I love tags! In fact, I use tags a lot on my scrapbook layouts for embellishing, as a layering element, to anchor photos, or to use as a spot of journaling. For today’s project, I turned my 3×4 inch photos into photo tags using a 6×6 inch patterned paper pad, a corner punch from We R Makers, and a simple office hole punch.
This particular design can be easily created using tools that you have in your stash! To create your own photo tags, you can…
Use tag metal dies or tag punches.
Cut tags using an electronic cutting machine.
Cut tags by hand using your scissors.
Use a tag punch board or similar tool to create a tag.
There is no need to purchase new tools to create this look. In fact, I challenge you to look at your tools and available materials (and your sharp creative mind), and see how you can create a similar design.
Here are the products from my stash that were used to create today’s layout!
And here is the project – a 12×12 inch scrapbook layout titled Spill The Tea!
I had so much fun making these photo tags and creating the appearance that they are hanging from the top of the layout!
I used patterned paper as the base of the photo tags along with a angle corner punch to notch the top corners. Black and white twine was added to the tags and adhered in place using washi tape on the back of the layout.
Once the tags were in place, I added layered embellishment clusters, a title, and journaling. I love how the look of product from different designers and manufacturers work so well together!
Be sure to check out the process video for this project, now available on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel. I hope you are inspired to use your stash to create a similar design!
PRODUCTS: All of the materials used for this layout are from my stash and may not be currently available. I encourage you use items from your stash, however, I know that some of you might be interested in the products used for this project – a list is provided below (no links).
Be sure to check your favorite craft and hobby retailer for available products.
Park Lane Floral Space 12×12 inch Paper Pad
Simple Stories My Story 12×12 Sticker Sheet
Jillibean Soup Coordinating Label Stickers
Kelly Purkey Mon Ami 6×6 Paper Pad
Pink Paislee Hello Sunshine 6×6 Paper Pad
Pinkfresh Studio Chipboard Frames – The Best Day Collection
Citrus Twist Puffy Alpha Stickers
Thickers Poolside Alpha Stickers
Pinkfresh Studio Ephemera – Days of Splendor Collection
At the start of a new year, I like to make a scrapbook layout to document my hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. This layout serves as a starting point for documenting my life – the good, the bad, all of my challenges, and everything in between.
I always start the year filled with so much hope and optimism. I love the idea of starting fresh and considering all of the wonder possibilities that await. The act of creating this layout every year fills my heart with so much joy. I’m setting the pace for the year ahead…documented with words and pictures.
This layout was created during my YouTube Livestream, the first livestream I’ve hosted in six months. I had a blast creating this layout just for fun versus creating on demand! I found a Hip Kit Club scrapbooking and embellishment kit (which I totally forgot that I had), and thought it would be perfect to for this layout. The kit features colorful fall themed elements, nothing related to New Year’s, but it works! This is the beauty of stretching your supplies and using them outside of their intended purpose.
In addition to the kit, I used letter stickers from my stash that work perfectly with the color scheme. When possible, I love to pair some of my older stash items with new and unused products – this is truly the best of both worlds!
And true to form, this layout features multiple photos, journaling, layers of die cuts, chipboard, and other elements – all of my favorite things! I feel that I am starting to find my creative flow again…and it’s amazing!
Recorded Replay: To see this layout come together, be sure to watch the recorded replay of my New Year’s 2024 YouTube Livestream. During the livestream, I share a brief life update as well as information about my Year of the Freeze Challenge and my upcoming online class, Project DONE: A 12-Week Intensive Scrapbooking Journey! The construction of the layout begins at timestamp 40:30…just in case you want to skip the chatty part of the stream…enjoy!
Over the past year, I have been inspired to reduce my crafty spending and to challenge myself to use more of my stash to create layouts, mini albums, cards, and other papercrafting projects. To be honest, I overspent on cardmaking supplies in 2022 and I still have a lot of scrapbooking products that I purchased along with product that was sent to me for various freelance projects and classes.
While amassing a sizable crafting stash is fun (really fun), like many of you, I have become overwhelmed with product. It seems like new products are released on a monthly basis from some of our favorite crafting companies. Don’t get me wrong…I love a good product release, but I also know that I need to be more conscience of my crafty spending habits. There were months when I spent $200-$300 on craft supplies alone!
That is a lot of money!
And sadly, a lot of what I purchased was never used. For example, I spent over $1500 (yes, I did the math) on stamping and cardmaking products in 2022.
Do you know what I could have done with that money?
Makes my head hurt…as well as my bank account!
Did I use all of the products that I purchased?
HECKNO!
In fact, I purchased new storage bins to organize all of the extra product that I could not fit into my normal crafty storage. INSANE!
Interestingly, I have learned that I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed by crafty products. Recently, I spent hours pouring through posts on scrapbook and cardmaking forums, Facebook groups, and the like, reading comments from other crafters who feel the same way. Some crafters felt frustrated with their buying habits and feel that they need to use more of their crafty stash.
Additionally, other themes emerged:
A lot of crafters commented that they would like to see FEWER product releases and more of an emphasis on learning how to use the products they purchase before new products are introduced. There seems to be a shorter period of time between new releases, which limits the time for crafters to use the products they purchase before new goodies come to the market.
Crafters would like to see content creators (such as myself) use their stash and focus more on scrapbooking and cardmaking techniques versus showcasing new products in each video.
Some crafters commented on being LESS excited about the new products that are coming to the market because most of it seems “one-note” – the same color schemes, repetitive designs, lack of diversity among product designers (companies using the same designers all of the time), lack of interesting and diverse icons, etc. This has led some crafters to rely on using older products in their stash that appeal more to their style.
So, armed with this information, I decided to create a year-long challenge that focuses on spending less and using MORE of our crafty stash and exploring a variety of papercrafting techniques.
The 2024 Year of the Freeze Challenge
Here are the deets! For this challenge, I am going to freeze spending on scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies in 2024. Instead, I will focus on using products from my stash. I recently purged my stash and have narrowed my selection of products to the items that I absolutely love.
However, there are a few exceptions – it’s important to be flexible.
Spending On Consumables: I will continue to purchase consumables such as adhesives, solid cardstock, pens/markers, stamping ink and refills, etc.
Spending on Replacement Tools: If a tool breaks, I will replace it as needed.
Spending on Must Have Items: If there is an item that I must have, I will give myself permission to purchase it. But, it has to be something that I will use right away.
NO Pressure! I can start, stop, and resume at anytime!
Change My Approach: I can change my approach to this challenge at anytime and make adjustments as needed throughout the year…guilt free!
Throughout the year, I will use a variety of items from my stash. If I do not have a particular item, I will need to figure out how to create what I need using the products and tools that I have available to me. Recently, after going through my stash, I noticed that I have a lot of beautiful products and fun tools just waiting to be used in a creative way! NOW is the time to put them to good use!
Also, all of the videos that I post on my YouTube Channel and Patreon community this year will feature projects using my stash. I want to practice what I preach!
NOTE: If you are inspired by the products that I’m using, I urge you to find or create similar items using materials from your stash before purchasing new products!
Want To Play Along? Let’s Go!!!
If you are interested in participating in the Year of the Freeze Challenge, here are a few things to keep in mind:
How Long Will Your Freeze Be? You DO NOT have to do a year-long freeze! In fact, you can challenge yourself to do a 30-day, 60-day, 90-day or half a year freeze. Maybe try a bi-monthly freeze or a seasonal freeze…it’s completely up to YOU!
Decide What Products to Freeze: Make a decision about the products you want to freeze. For example, you may suspend purchasing only scrapbooking supplies, or perhaps only patterned paper and stamps. Maybe you need to freeze purchasing online classes and focus on starting and finishing the classes you already purchased. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Start, Stop, Resume at Anytime: Feel free to start, stop, and resume your freeze at anytime – it’s okay to be flexible with this challenge.
Prepare: Take some time to prepare for your freeze by purchasing your most needed items, organizing your space, and letting go any products you no longer enjoy. I also recommend creating kits using items from your stash to help streamline the creative process.
It’s Okay To Shop – Guilt Free! If you come across a product that you must have…buy it, guilt FREE! Focus majority of your efforts on using products from your stash, but give yourself permission to indulge occasionally if there is something you really, really, really want! NOTE: It’s okay to purchase consumables (i.e. adhesives, solid cardstock) during your freeze.
Make Projects: Once you are ready, start making your projects! Challenge yourself to exclusively use items from your stash. Don’t forget to use your tools (i.e., punches, dies, cutting machine) and crafty resources (i.e., magazines, books, blogs, social media, videos, classes) as you make your projects. There are is a ton of creative inspiration to explore!
Focus On Learning: Use this time to practice papercrafting techniques or teach yourself how to use a specific tool or product.
Most of All…Have Fun! This challenge should not be stressful! Have fun and enjoy making beautiful projects from your crafty stash!
Let’s Go!
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to start the 2024 Year of the Freeze! Be sure to join me LIVE on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel today at 2:00 pm CST as I talk more about this challenge and watch me make a 12×12 inch layout using items from my stash.
Hello lovely reader! After a short break, I am happy to announce that the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel is back and ready for a brand new year of awesome papercrafting inspiration!
To kick off the New Year, I will be hosting a YouTube Livestream on January 1, 2024 at 2:00 pm CST. This livestream session will be jammed packed to include a brief life update, my annual New Year’s scrapbook layout project, and I will be sharing information about my Year of the Freeze Challenge!
Mark your calendar and come joined me on New Year’s Day at 2:00 pm CST! And as always, this session will be recorded! I hope you will join me.
Today on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel, I am sharing the scrapbook projects I created during my iNSD 1 Paper Pad + 10 Layout Challenge! This challenge aired live on May 6th during National Scrapbook Day and since that time, I have added a few finishing touches and journaling to my layouts.
Come join me today as I walkthrough each layout and share a few design tips and strategies! I will also share a couple of layouts that I did not finish and and one that I completely redesigned. Scroll down to see photos of the completed projects!
To see the recorded iNSD 1 Paper Pad + 10 Layout Challenge Livestream, click HERE!
To join me for today’s livestream, click on the video below at 2:00 pm CST today!
PROJECT PHOTOS
First up are the fully completed layouts from the challenge. I added a few finishing touches and journaling to each page. NOTE: All of the materials I used for the challenge projects were pulled from my stash.
Layout: One Step At A Time (12×12 inch Single Page)
Layout: Gamer (12×12 inch Single Page Layout)
Layout: Just Bloom (12×12 inch Single Page)
Layout: Together (12×12 inch Single Page)
Layout: Truly Outrageous (8.5×11 inch Single Page)
Layout: Happiness (8.5×11 inch Single Page)
Layout: Hat Lady (8.5×11 inch Single Page) – This layout features a photo of my grandmother. The journaling will be written by my mom.
LAYOUT REDO!
Out of all of the layouts I completed for this challenge, there are a few that I didn’t like and plan to redo at some point in the future. Not every layout is a winner!
Layout: Style Evolution (12×12 inch Single Page) – The original version of this layout started out good, but after adding the embellishments and pattern papers, I decided that the design did not work. So, I pulled materials from a different collection and adjusted the overall composition. The second version is so much better! The process video for the new version of this project is available exclusively for my Patreon Community.
Layout: Untitled (12×12 inch Single Page) – This layout started with good intentions but took a turn for the worse! The pattern papers are not doing the photos justice and while the embellishments coordinate with the theme of the layout (sewing a costume), the overall composition can be improved. I will redo this project in the near future.
Layout: The Lion King (9×12 inch Pocket Layout) – To be honest, I didn’t have a solid plan for this pocket page. And because of this, I do not like the overall composition. I will give this layout another chance, perhaps converting it from a pocket page to a 12×12 inch layout. We shall see!
And with that, my projects from my 1 Paper Pad + 10 Layout Challenge are complete (almost)! Be sure to watch today’s livestream sessionfor more details about these projects and design tips. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a confession to make…I purchased too many card supplies last year! In fact, I have so many card supplies, they are piling up and the situation has become very overwhelming!
To remedy this, I’ve decided to reach deep into my cardmaking stash and challenge myself to pair a variety of products together to make card projects in a new series I like to call Card Pairings.
The Challenge: To pair 2-4 cardmaking supplies from my stash (different manufacturers and designers) to make card projects – A2, slimline, mini slimline, shaker cards, and more. This also includes using cardmaking tools such as my Spellbinders Hot Foiling machine, stencils, and embossing folders.
(Seriously, I have enough cardmaking supplies to stock a small craft store!)
Below is the first video of this series that features a stamp set from Hero Arts. Click on the video to see today’s card project. And be sure to scroll down to see project photos and a list of products used.
NOTE: Keep in mind that some of the products featured may no longer be available. The intention of this series is to encourage you (and myself) to use items from your STASH!
Share Your Projects! If you are inspired to play along with this series, come share your projects with the Victoria Marie Designs Facebook Group Community. Click HERE to join the fun!
Selected Card Pairing
Here are the supplies I pulled from my stash to make today’s card project. A list of products is available below. If you have similar supplies, try using them to make a card project of your own!
Card Project – Just a Note: Have an Ex-Straw-Dinary Birthday
Scrapbook and Cards Today Metal Sentiment Die (not available)
*NOTE: Scrapbook.comaffiliate links are provided and are free for you to use. Victoria Marie Designs receives a small commission when these links are used for purchases. Thanks so much for your continued support!
Today on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel, I’m using items from my stash to create a colorful 8.5×11 inch layout called You’ve Got This! In fact, I used the some of the leftover materials from a recent YouTube livestream to create today’s project.
When possible, I try to make more than one project from the remaining items of a kit or collection. This allows me to get more usage from my materials while creating multiple layouts. To see today’s layout come together, click on the video below or head to the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel.
Also, be sure to scroll down to see photos of today’s project along with a list of products used. NOTE: All of the items featured in this video are from my stash, so availability may vary. Enjoy!
Project Photos: You’ve Got This – 8.5×11 inch Single Page Layout
Supply List (Availability may vary- check manufacturer for current product options.)
Pattern Paper – Vicki Boutin Color Study (American Crafts) Embellishments – Vicki Boutin Color Study (American Crafts) All This Happiness Gold Foil Chipboard Stickers (American Crafts) Hello Friend Silver Holographic Chipboard Stickers (American Crafts)
Did you catch today’s livestream on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel? Well my friend, click on the video below to check it out! I created a 12×12 inch scrapbook layout using a variety of items from my stash. As you can see, this layout is super colorful! There is a lot of movement and of course, five 3×4 inch photos! I love multiphoto layouts!
To see this project come together, click on the following video. Also, be sure to scroll down to see photos of this project and a list of products I used. Keep in mind that some of the collections may not be available.
I hope you are inspired to reach deep into your stash for similar items if you wish to replicate this design. And don’t forget to share your layout with the Victoria Marie Designs Facebook Group Community!
MINI WORKSHOP: One more thing…if you want to grow your scrapbook layering skills, be sure to check out my upcoming Let’s Create! Layered Embellishment Clusters Mini Workshop!
This 90 minute workshop is scheduled for May 27, 2023 at 10:00 am CST LIVE on Zoom. During the workshop, I will be demonstrating my easy process for creating layered clusters on a scrapbook layout. You don’t want to miss it!
And of course, the workshop will be recorded so feel free to grab your spot and watch the replay at your convenience. To learn more and to register, click HERE! This workshop is only $10.00 USD and is open to anyone who wants to participate!
Now, on to the livestream replay…enjoy!
Project Photos
Products Used (NOTE: Some items may not be available. Check manufacture for current product options.)
Pattern Paper – Vicki Boutin Color Study (American Crafts)
Embellishments – Vicki Boutin Color Study (American Crafts)
Embossed Puffy Stickers – Vicki Boutin Color Study (American Crafts)
Butterfly Stickers – Hip Kit Club Exclusive (2021)
Embossed Puffy Stickers – Amy Tangerine Late Afternoon (American Crafts)
Sticker Book – Amy Tangerine Brave & Bold (American Crafts)
Have you have ever struggled to make layered embellishment clusters on a scrapbook layout? Do you want to improve your layering skills?
No worries, friend! I got you!
Join me for the Let’s Create! Layered Embellishment Clusters Live Mini Workshop!
Date: Saturday, May 27, 2023
Time: 10:00 am CST – 11:30 am CST
Where: LIVE on Zoom!
*The content and Zoom information is provided in the Victoria Marie Designs Online Classroom!*
Price: Only $10.00 USD!
In this 90-minute workshop, you will learn how to use my Anchor, Stack, and Details Technique for creating embellishment clusters on a scrapbook layout.
We will start by reviewing several examples of scrapbook layouts that feature layered clusters, review the Anchor, Stack, and Details Technique, and I will demo how to implement this technique by creating a single-page 12×12 inch scrapbook layout!
There will also be a Q&A sesh at the end of the workshop!
Can’t Make It Live? No worries, this workshop will be recorded for replay! Feel free to watch the recorded replay at your leisure!
More Workshops! This will be 1 of 4 LIVE workshops that I will offer in the upcoming months, all focusing on layering techniques! Stay tuned for future workshop dates and times!
REGISTER TODAY!
To register for the Let’s Create! Layered Embellishment Clusters LIVE Mini Workshop, click HERE!
Registration ENDS on May 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm CST!
This mini workshop is only $10.00 USD! Sign up today and be sure to share with a friend! See you soon!
Hey friends! International Scrapbook Day is tomorrow (May 6th) and there are a ton of activities, online events, giveaways and more! As you get ready for a weekend of fun, below are a few things I’m offering as we celebrate our annual scrappy holiday!
YouTube Mega Livestream Event: 1 Paper Pad + 10 Layout Challenge
My 1 Paper Pad + 10 Layout Challenge YouTube Livestream event will begin at 10:00 am CST on May 6th. For full details about this challenge, click HERE!
During this livestream, I will be making 10 scrapbook layouts (12×12 inches and 8.5×11 inches) using a paper pad from my stash! Feel free to play along or watch as I take on this awesome challenge! NOTE: This livestream will be recorded for replay on my YouTube Channel.
SHARE YOUR PROJECTS! If you are playing along, feel free to share your projects in the Victoria Marie Designs Facebook Group Community! Click HERE to join the group!
Save 15% Off ALL Victoria Marie Merch!
Starting on May 6 -11, 2023, save 15% off ALL Victoria Marie Designs Merch! New designs have been add to the shop so be sure to check it out (no code needed)! Grab a t-shirt, apron, stickers, hoodies, and more! If you share your Victoria Marie Merch on social media, be sure to tag @victoriamariescraps so I can give you a shout out!
Ready to shop? Click HERE to grab your favorite merch items!
REGISTRATION TODAY! May 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Scrapbook Crop
Registration is now open for the May 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Crop! The theme for this month’s crop is: Stitch It Up!
All of the challenges for this crop event will focus on stitching and sewing techniques for creative scrapbook design. If you have a needle and thread, a sewing machine, and/or stitching stamps and supplies, you are good to go! Use what you got and let’s get stitchy!
The May 2023 online virtual crop includes:
Fun Scrapbook Challenges based on the crop theme – Stitch It Up!!
Super Cool Prizes!
Fun Giveaways!
5 Live Zoom Scrap and Chat Sessions
One 45-minute Mini Workshop: Easy Stitching for Scrapbookers
The crop is hosted in a private Facebook Group!
Only $12.99 USD!
And the best part? You will have 3 WEEKS to finish the challenges in order to be eligible for prizes! So there is NO RUSH for you to finish the challenges during the crop weekend!
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION: For full details about this crop event and to register, click HERE! The last day to register is May 18th by 11:30 pm CST! I hope to see you there!
Let’s get ready to have an amazing scrappy weekend!!! Happy International Scrapbook Day everyone!
victoriamarieblog.com 