Jen's Jumpstart Tutorial Video: Washi Tape


You may have already watched a few of these videos. In the "Jen's Jumpstarts" video series I share some quick tips for using a particular tool or product. These are very short videos and are a great option if you only have a few minutes but want to learn something new.



This week's product focus: Washi Tape

Washi tape is a decorative tape that can be used in several different ways:
1. As adhesive.
2. As a decorative element.
3. To create a banner.
4. To connect items together.
5. As a layering tool.

Watch the quick video below (or HERE on my Youtube channel) for some suggestions on how you can use this fun, decorative tape:



Below I've suggested some Washi Tapes that I particularly enjoy. Look for different widths, different colors, and different prints. Start with some basic colors and styles and then build your stash from there. You can search by "tape" HERE in the 2Peas store for additional ideas.

Suggested Products (click the photos for product information):




Memories Made #3: Happiness (Mixing & Matching Products)


Welcome back to my scrapbooking tutorial series called "Memories Made with Jen Gallacher." In this series I pick a memory I want to include in my scrapbooks. Then I'll create the layout start-to-finish all while sharing some tips and tricks for using the papers, embellishments, and products I've chosen.

Be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel HERE to be notified of when I upload a brand new video. You don't want to miss out on any of these fun tutorials!

This week's memory: Giving Advice

If you're the parent of a teenager then you know all about the eye-rolling, deep sigh technique they employ to tell you they don't need your advice, help, or interference. While my daughter and I have a pretty great relationship, I still get on her nerves from time to time. Whenever I come across a photo that isn't associated with a specific event, I try to add some journaling that is more emotion based.

In this case, I wanted to give her some advice on being happy. When else am I going to have her as a captive audience? Take the time to share your own little life tidbits when you can. Perhaps in reading your thoughts they will accept it a little better than a face-to-face conversation.



This week's technique: Mixing and Matching Products

Here are some close-up photos of the completed layout. You can see that I've mixed and matched products from many different manufacturers. This becomes easy when you first pick a multi-colored product such as the word patterned paper I've selected here. Then shop your stash for items in the same color family that match the theme and feeling of your layout.



You can watch the helpful, start-to-finish video tutorial HERE on my Youtube channel or below. Watch for ways I've incorporated products from different companies and how I layer them to achieve a "scene" for my layout:



Below I've suggested the products you might consider when creating a similar layout (including the products used on this layout). If an item is out of stock be sure to search for similar items by using words like "flower," or "chipboard" to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Suggested Products (click the photos for links to the products):


How To: Creating Layouts for Boys


I happen to have three pretty special guys in my life: my husband, Brett; my oldest son, Joseph; and my youngest boy, James. That makes for several masculine topics that I need to cover in my albums. Today I thought I'd share some basic concepts to consider when creating layouts for boys.

#1: Design for the boys. While you might enjoy ribbons, doilies, and pretty pink papers, the boys not appreciate it quite as much. And though sometimes I go ahead and incorporate those items into my layouts, I try to design with my boys in mind. I want them to enjoy the layouts I created. So I consider that when designing. Here's a layout that a boy would appreciate for the masculine colors and elements:

 Source: Northridge Publishing Newsletter

#2:  Details, details, details. Think texture, color, and purpose when designing a layout for boys. This layout shows my son's love for bugs. I incorporated items that fit this theme. Every detail was carefully pre-planned.

 Source: January 2011 Scrapbook Trends Magazine

#3: Perspective. Tell the story from their perspective. Ask them to contribute to the journaling. Use descriptive words like the large, bolded words in this layout to describe the event. Even incorporating their handwriting will make the layout more special.


In need of additional ideas? 

 Click HERE to purchase this class!


If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to creating layouts for the boys in your life, be sure to check out my True Scrap 4 class called "The Boys Are Back in Town." This $12.95 class includes a full-color, printable PDF with instructions and guidelines for creating masculine layouts. It also includes a helpful 30+ minute video, including three start-to-finish layout samples. I cover everything from selecting papers and embellishments to designing for toddlers, teens, and adult men. You'll look at your masculine layouts through fresh eyes after completing this at-your-own-pace course.

Here is a close-up photo of one of the projects I created for this course:


You can find more details HERE through True Scrap.

Product Focus Week 8: Ribbons


Welcome back to this week's "Product Focus." In these weekly blog posts, I'll share a scrapbooking product I'm particularly drawn to, and then share some ways I've used the product in a project. I'll point out tips and tricks for using the product, share some of my favorite products from that product line, and then I'll open it up for any questions you might have. I'd also love to hear your reviews or uses for the product I focus on each week. This is a chance for you to pull out products you already own and play with them or for you to discover new product you might not have yet tried.


This week I wanted to focus on a product that is a craft crossover product: ribbon. Ribbon started showing up on layouts well over 10 years ago. Now you can find in any craft store, but there are also many scrapbooking manufacturers that have added ribbon to their collections. Ribbon can lay flat on a layout or add a touch of texture. Ribbon comes in a variety of widths, styles, and textures and is a great basic embellishment to keep on hand.


Here are a few of my favorite ribbon or trim style (click the photos for links to the products). You can also search by "ribbon" HERE at 2Peas or "trim" HERE for additional product ideas.






Below you will find a gallery of projects that use ribbons Hopefully these will give you some new ideas for using ribbons on your projects.

Idea #1: Tie a frame with ribbon pieces.

 Source: Northridge Publishing Blog

Idea #2: Tie ribbons to twine to create kite ribbon.

Source: The Stamps of Life

Idea #3:  Stamp on the ribbon with Staz-On Ink.


Source: December 2011 Scrapbook Trends Magazine


I'd like to ask here how you are using ribbons on your layouts. Do you attach them with staples or brads? Do you have a style or color you find yourself using often? Do you tie your ribbon into knots or bows? Share your completed projects through links in the comments section or by sharing your ideas with the other readers. If you have a question about ribbons, please post it in the comments section below. I will answer some of them in my next "Product Focus" post, and I may just feature one of your projects in an upcoming post.
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