK Success Binding Edge punch
I got mine at Michaels

 or a

Stampin' up Spiral punch
If you do not have a Stampin' Up Demonstrator 
Click here to check out the website 
of my personal demonstrator and friend Janice.


  If you are not able to get those tools in time to complete your layout. Try making your own with a simple hand punch. First gather you cardstock and your hand punch. The one I used is made by Fiskars. Use a ruler and pencil to mark where you would like your holes to line up then punch your holes. Use a an Exacto knife or any tool that will make a small and even cut through the holes in the cardstock.





Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.


As always, if you create a project inspired by this sketch send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Trimming the Tree

Wow! Time is just flying by. We just got done celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon be upon us. We have already put up our christmas tree and decorated it with my favourite color, purple with pink and gold accessories. Tomorrow I will post images of the projects I created with this design.



Click here to download your FREE SVG file. 


- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE Sketch Wednesday #17

One of the products I just love using are the Heidi Swapp clear stamps. This layout features one of her word stamps - Memories. She has many stamps and embellishments to choose from.  To find out more you can visit her website - www.heidiswapp.com or your local crafts and scrapbook store.  During the Thanksgiving season we make so many memories and we take many photographs.  I included four photographs because I know there will be lots of photographs of family and friends for this special celebration. Pictures tell a story but it doesn't tell everything so I designed this sketch where the journaling was the prominent feature to help tell your Thanksgiving story.




Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  For a nice detailed impression use VersaFine ink with your stamp image.

  For added interest do some wet embossing with your stamps

As always, if you create a project inspired by this sketch send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity

FREE SVG Monday: Fa La La La Flower

Christmas is right around the corner so I thought I would design a Christmas themed SVG. Although this design could be used for a variety of layouts using these traditional Christmas color combinations makes it a great addition to any card or scrapbook page.


Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  Instead of using plain cardstock choose patterned paper for your cut outs to add interest.

  If you are using one sided paper and you are bothered by the white on the back add color by using your favorite ink pad and a sponge. 

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

FREE Sketch Wednesday #16

I am still using flowers on my layouts, so once again it is the main embellishment in this week's sketch. I am really challenging myself to use up the flowers that I have had for such a long time. Seriously, I had to dust off the containers they were stored in :). However, do not let the flowers hold you back. Check out the tips below for inspiration. I am finished with flowers for now though. My next product challenge will be felt. 




Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  The flowers can be replaced by stars for a Veteran's day, 4th of July or Memorial day layout.

  Use hearts for a date night, engagement, anniversary and the list goes on.

  For a more masculine layout use buttons in different sizes, shapes, and colors.

As always, if you create a project inspired by this sketch send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Leaf it to me

As you may remember, a few weeks ago I designed some leaves. Well, after using them on a few projects I thought that they would look awesome on the corner of a journaling spot and I love the way the design turned out. It will look great on a scrapbook layout. Don't feel left out card makers, the journaling spot could easily be added on the front of a card. Just use your favorite stamp instead of journaling lines and voila!



 
Click here to download your FREE SVG file. 

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips
  Use dimensionals or pop up dots on the largest leaf, as shown in the second image, for added interest.

  For more customization draw lines as I did or doodle on the leaves. Be sure to sketch in pencil first.

The journaling spot can also be used as a a tag to add on a gift or to include in a mini album.

Subscribe or follow my blog to receive updates whenever I post something new.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

Scrapbook Video Tutorial 11-13-09

Hello Scrapbookers!

In this week's video learn how to make your own custom chocolate embellishment.  When I showed my custom chocolate creation to my husband he had to reach over and touch it to make sure that it was not real. Check out the close up below.





 



Today's layout features designer paper: K&Company - Cut N' Paste collection; American Crafts - Book Shelf collection, Kraft Cardstock and Bling: BasicGrey.


[Part 1]


[Part 2]


I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment. To get updates whenever I post something new follow or subscribe to my blog in your favorite feed reader.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE Sketch Wednesday #15

Hello guys,

Seriously I have no idea why I am on this flower craze. I think it's because I worked on the pink mini for quite a while. I guess I really got in touch with my pink, girly style. I do hope you enjoy this week's layout.




Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.

Rowena's Quick & Easy Crafting Tips

  Use leaves in the place of the flowers with some fall photographs for an awesome layout.  I like to layer my leaves on my layouts and just like flowers buttons look really good on leaves. Try it!

  If you have winter photographs that you need to scrapbook well pull them out for this sketch. Substitute snowflakes for the flowers and a wonderful project awaits you.

With both fall and winter I have so many photographs of the kids and I usually can't pick just a few. If you are like me, double up on the photographs and make this sketch into a 2 page layout. Simply duplicate the same or coordinating paper pattern on the second page.  The more pictures the happier you shall be!

Thank you to those of you who have been sending me links to your projects. I am always excited to receive them. If you create a project inspired by this sketch send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

Scrap Sketch Layout #3

Hello Scrapbookers!

Here is another layout I created for scrapsketch.com. If you have created a project using this sketch click here to go directly to the post with this sketch and submit a link to your layout. It's that easy!




 Click here to visit scrapsketch.com.

Leave a comment. And follow or subscribe to get updates whenever I post something new. 


- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Let's Talk Turkey

Hello Scrapbookers!

It's time to talk turkey. Since Thanksgiving will soon be upon us so I thought I would design a turkey. My son thought it was really cute so I hope you will like it too. 

Tip: Add gems to the feathers for a sparkling turkey.

Tip: According to the size you are cutting out the eyes may not cut out perfectly. To fix this simply use a small punch to punch out 2 circles to make the eyes.  

Tip: As always add googly eyes for a more interesting addition to your project. Especially if it's for a child.



Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

If you would like to try or purchase SCAL click here. There is a free trial download available. The software is compatible with Mac and PC.

Remember to subscribe or follow my blog to receive updates whenever I post something new.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™ 

FREE Sketch Wednesday #14

Hello Scrapbookers!

When I designed this sketch I was thinking of flowers. Can you tell? I rarely use flowers in my layouts but I have a ton of them so I designed this sketch so I could embellish my layout with flowers. If you like the flower strip that runs across the layout and you use Sure Cuts A Lot(SCAL) leave me a comment with your email and I will send you the SVG file.

Tip: If you have already bought flowers but they are not the right shade for your projects you may want to invest in glimmer mist. They totally transform your flowers.

Tip: Make your own flowers. If you own a die cutting machine such as a Cricut or Big Shot you can cut out your flowers to your exact specifications.

Tip: Add some pizazz to your flowers by embossing them. You can run them through your machine with an embossing folder or you can apply some embossing ink and clear embossing powder for a look that will wow your fellow scrapbookers.




Submitted by Tamara
 Click here to visit her blog.

As always if you are inspired by this layout sketch I would love to see your creation. Simply send me the image link and I will include it in this post.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

FREE SVG Monday: Scaredy Cat

Hello Scrapbookers!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Halloween. I know Halloween is over but if you are true scrapbooker you now have tons of photographs to scrapbook so hopefully this scaredy cat can be an addition to your page. Enjoy!



Click here to download your FREE SVG file.

If you would like to try or purchase SCAL
click here. There is a free trial download available. The software is compatible with Mac and PC.

Remember to subscribe or follow my blog to receive updates whenever I post something new.

Pink Mini Album Silent Auction

Hey crafters!

I am so excited to let you know that the silent auction for the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation has begun. To bid on my mini album click here and leave a comment below the post with your offer.  Check back regularly to keep track of the bidding. Bidding will end at 6 pm Pacific Time on November 7th.

Once the auction is over if you are the highest bidder all you have to do is go to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation website by clicking here and make the donation. Once that is done I will mail the mini album to you.

Please share with your friends and family so we can raise funds for this life saving cause. To see my mini album click here. Thank you for your support.

- Let your memories feed your creativity™

Halloween Costumes

Hello everyone,

I hope you all had a great Halloween. We had a fun time at our harvest festival last night. I know I usually post craft related pictures but I really wanted to share some pics of the kiddos with you.


This is my son as a clone trooper.
He just loves star wars.


This is my daughter as a bumble bee.

Thanks for stopping by!
Rowena

Halloween Projects


As I mentioned in my last post I have been busy finishing projects for my son's Halloween class party. Every went well but I did not have time to prepare my usual scrapbook video tutorial. However, I have something else to share with you. Here are some pictures of some of the items I was working on.


  These are the toppers I designed for the treat bags. 
I printed my design then cut up the sheet into
squares then scored and folded them. My son wanted 
glitter on the webs so I added silver stickles.



 These are the diecuts I designed using skelanimals characters.
It took me quite a while to assemble all the pieces for 25 bags.
Skelanimals are unique irresistibly cute 'skeleton' animals. 
Click here to visit their website.



 This is what one of the finished projects looked like.


As a class parent helper one of my tasks was to have trick or treat bags for all the students in his class which brings me to this next project.


Thanks for stopping by!


- Let your memories feed your creativity™