We are all feeling a bit under the weather today...nothing major, just a bit more tired than usual, a little stuffy, sore throats. Plus, Orlando itself is a little under the weather (literally) so we may just declare it and inside day...avoid the rain, get into comfy clothes, crawl in bed and watch videos, and just enjoy being a little family of five for a bit longer.
Good thing it is our family day and we CAN do this :)
So, I'll keep it short today and just mention a few things...
1) I'll announce the winner for the free fat pack AND my new creative team tomorrow! You all have made my job sooooo tough! These will NOT be easy decisions!
2) A few people have asked about the CD albums...
a. How do I put them together? Here's is a simplified version of what I do: I use the templates just like any other templates. I then drag two of the pages onto an 8x10 canvas and have them printed. I do not print these at home because ink jet printers take a long time to dry (as in the directions say wait 7-10 days before framing/doing other things to them.) I have them printed wherever -- this time it was Walgreens. Then, I cut out the circles (I just used scissors but man oh man do I ever need a good quality circle cutter!) After they are cut I adhere them to the CD's with modge podge. Now, I should have read my own directions (that come with the albums) because I totally forgot that it is a good idea to use sand paper to rough up the CD's a bit. My pictures were slip-sliding away! I let the modge podge dry on the one side and then went back and did the other side. When all of that is dry, I modge podge OVER the photos (though, with a matte finish photo this really isn't all that necessary and in fact, I think next time I won't).
For the holes -- when I had Jason drill me holes, I had him drill BEFORE I adhered the photos. Then I just felt for the hole after the pictures were on and I poked through. But with the oh-so-handy crop-a-dile, I put it all together first and then punched. Sooooo easy!
The jump rings -- you can buy them anywhere that sells office supplies (even Wal-Mart). For the last two I did, I didn't feel like making another stop so I looked at Michael's to see if they had any. I didn't find regular jump rings but I did find these silver key holders in the jewelry section. They are not full circles but they have a removable silver ball at the end. I was very happy with these and Jason says he likes them a lot better. So, it is what I will use from now on :)
One person mentioned that they are going to try to use a bind-it-all next time. Now THAT sounds cool! Hmmm, how can I justify needing one of these???
I hope that answers some of your questions! Those of you who hang out at DST can do a search in the hybrid project gallery for lots of pictures of other people's albums. I just think they make the coolest gifts!
3. Some news! I have had to keep this secret for over a year! Seems crazy! Most of this post is stolen from Jen Caputo's blog (who stole it from Audrey Neal ;)
Audrey Neal & May Flaum's, Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts
P+P is all about hybrid scrapbooking — it features over 40 techniques, including really simple techniques for programs like Microsoft Word, to more advanced techniques for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. It also features over 100 pieces of original, never-before-seen art from May and I, as well as our contributors: Cathy Pascual, Angela Daniels, Wendy McKeehan, Jackie Eckles, Caroline Ikeji, Amy Martin, Katrina Simeck, Jenn Olson, Linda Barber, and Kathleen Summers. In addition to all this hybrid scrappy inspiration, you’ll get 10 exclusive scrapbooking kits on CD from these amazing designers: Michelle Coleman, Lauren Reid, Jan Crowley, Katie Pertiet, Lynn Grieveson, Jen Wilson, Poppy Andrews, Jackie Eckles, Kim Christensen, and Tracy Ann Robinson, plus templates from Janet Phillips and Jen Caputo.
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How amazing is this? Audrey approached me in the fall of 2006 (just a few months after I started designing!) and asked me to be a part of this amazing project. How could I say no?? Just look at the talent involved! Now, i have to be honest...I cannot even remember what the templates I submitted even look like! I'll have to go have a peak into my hard drive. I've made a LOT of templates in the past year!
You can preorder the book right now from amazon for only $16.50!!! Pre-order Paper + Pixels: Scrapbook Layouts right here
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So, how's that for short???
Have a wonderful Thursday! I know I will!
Sounds like a great plan to stay in today! Hope you all get to feeling better soon.
A huge CONGRATS on the book! Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. :)
Thanks for the cd album info. I'm anxious to try this project.
And I cannot wait until you make your announcements tomorrow!!!
Have a great day!
Posted by: sarah vrolyk | January 18, 2008 at 03:04 AM
Wow! I'm so excited about the book. I'm really itching to try some hybrid projects, but I have no idea where to start. I do know that I'll be making one of those CD Albums soon though! How cool...thanks for the tips!
I hope everyone feels better, but what a great thing to do on a rainy day.
Posted by: Crystal Frey | January 18, 2008 at 03:26 AM
I saw that news on Jen's blog - congrats...what an awesome opportunity. Love the play-by-play on the CD albums too...this will be a first for me so that is really helpful.
Hope everyone gets to feeling better soon. Can't wait to see who made your Creative Team and the winner of the Fat Pack!
Posted by: Leslie (lhaslem) | January 18, 2008 at 03:53 AM
We're under the weather here, too. Mason & I both went to the doctor yesterday...and then Mason spike a 103.5 fever yesterday evening. So, we are in our jammies & will spend the day cuddling! (which means I don't have to babysit today...woohoo!) I hope you and your crew all feel better soon!
I'm inspired to give one of the CD albums a try! Mason's bday is on Saturday. Hmm...maybe I can whip one up before then (or just give it to him a few days after his bday!) I think I'm going to have to steal the things I'm lovin' about you right now idea!
Posted by: KellieP | January 18, 2008 at 04:08 AM
and I totally forgot to say...congrats on being in Audrey's book! I'm going to have to pick that one up sometime soon!
Posted by: KellieP | January 18, 2008 at 04:10 AM
Congrats about the book! Keeping a secret for a year is a LONG time!
Posted by: Melissa | January 18, 2008 at 04:35 AM
Wow - congratulations Janet - that is a HUGE thing!!! I am assuming the book comes with a CD then with goodies on it???
Oh man - I am heading out to the waterpark up north with my family today and LEAVING THE COMPUTER AT HOME!!! BUMMER I won't get to see the talent you have selected. :( Now I will be rushing home on Sat. to read! Hubby is pretty geeked I think though that I am leaving the computer at home even though they have wi-fi! I must say I am pretty proud of myself and I know the kids will love all the mommy/daddy time!
Have a great weekend and get better guys!
Posted by: MandaKay | January 18, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Oh, thank you for the CD album tips! I'm purely digital, but OH so eager to try a hybrid CD album. I just had NO idea how to start. I LOVE the silver key holders - such an elegant touch. Modge podge, huh? I'll go look for that, thanks! Your sample albums are drop dead gorgeous, btw :)
Posted by: denali | January 18, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Congrats on the exciting project! Definitely something I'll be checking out! Have a nice quiet family day!!
Posted by: Sarah | January 18, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Sounds like a fun day!
Can't wait to see who you picked for the new team.
Posted by: Vanessa | January 18, 2008 at 12:17 PM
And, in turn, I'm going to steal the Paper and Pixels info from YOU =). Thanks!
Ang
Posted by: Angela Daniels | January 18, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I'm thinking about using ribbon to make my cd album like an accordian style album,but if that doesn't work, JoelT will be drilling away. I think I'm going to make one of my inlaws trip for them while they're here, and sneak it in their bag for them to have when they go home. Congrats on the book! I pre-ordered it as soon as I saw it on Audrey's blog. That's too cool!
Posted by: joelsgirl_Kellie | January 18, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Wow, did I miss a great week of blogging! Just got back from staff retreat. So much happened on your blog and I'm sorry I missed the chance to throw my name in for the fat pack - it looks fabulous! So much to absorb I think I'll have to print some pages off. :) Congrats on the book and thanks for sharing the details on the CD album! Take care!
Posted by: Jacki | January 18, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Congrats on the book. That is such an honor. That template pack is AMAZING. Can't wait to hear who is on your new team.
Sounds like family day is fun at your house. Sometimes it is just fun to throw out all the normal rules and just have fun.
Posted by: HapEScrapr | January 18, 2008 at 03:23 PM
wooHOO and congrats on the book Janet, how exciting this must be!!! Oh and hey TY for posting the how-tos for the CD Album. You know I found those jump rings you described at Hobby Lobby. I could kick myself for not getting the crop-o-dile, but I will tomorrow..I found a 40% off coupon and they're having huge discounts on top of that for anything scrapbook related, WOOT, can't go wrong there. Hope you all get to feeling better...God bless and looking forward to hear your announcement tommorrow as well! :)
Posted by: Jenna (Sweeet) | January 18, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Love the idea of the keychain links with the ball endings! Must be so much easier to use! I have always wanted to make one of the CD albums.... I feel some inspiration kicking in!
Posted by: Heather aka MuddyPawPrints | January 18, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Do you think the bind it all is a better or more versatile tool than the crop-a-dile??? I've been thinking about getting the Crop a dile for a while now, but if the bind it all does what the C-A-D does plus more, I'll just skip it LOL! Just wondering. Hope you are all doing better!!
Posted by: Hollie | January 19, 2008 at 04:00 AM