Category: scrapbook layout

2023 Spring Clean Series! Organizing My Project Life Cart (And My Stories by the Month Kits)

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My 2023 Spring Clean Series is here and I am kicking off this year’s series with a brand new video featuring my process for organizing my Project Life supplies, specifically, my Ali Edwards Stories By The Month kits. This project is long overdue and I’m so excited to share my process with you!

To begin, I repurposed a craft cart from Michaels that originally housed my December Daily materials. Since I am not in the mood to work on holiday projects, I decided to use this cart for my Project Life materials.

I enjoy using the Ali Edwards Stories By The Month kits along with goodies from Elle’s Studio and the Paper Person Shop. To avoid turning this project into an overwhelming endeavor, I focused on organizing my Stories By The Month kits first. I will eventually organize my other kits and incorporate them into my Project Life cart in the near future.

New Video! To see my entire process for organizing my Stories By The Month kits and my Project Life cart, click on the video below! Also, photos of this cart along with a list of available supplies are provided as well.

Here is my Project Life cart, organized and ready to be used! I purchased this cart from Michaels last year and it has served me well! I can easily roll the cart to my craft desk when I am ready to work on a project.

All of my 3×4 and 4×6 Stories By The Month pocket cards are organized in a Scrapbook.com Pocket Card Organizer. I created the dividers using white card stock from my stash, laminating sheets, and my Mini Minc Hot Foil Machine. The 3×4 stamps are organized in a container from Ikea.

Containers from the Target Dollar Spot are used to organize small embellishments and sticker sheets. I like to keep several small bins on hand for organizing an assortment of embellishments and small tools.

Chipboard, wood veneer, die cuts, and acrylic embellishments are stored in a divided ArtBin container for easy access. All of my supplies are neatly organized and ready to be used. And everything I need is right at my finger tips! This makes my heart sing!

Be sure to head to the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel to see this entire organization process. And stay tuned for more videos in this series to come!

Available Products

Quick Tutorial! Learn About Asymmetrical Scrapbook Design

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Today on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel, I am sharing a quick tutorial about asymmetrical scrapbook design. This design technique is perfect for creating scrapbook layouts with tons of visual impact and interest.

What is Asymmetry?

Asymmetry is the lack of symmetry or equality between halves of a design. In a symmetrical design, both halves of a design will be the same (or similar) in terms of scale and elements used. However, in an asymmetrical design, both halves of the design will be of different size and weight. However, keep in mind that asymmetry does not refer to the absence of balance. Finding balance in an asymmetrical design can be tricky based on how your eye interprets the design.

Balance is truly in the eye of the beholder!

Quick Tutorial! To learn a little more about asymmetrical scrapbook design, check out the video below. Photos of today’s project along with a supply listed are provided as well.

For this project, I used the Spring Vibes Collection by Pinkfresh Studio. This collection features a ton of floral die cuts that are perfect for creating this asymmetrical design!

In this design, one half of the layout contains a large cluster of floral elements and the other half features a smaller cluster of elements. The small cluster works to balance the larger cluster of elements thus creating an asymmetrical design.

While each cluster contains a different number of elements, both clusters feature similar elements in terms of style and color, thus lending to a cohesive scrapbook design. Also, notice that the larger cluster compliments the 4×6 inch photo on the left side of the layout, while the 3×4 inch photo balances the smaller cluster on the right side. These small details add a ton of visual interest to a scrapbook layout.

If you are inspired to give this technique a try, come share your project with the Victoria Marie Designs Facebook Group Community or tag me @victoriamariescraps on Instagram! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Products Featured: Affiliate links are provided below and are FREE for you to use! Victoria Marie Designs receives a small commission anytime these links are used for purchases. Thanks for your support!

Join Us! March 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Crop!

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Hey scrap bosses! I’m excited to announce the upcoming Victoria Marie Designs March 2023 Online Virtual Scrapbooking Crop, and this time, we’re focusing on STAMPS!

Come join us on March 17th -19th for a weekend filled with creativity, inspiration, and fun. Get ready to connect with fellow scrapbookers from all around the world, share your passion for crafting, and participate in fun scrapbook challenges, Live Zoom Scrap and Chat Sessions, and more! Plus, play along for a chance to win fun prizes and giveaways!

The March 2023 online virtual crop includes:

  1. Scrapbook Challenges based on the crop theme – Focus On Stamps!
  2. Super Cool Prizes!
  3. Fun Giveaways!
  4. 5 Live Zoom Scrap and Chat Sessions
  5. One 45-minute Mini Workshop: 3 Fun Scrapbook Stamping Techniques
  6. The crop is hosted in a private Facebook Group!
  7. Only $12.99 USD!

REGISTER TODAY! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with other scrapbookers, use your stamp collection and have fun. To learn more and to register for this fun event, click HERE!

Registration ends on March 16th so be sure to sign up TODAY! We hope to see you soon!

I Used Canva and My Circle Punch to Make This Layout!

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If you haven’t heard, Canva, a web-based graphic design site, has grown in popularity with creatives over the past few years. Gone are the days of trying to figure out how to make awesome digital designs using Photoshop (the learning curve is steep, y’all)! Canva offers a full range of design tools that are simple and easy to use.

As a business owner, I use Canva to make graphics for my videos and events, as well as slide decks for my online classes. However, I have recently discovered a ton of tools in Canva that can be used to edit and enhance my photos. To be honest, I am currently in the process of learning how to use Photoshop. But, when I need a quick and easy tool to get the job done, I turn to Canva!

In today’s video, I share a brief look at how I used Canva to turn my 4×6 inch photos into 3.5 inch circle photos using a circle frame tool. Now, keep in mind that if Canva is not available to you or if you do not desire to use an online tool to edit your photos, you can always use a circle punch, metal dies, or a shape template to create this design.

Bottom line: USE WHAT YOU GOT, BABY!

THE VIDEO! To see this layout come together, click on the following video. Photos of this project are provided below along with links to available products used for this project.

For this project, I used materials from the Live and Let Grow Collection by Jen Hadfield (American Crafts). Using a circle punch, I created pattern paper circles that measure roughly 3.5 inches. The photos and the pattern paper circles are positioned to frame the title and the journaling text block.

The pattern paper circles are embellished with layered clusters of die cuts and stickers. The elements selected represent a meaningful aspect of the story. Any guesses? Be sure to watch the video learn more!

TIP: Creating small anchors for layered embellishments is a great design option if layering is a bit challenging. Focusing on a small area of layered clusters is less intimidating and offers lots of opportunity to practice your layering skills.

Be sure to check out the video for this project on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel! And to learn more about Canva, click HERE! I hope you are inspired to give this web-based design tool a try!

List of Available Products:

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are provided above and are free for you to use! Victoria Marie Designs receives a small commission anytime these links are used for purchase. Thanks for your support!

Victoria Marie YouTube Livestream Change!

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Since 2020, I have hosted weekly livestream sessions on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel (lovingly nicknamed “The Staff Meeting”) as a way to connect with our community and to share creative inspiration during a very challenging time.

In recent months, I’ve had some changes to my professional and personal schedule in addition to working on a couple of exciting new projects that command a lot of my time. Because of this, I have made the decision to change my YouTube livestream schedule. My plan is to host a livestream session at least 1 time per month starting in March 2023.

In today’s video, I share a quick update about this change and my plans going forward. Meanwhile, stay tuned for new content that will be coming to the channel soon! Thanks so much for your continued support!

I Was On The Scrapbook Your Way Podcast!

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Recently, I had the opportunity to chat about being a multi-passionate crafter with Jennifer Wilson, host of the Scrapbook Your Way Podcast and owner of Simple Scrapper. This is my second time on the Scrapbook Your Way Podcast and it’s always a pleasure to talk “shop” with a fellow crafty friend!

In this episode, I talk about the benefits of being a multi-passionate crafter and why I feel it is important to give yourself space and opportunity to explore your creative interests. As a life-long crafter, I have explored a variety of craft hobbies from painting, scrapbooking, sewing, embroidery, DIY projects, and teaching myself how to make miniature dioramas!

Crafting is my happy place, a respite from the world when I need to decompress and relax. I love the challenge of learning a new crafty technique, working with my hands, and making fun projects. And luckily, there is NO shortage of crafty projects to explore. Being a multi-passionate crafter means that I can ebb and flow between projects based on my interest and bandwidth.

Sometimes, I prefer to work on a super involved project (miniature diorama) and at other times, I might be in the mood to work on a small project (practicing watercolor techniques). In short, I enjoy a lot of variety and options when it comes to my craft projects!

The Episode! To check out this week’s podcast episode, click HERE. Also, I want to extend a big THANK YOU to Jennifer Wilson for inviting to be on the show!

Enjoy my friends!

P.S. Registration for the February 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Crop is now available! This crop event is scheduled for February 24-26, 2023. To learn more and to register click HERE!

Registration Now Available! February 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Crop!

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Registration is now open for the February 2023 Victoria Marie Designs Online Virtual Crop! The theme for this month’s crop is: COLOR PLAY!

This crop event is all about using color to create fun scrapbook layouts. Each challenge will focus on an aspect of color theory and color design for scrapbookers.

Event Date: February 24-26, 2023

The February 2023 online virtual crop includes:

  1. Fun Scrapbook Challenges based on the crop theme – Color Play!
  2. Super Cool Prizes!
  3. Fun Giveaways!
  4. 5 Live Zoom Scrap and Chat Sessions
  5. One 45-minute Mini Workshop: Playing With Color!
  6. The crop is hosted in a private Facebook Group!
  7. 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!

Live Zoom Scrap and Chat Sessions: This event features (5) five Live Scrap and Chat sessions, hosted on Zoom! This is a great way to chat in real-time with other scrapbookers while you create. And each session is recorded for playback (available for three weeks after the crop weekend).

Challenges: The challenges for this event are super flexible and can be used to create a variety of projects to include scrapbook layouts, travelers notebook spreads, planner spreads, cards, and more! There is a little something for everyone!

February Crop Schedule of Events: To see the schedule of events for this crop, click HERE!

REGISTER TODAY! To learn more about this event and to register, click HERE!

Registration ends on February 24, 2023! Grab your spot today!

Scrapbook Process Video: Documenting Ages and Stages

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It is true…I blinked and now my daughter is just a few days away from turning 13 years old! Today, I am documenting this transition by creating a 12×12 inch layout featuring products from the January 2023 Hip Kit Club Scrapbook Kit and Scrapbook Embellishment Kit.

When I started my YouTube Channel in 2014, my daughter was about 4 years old. Many of you remember her random appearances in some of my older videos and she is the muse for a lot of my projects. Well, that little tiny tot is turning 13 years old next week and I am a feeling a lot of mixed emotions. I am happy and excited for the next phase of her development, but I am also a little sad. The time seems to have flown by and I feel as though there isn’t much time left before she ventures into adulthood. So, I decided to document this next phase by creating a 12×12 inch layout called I Blinked.

Using pattern paper from the January Hip Kit Club Scrapbooking Kit, I created a distressed background by tearing the top edge of the pink notebook pattern paper and adhering it the floral pattern paper as shown. Next, I positioned two 3×4 inch photos of my daughter to the top right and bottom left of the layout. Each photo is backed with pattern paper from the kit for added interest. Once the photos were positioned, I added a title using a die cut and blue puffy letter stickers from the kit.

Next, I created fun embellishment clusters using pocket stickers! Each pocket contains a small cluster for floral die cuts, puffy stickers, chipboard phrases, and puffy dots. The pockets are backed with adhesive foam for added dimension and height. Normally, I would have hoarded these pocket stickers, however, they are way too cute NOT to use!

Lastly, I created two journaling blocks in Microsoft Word and printed the journaling on Classic Layering Vellum by Hero Arts. I also added tabs to the left side of each photo as a spot to document my daughter’s age at the time the photos were taken.

And with that, this layout is complete! I had so much fun designing this project and documenting this phase of my daughter’s life. To learn more about the products I used for this layout, click on the links below. And be sure to check out the process video for this project, now available on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel.

Available Products:

Hip Kit Club – January 2023 Main Scrapbooking Kit https://www.hipkitclub.net/january-2023-main-kit

Hip Kit Club – January 2023 Embellishment Kit https://www.hipkitclub.net/january-2023-embellishment-kit

My Valentine Scrapbook Stash Inspired This Mini Album Project!

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To be honest, I only create two Valentine themed projects every year – a layout about my daughter’s birthday and recalling the day that I went into labor (you guessed it…it was on Valentine’s Day). So, as a result, my small stash of Valentine scrapbooking goodies remains largely unused throughout the year.

However, I recently pulled out my Valentine stash and was immediately inspired to create a mini album featuring the people and things that I love! It has been a long time since I’ve created a mini album (outside of my standard 6×8 pocket album…think December Daily). I missed the creative process of making custom pages, chipboard covers, and a binding mechanism.

If you have been following me for sometime, then you know that I love to use my stash! So, for this project, I am challenging myself to use my Valentine scrapbook goodies to create a cute little mini album. And…I’m taking you along for the ride!

This project will be featured during my Wednesday YouTube Livestream over the next few weeks. During the livestream sessions, you will get to see the construction of this project, the products I’m using, and a look at my design process. To see last week’s livestream, Making A Valentine Mini Using My Scrapbook Stash Part I, click HERE!

Also, if you are a member of the Victoria Marie Patreon Community, you will have access to exclusive videos that feature a behind the scenes look at this project and my design process. The first video is now available on the Victoria Marie Patreon site so be sure to check it out. If you are not a Patreon member, no worries! Click HERE to learn more and to join.

For this project, I’m creating a 7.5 inch by 4.5 inch album using products from the Simple Stories Heart Eyes Collection (and other items from my stash) along with leftover chipboard material that will be used as the base for the album pages and covers. For the binding mechanism, I’m using two 1.5 inch rings that I purchased from the Dollar Tree. I want the ability to add more pages to this project if needed and using a ring binding system makes it possible to do so without much fuss.

I started this project by making a template using chipboard material. Taking the time to create a template is a great way to test measurements and to figure out the overall design of a project. Also, a template can be used for later reference in order to recreate a project.

I also took the time to sketch my project details and to make a list of the materials and techniques I want to use for this album. TIP: A little bit of pre-planning helps to reduce creative overwhelm and serves as a great brain dumping exercise.

At this point in the project, I am only focusing on the construction of the album. In the weeks to come, I will begin to collect stories and photos about the people and the things that I love.

Overall, I am super excited to dive further into the construction of this mini album! It has been a long time since I’ve made an album like this…I always enjoy the creative process. And most of all, I love that I’m using my stash…a win-win!

Products:

To see the products I used for the preliminary set up of this project, click on the links below. And stay tuned as I share the progress and a complete walk-through of this album in the coming weeks!

Chipboard Sheets – Amazon

Simple Stories – Heart Eyes Collection

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Disclaimer: Affiliate links are provided in this post and are free for you to use. Victoria Marie Designs receives a small commission anytime these links are used for purchase. Thanks for your continued support!

NEW! Sharing My One Little Word Project: Prep and Album Setup

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The 2023 One Little Word project is in full swing and today on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel, I’m sharing my OLW prep process and album setup! I have been participating in OLW since 2019 and it has become one of my favorite scrapbooking projects every year.

OLW as a concept has been around for many years. However, scrapbook industry expert, Ali Edwards, introduced OLW to the storytelling community over 12 years ago. The idea is to select a word that you can live through and reflect on throughout the year.

This year, I have selected the word SLOW to guide my life and my intentions in 2023. This word is timely and very much needed as I tend to go at warp speed and often underestimate the importance of slowing down. Throughout the year, I plan to share my OLW journey with you. To be honest, I’m a little scared but also very excited for this word. It is very difficult for me to slow down. I have a strong feeling that SLOW will teach me a thing or two – a lot life lessons are ahead of me and I am thankful for that!

So far, SLOW as taught me to be still, to embrace being quiet, to take a break, to read, to study, to think, and to relax. I am opening my heart and my mind to intentionally practicing the art of going slow. In some ways this is very easy, in others ways it is extremely hard. Going fast has greatly impacted my personal and professional life. I have learned that I need to pump the breaks a bit and enjoy my life…one day, one moment at a time.

Be sure to head to the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel to see my OLW prep process and album setup. Click on the video below to check it out!

Products Used: This year, I am using a combination of current and older OLW products. Click HERE to view available products. To learn more about One Little Word by Ali Edwards, click HERE!