American Crafts Studio Blog

Create a Layout Using Leftover Paper Scraps

Welcome back crafty friends! Today I’ll be sharing how to make the most out of all those leftover scraps from our projects. Don’t throw away those paper scraps, you can create a layout in minutes! I’ll show you how.

Bienvenidos de nuevo! Hoy voy a compartir con vosotros cómo sacar el máximo provecho de todos esos restos de papeles de nuestros proyectos. No tires esos restos de papeles. ¡Puedes crear un layout en minutos! Te enseñaré cómo.

Let’s make an easy layout with Picnic In The Park by Amy Tangerine. This collection is so fresh and fun, it’s great for our spring and summer projects or for any season really, who doesn’t like a colorful project year round? The first step is choosing a background paper for your layout! I chose this orange patterned paper.

Vamos a hacer un layout fácil con Picnic In The Park de Amy Tangerine. El primer paso es elegir un papel que usaremos de fondo para nuestro layout, elegí este papel estampado naranja. Esta colección es tan fresca y divertida, es genial para nuestros proyectos de primavera y verano o para cualquier temporada realmente, ¿a quién no le gusta un proyecto colorido?

The next step we’ll have to do is choose our paper scraps that we’ll use for our strips. Grab any coordinating ones you have around. Cut strips from these scraps! I like to use different widths but you can also make them all the same width, that’s up to you. Adhere your paper strips in the center of your layout leaving the same distance between each one. I added two stickers from the sticker sheet to the top left corner of the layout.

El siguiente paso que tendremos que hacer es elegir nuestros restos de papel que usaremos para hacer nuestras tiras. Coge los que tengas que coordinan entre sí. A mí me gusta usar tiras de diferentes anchos, pero también se pueden hacer todas del mismo ancho, escoge lo que prefieras. Pega tus tiras de papel en el centro del layout dejando la misma distancia entre cada una. Yo añadí dos pegatinas de la hoja de pegatinas en la esquina superior izquierda del layout.

 

Choose your picture and a few papers and embellishments to go with it. I like to make little frames behind my pictures for layouts. I also added embellishments around my image like the yellow striped polaroid ephemera frame, which I love. Remember to add the title to your layout. I used the alphabet thickers from the collection and a word sticker. I’m obsessed with the tiny puffy stickers in the collection. Anywhere you put them they look great, so of course I had to add some to my layout.

Elija su foto y algunos papeles y adornos que coordinen con ella. A mí me gusta hacer pequeños marcos detrás de mis fotos. También añadí adornos alrededor de mi imagen como el marco de polaroid de rayas amarillas, que me encanta. Acuérdate de añadir el título a tu layout, yo utilicé el alfabeto de Thickers de la colección y una pegatina de una palabra. Estoy obsesionado con las pequeñas pegatinas puffy de la colección. Donde quiera que las pongas quedan genial, tuve que añadir algunas a mi layout.

Supplies: Paper Bow Stickers (AC-355381), Blossom Bouquet (AC-355358), Flower Field (355349), You Are My Happy (AC-355361), Pretty Peace (AC-355364), Thickers- Loving Life (AC-355382), Sticker Book (AC-355379), Embossed Puffy Stickers (AC-355375), Mini Puffy Stickers (AC-355376), Paper Bow Stickers (AC-355381), 6x12 Stickers (AC-355377), Ephemera (AC-355384)

How to Make a Layout with Only One Photo

Hi American Crafts fans! It’s me, Sandra, welcoming you to the American Crafts Blog today. I’m sharing a single photo scrapbook layout inspiration today. For this layout, I used the fancy GRL PWR Collection by Damask Love. Do you normally use more than one photo on your layouts? If yes, why not try to go for a layout with a single photo? It leaves a lot of room for you to be creative with embellishments, letter stickers, and patterned papers. This collection has some AMAZING embellishments, and I think this layout turned out pretty cool.

I love the fresh, stylish, and fun look and feel of the GRL PWR collection. The fun designs are perfect for girls of all ages. I LOVED creating today's scrapbook page with a photo of mine. Once in a while it’s great to scrapbook about yourself. It’s a treat to have one page just about yourself. 

First, I picked a patterned page for the background and found a photo of mine that I liked. Second, I cut two pieces of paper and added them as layers underneath the photo. This is a simple trick to add dimension to your layouts!

Third, I picked my favorite embellishments. The GRL PWR collection is full of stickers, ephemera pieces, and foam letter stickers that I used to frame my photo. I love to glue down embellishments with foam stickers - it's an easy way to add volume quickly. 

Finish up your layout with some handwritten journaling, and place it wherever you would like. You can underline the journaling or just leave it as it is. It’s up to you! Whatever you think is great, just do it YOUR way. 

I hope you enjoyed my single photo layout inspiration. Have fun creating scrapbook layouts with the fancy GRL PWR Collection. 

Supplies: American Crafts - Damask Love GRL PWR | Girl Squad (356312), Werk It Girl (356306), Something Fierce (356317), Ephemera (356300), Puffy Stickers (356298), American Crafts | Creek Foam Letter Stickers (356085), Surprise Foam Letter Stickers (344580)

5 Genius Washi Tape Hacks

Hello everyone, greetings from Fanni Mayo! Today we are going to talk a little bit about one of my favorite things... WASHI TAPE. Sometimes, I don't even want to use them for fear that they will run out. Other times, I use them for everything! The beautifully patterned tape adds the perfect touch to transform any project. 

¡Hola a todos, les saluda Fanni Mayo! Hoy vamos a platicar un poco acerca de uno de mis materiales favoritos que atesoro mucho, en ocasiones no quiero usarlos por miedo a que se me agoten y otras veces los uso para todo lo que veo enfrente. Los washis son esa cinta divinamente decorada que le da un toque de magia a cualquier material o superficie, puedes transformar algo siempre en un elemento colorido y lo mejor es que solo necesitas elegir el que más te guste para hacer real la magia. 

Decorate Your Planner with Washi Tape

I love using washi to decorate my planner. When I discovered this trick, I was so excited! Washi really ties everything together. You only have to choose coordinating washi and it does all the work for you. Grab your planner and cut carefully with scissors (although it also looks great when torn). Use your tape to highlight, make sections, or to simply add a touch of color.

¿Sabías que hay washis a juegos con los planners? Cuando yo lo descubrí, pegué el grito en el cielo de la emoción, son tan perfectos por que combinan con todo y hacen lucir tus apuntes tan bonitos. Sólo basta elegir un kit de washis, tu planner y tijeras para cortarlo con delicadeza, aunque también rasgado luce genial.  Sirven para destacar textos, marcar divisiones o simplemente darle un toque de color a las hojas. 

Create a Planner Bookmark

Because my first tip had to do with planners, my second tip does too! I came up with the idea to take some of the packaging and make a tag. I added a piece of twine to the top, and decorating the body with lots of washi tape! Having a bookmark in a planner is so nice. Not only is it cute, but you will always know exactly what page you're on. Because the base is plastic, it will be very durable. 

2- Tag portátil para Planner

Sí, mis primeros tips con washis obviamente iban a ser pensados en los planners, así que se me ocurrió la idea de tomar el blíster del empaque, hacer un tag con las tijeras, ponerle un twine y hacer mi tag portátil con washis de mi elección por si tengo que marcar o decorar algo los tengo a la mano, combinados obviamente, ¡suena genial! El material del acetato es rígido por lo que puedes guardarlo en el bolsillo del planner y traerlo siempre contigo.

Create a Decorative Flag

If you have a birthday or other even you want to decorate for, having washis on hand gives you infinite possibilities. With the help of scissors, grab a straw stick on some washi "flags" at the end. I cut some decorative edges with the scissors to add an extra something. You can cut them to different thicknesses and lengths as well. These would be adorable to decorate cakes and cupcakes with! 

3-Banderillas decorativas

Tienes un cumpleaños y necesitas decorar, si tienes washis a la mano ahí está la solución; con ayuda de las tijeras lo único que necesitas es elegir un elemento, yo elegí un popote y fui pegando las banderitas, hice al final un pico con la tijera para darle la forma, puedes hacerlas de diferentes grosores, varias opciones de largos para que decores un pastel con varios. ¡Esta es de mis opciones favoritas!

Decorate your Pencils with Washi Tape

Another great idea is to decorate your pencil to match your planner! I love having everything coordinate, so if you are like me, make a couple pencils to match your planner. Simply wrap it with washi tape diagonally! 

4- Lápices con washis

Idea perfecta para que combine con nuestro planner, imagínate páginas, planner y ahora lápiz a juego ¡me enamoro! A mi me encanta tener todo combinado así que si eres de las mías, puedes irte haciendo un par de lápices a juego con tu planner solo enrollando el washitape alrededor del lápiz  en forma diagonal para que logres ese efecto como envolvente. 

Customize your Cables with Washi Tape

My white charger was very boring, so I took my washis and got to work. I love how this turned out! Thanks for visiting the AC blog today! I hope you have been inspired to break out your washi tape!

5-  Personaliza tus cables

Mi cargador blanco era muy aburrido, así que tomé mis washis y puse manos a la obra, fui decorando el cubo y su cable con detallitos de washi, simplemente lo amo. Gracias por leerme y no olvides si haces tus proyectos compartirlos en las redes, me haría muy feliz verte usando tan emocionada como yo los washis. ¡Hasta la próxima!

Supplies used: 

American Crafts Damask Love Colorfun Planner, 9-1/2" x 8-1/2", Pink You Can Do It, 356267 Item # 5344975

Washitape GRL PWR  356294

3 Easy Tips to Take your Scrapbooking Projects to the Next Level

Hi! It’s Sandra here today, and I’m sharing 3 beginning techniques for scrapbookers: fussy-cutting, sewing, and stamping. I’m sure many of you already have tried these techniques already. However, if you’re new to scrapbooking, I hope to inspire you to try something new.

Here's what you will need:

• Scissors
• Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
• Stamps and ink
• Paper and embellishments

I created my ‘Hang in there’ card with these 3 techniques and papers, stamps, and embellishments from Shimelle’s Collection “Never Grow Up”. 

Technique 1

The first technique is fussy-cutting. All you need is a pair of scissors and patterned paper. Cut out flowers, clouds, butterflies, and other elements from the patterned paper with scissors. Adhere these fussy-cut elements onto scrapbook layouts, cards, or mini albums. This is a fun way to create embellishments. You can also create stunning backgrounds with fussy-cut elements.

Technique 2

Stamping is another great technique to make your projects even more special. You can add interesting details like hearts and stars by stamping onto the patterned paper. Or you can stamp onto white cardstock and then fussy-cut them to create pretty embellishments. 

Technique 3

Technique number 3 is ‘sewing on paper’. Adding sewn details either by hand or with a sewing machine is definitely one of my favorite techniques ever. You can sew a frame around a photo or you can add stitched lines and shapes. You can even create a background and then add photos and embellishments. 

I hope you found inspiration here with my 3 techniques! Try one (or two or three) of these on your next project. Have fun creating!

Supplies: American Crafts Shimelle 'Never Grow Up' Acrylic Stamps (356184), Journaling Pad (356178), Here We Go Foam and Cardstock Letter Stickers (356179)

Increase your Creativity with these 5 Expert Tips

Hi there! It’s Terhi Koskinen here on the AC blog. I've been playing with paper for quite a while now, so I thought it would be helpful if I shared my very best crafting tips and tricks with you. Honestly, this blog post could be an endless novel if I shared everything I wanted with you. I'm giving you some tips and tricks to help you lead a creative life even if you are quite busy. 

In addition to sharing the tips and tricks, here is a journal I created to inspire you. It was created with the Here and Now line designed by the lovely Dear Lizzy. This journal has a very practical meaning to me: It’s my inspiration journal! Let's get started.

Tip 1: Always keep your craft supplies available. 

This is my number one tip, which has been very handy over the last few weeks. When I feel like my hands are tired and I don’t have any extra energy for crafting, it’s important to make sure my crafting supplies are visible and easily available. 

I don’t have separate craft room, only a small corner in our living room for my crafty stuff. For years I’ve been dreaming about a separate space, but at the moment it’s great to have a small and accessible crafty corner tucked away. 

Tip 2: Creativity feeds creativity.

This old saying is still very true. Seeing some paints, pretty papers and the mini books created before inspires me, the inspiration I feel gives me the energy to make something. 

If you don’t want to keep any supplies or projects visible, why not to add a photo of your favorite project as your phone or laptop screen saver? 

Tip 3: Write down your ideas.

I cannot stress this one enough! Once you feel inspired to create something or have an idea about something worth trying, but don’t have time to actually make anything, write it down!

The journal you see here in the photographs is made for exactly that. I carry it with me wherever I’m heading to write or draw everything that might be inspiring someday. 

Tip 4: Plan in advance.

Sometimes there’s only a few minutes on a lunch break to think about crafting. When this happens, a small journal is a great place to write lists of projects I need to make or any sort of crafty plans. Of course, your phone can replace your paper and pen. I personally really love using a pen and paper, but I know some people prefer electronics. Slowly, the journal has become a very handy tool to start working when I finally hear the silence at our house and have time to sit and play with paper.

Tip 5: Do something creative everyday. 

Last but not least, never underestimate short breaks for crafting. Whether it’s five minutes of knitting or fussy cutting, die cutting cardstock pieces to prepare your next project or even doodling in a notebook, it’s all worth your peace of mind and calmness.

I hope this post was helpful and inspiring! Go out and be creative today! 

Products used:

American Crafts Here and Now Boxed Cards (356662), Here and Now Sticker Book with Foil Accents (356665), Here and Now Puffy Stickers (356664), Here and Now Ephemera (356660), Here and Now Epoxy Stickers (356658), Here and Now Cardstock Stickers (356656), Here and Now 6x8 Paper Pad (356653), Here and Now 12x12 Paper Pad (356651), Here and Now Specialty Paper Acetate (356650), Sticky Thumb Dots (340272), Sticky Thumb Runner (342039).

How to Make a Mini Album out of Envelopes

Hello crafty friends, it’s Lucile! For today's blog post, I really wanted to introduce Damask Love's GRL PWR collection. At the moment, this is my favorite collection. It is colorful, girly and I love the illustrations. I immediately had an idea for a project using this collection! During this time, I have been quarantined with two friends, so I gathered all the photos we took during this period to create a girl power album.

To make my album, I used the small square cards and the envelopes from the collection. This is such a simple way to create an easy album! As my album is small and quite thick, I decided to create a pocket to slip it inside to prevent it from getting damaged. I drew my envelope pattern on a pale pink sheet to be able to decorate it.

To decorate my little album protector, I started by sticking a pin in the center that I found in the die cuts from the collection. I added flowers and a girl icon around that.

To decorate the cover of my album, I first covered it with a patterned cardstock that I liked. Next, I cut out different faces and added a few stickers and the GRL PWR title. 

To make the album, I assembled a variety of cards and envelopes. Since I wanted to use a lot of pages, I made different small booklets of pages that I sewed into my cover. Then, I added gold glitter paper to hide the spine. Next, I added an embellishment on the spine to add a little volume. 

The advantage of creating an album using envelopes is that it allows you to easily link your pages by simply gluing the envelopes together. I also love that you can slip in more photos and journaling into your envelopes. 

I hope you enjoyed this simple album idea! I can't wait to see your creations! See you soon.

Supplies:

Grl Pwr collection by Damask Love 

• Puffy stickers (ac-356298)
• Mini cards and envelopes
• Flair stickers (ac-356301)
• Ephemera (ac-356300)
• Stickers (ac-356297)
• Project pad (ac-356303)
• Sheets (ac-356302)

Create a Cheerful Rainbow Scrapbook Page

Hi American Crafts fans! It's Flóra, back with a super fun and vibrant 12x12 scrapbook page. I hope it will cheer up your day! This time, I used Amy Tangerine's Picnic in the Park collection. You can purchase it now in JoAnn stores. This line is perfect for summer or for any happy memories.

For this layout, I picked the rainbow patterned paper from the 12x12 Paper Pad. This collection includes awesome stickers, specialty papers, and gorgeous patterned cardstock. I framed my photo with an ephemera glitter die cut and placed it on the bottom. Next, I used Mini Puffy Stickers, Shaker Stickers and bigger Ephemera pieces for decoration.

My favorites are the huge Shaker Stickers, so I couldn't resist using three of them on my page. I decorated around them with Ephemera flowers and Mini Puffy Stickers. Don't be afraid of layering different stickers on each other to create cute designs.

Behind my photo, I added some white ephemera pieces to keep the focus on my photo. It's very important to frame your photo well, otherwise you could lose it in a colorful mess. The hello title is also from the gorgeous ephemera pack. Picninc in the Park is a joyful line and will make your photos shine!

I hope you enjoyed reading today's blog post and are feeling inspired to grab some Picnic in the Park goodies for yourself. Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Crafting! 

Supplies Used:

• Amy Tangerine – Picnic in the Park: 12x12 Project Pad
• Mini Puffy Stickers (SKU 355376)
• Shaker Stickers (SKU 355385)
• Ephemera (SKU 355384)

This Crafty Shadowbox Layout is so Easy and Cute

Hi! I’m Obed Marshall and today I’ll be showing you how I’ve created a mini layout in a decorated shadowbox frame with the “Never Grow Up” collection by Shimelle. I can’t wait, let’s get started!

Hola, soy Obed Marshall y hoy te mostraré cómo he creado un mini layout en un marco con profundidad decorado con "Never Grow Up" de Shimelle for American Crafts. ¡Vamos allá!

This collection is so colorful and inspiring. The colors and the theme are so adventurous! When I saw the patterned paper with all the feathers, I knew I had to make a layout with it. So, I did just that. I’ll walk you through it.

Esta colección es tan colorida e inspiradora. ¡Los colores y la temática es súper divertida! Cuando vi el papel estampado con todas las plumas, supe que tenía que hacer un layout con él. Así que eso mismo fue lo que hice. Te voy a contar más detalles, sigue leyendo.

Step 1: The first thing I did was select my picture. Then, using the wooden patterned paper, I made a frame behind my photo and placed it in the center of the feather paper.

Step 2: I gathered some embellishments to bring the layout to life. Feathers, words, stickers, buttons and more. I used feathers around the stickers with words. I also added some of the fish stickers to add a fun motif to the layout. The feathers and wooden buttons on the outside of the frame added a 3D effect that I just love. 

Lo primero que hice fue seleccionar mi foto y usar el papel estampado de madera para hacer un marco para pegar detrás de él, lo coloqué en el centro del papel de plumas. Luego, reuní algunos adornos para dar vida al layout. Plumas, palabras, pegatinas, botones y más. Usé plumas alrededor de las pegatinas con palabras, también agregué algunas de las pegatinas de peces para añadir un elemento divertido al layout. También añadí plumas y botones de madera al exterior del marco dando así al proyecto un efecto tridimensional que, personalmente me encanta.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s project and feel inspired to create something today. Take a break and get crafty! Hope you have a great day!

Espero que hayas disfrutado del proyecto de hoy y te sientas inspirado a crear algo. ¡Tómate un descanso y haz algo creativo! ¡Espero que tengas un gran día!

Supplies:

• Shimelle “Never Grow Up”- Patterned Paper “live outdoors” (AC-356154)
• Shimelle “Never Grow Up”- Patterned Paper “fly free” (AC-356155)
• Shimelle “Never Grow Up”- Accent & Phrase Stickers (AC-356181)
• Shimelle “Never Grow Up”- Mini Embellishments (AC-356190)

How to Create an Interactive Scrapbook Layout

Hi AC fans! It’s Sandra here today, and I’m sharing some inspiration on how to record daily memories on a scrapbook layout. The layout I made is interactive! Your memories can be written inside the cute envelope stickers from the 'Picnic in the Park' Collection by Amy Tangerine. To record your memories, simply open the envelopes! They come with white paper inside that is perfect for adding little notes or even small photos. When someone looks at your layout, they can open the envelopes to see what's inside.  

I also added a journaling card with a calendar page for one month. You can mark the dates with a pen by drawing a circle around the numbers.

Hand-drawn lines or bullet points help you to record your memories. Stickers and puffy stickers make the perfect little eye-catchers.

If you prefer a more clean and straight look for your layouts, you can place the envelopes in straight lines. However, I like the whimsical feel of my page with the scattered envelopes.   

I hope you enjoyed my layout inspiration! Have fun recording your daily memories on a scrapbook layout.  

Supplies: American Crafts | Amy Tangerine 'Picnic in the Park' | Petaluma Petunia (355369), Embossed Puffy Stickers (355375), Mini Puffy Stickers (355376), Sticker Book Icon and Phrase Iridescent Glitter (355378), Envelope Stickers (355380), Paper Bows Stickers (355381), Thickers Iridescent Foil and Glitter Loving Life (355382), Ephemera Die-Cut Shapes Iridescent Glitter (355384), Shaped Paper Clips (355387) 

How to Document Your Memories with a Planner

Hello everyone! It's Terhi Koskinen here again, sharing another spread from my dear Colorfun Planner. 

I’m already thinking about happy, sunny, summer days and wanted to inspire your future summer planning and memory keeping. Planners are a great place to archive your memories, especially these Colorfun Planners. I love that they are thick enough to hold photos and memorabilia. 

Products used:

Colorfun Planner Get It Girl Stripes (356268), Colorfun Planner Foil Stickers (356288), Colorfun Planner Foil Phrase Stickers (356290), Colorfun Planner Paper Clips with Tassels (356278), Colorfun Planner Pocket Dividers (356272), Colorfun Planner Flamingo Pen (356283), Colorfun Planner Dividers (7788406), Colorfun Planner Magnetic Bookmarks (6164813), Colorfun Planner Stencil Ruler (7274328), Colorfun Planner Sticky Notes (8024075), Colorfun Planner Tiny Alphabet Stickers (356291), Colorfun Planner Planner Stickers (356292), Damask Love Girl Power Project Pad (356303), Sticky Thumb Dots (340272), Sticky Thumb Runner (342039).