Design Team Blog

Fourth of July Pinwheel Tutorial

Pinwheels are all the rage these days, and they are much easier to make than you would think!  These would be fun to make for any occasion.  And, you can vary the size to make them bigger, or smaller!  Have fun, and don't forget to upload yours to the Gallery so we can see them!  Happy 4th of July!!

 

Materials:

4”X4” Piece of double sided patterned paper

   ***I used Daisy Bucket's "Rock Star" to keep with the 4th of July theme.***

Pencil

Ruler

Scissors

Small hole punch (I used my Crop-a-dile)

Eyelet and Eyelet setting tool (I used my Crop-a-dile)

Paperclip

Needle Nose Pliers

Wire Cutters

Paper piercer (or Large needle)

3/16” Dowel cut to desired length (mine was 9”)

Flower

Button

Foam Tape or Glue Dot

 

Fig. 1 

 

Step 1:  Using your pencil and ruler, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on your square (Fig. 1) .  Turn the paper 90 degrees and repeat.  You should now have an "X" with the center of the "X" being your center point. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

  

Fig. 3

 

Step 2: Starting at the corner, cut about halfway into the center. (Fig.3) Do this on each corner (4 times total).

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3:  Using your SMALL hole punch, punch a hole in ONE corner of each of the triangles you have made, and one in the center (a total of 5 holes).  See Fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 6

 

Step 4:  Place your eyelet through the center hole and bend one corner to place the hole over the eyelet (Fig. 6).  Repeat  three times going around the square until you see the pinwheel in Fig. 7.

 

 

 

 

Fig. 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 8

Step 5:  Using your eyelet setting tool, set your eyelet. It should now look like Fig. 8.  It doesn't matter that the back of the eyelet is showing because it is going to be covered.

 

 

Fig. 9

Step 6:  (If you want your pinwheel to spin, continue on with the next steps.  If you don't, then just attach your pinwheel to your dowel with some foam tape and skip to step 10.)  Set your pinwheel aside and bend your paperclip as shown in Fig. 9.

 

 

Fig. 10

Step 7:  Using your paper piercer, or large needle, make a hole in the end of your dowel about 1/2" deep.  Be very careful to push straight in.  Pushing it at an angle will cause the dowel to split and your paper piercer to become a thumb piercer (yes, I speak from experience!). See Fig. 10

 

Fig. 11

 

 

Step 8: Place your paperclip into the hole in the dowel.  Notice that I trimmed the end of my paperclip of with my wire cutters.

 

 

 

Fig. 12

Step 9:  Place your pinwheel onto the paperclip as shown in Fig. 12.

 

 

 

Fig. 13

Step 10:  Now, place your pinwheel down onto the table and add your flower onto the end of the paperclip (if the clip is too high, preventing your pinwheel from spinning, you will need to clip it with your wire cutters).  See Fig. 13.

 

Fig. 14

 

 

Step 11:  Adhere the button onto the paperclip using foam tape or a glue dot. (Fig. 14)

 

 

Step 12:  Your pinwheel is now complete and you can create a display similar to this one where I used a vase and glass beads purchased at the Dollar Store.  

~~Nicole~~

Allow me to introduce you to

My new favorite product:  Kraft Cardstock!  Yes, I know, I am a little behind in the game.  I have seen others using it for a while now, but just never ventured outside my old neutrals of white, black, and sometimes dark brown.  I have recently realized just how versatile it is though and have fallen in love!

First of all, for nature-lovers like us, natural colors are kind of a given.  All the trees and woodsy products go perfectly with kraft cardstock.  But, that's kind of the obvious matches, and is definitely not all you can do with it.

My favorite thing about Kraft cardstock is the way it really makes colors *pop*  I used it for this purpose in this card that I made using our featured manufacturer, Cosmo Cricket.  The great, bright colors of the Girl Friday line pop even more against the neutral kraft.

Here is a layout that I created using a lined kraft cardstock and the October Afternoon Night Light collection.  You can see how the kraft background really makes the colors of the line stand out.

And, finally...solid Kraft isn't all there is anymore!  Check out these great Kraft-based collections:  Hambly, Jillibean Soup, Fancy Pants (AND, a little birdie told me that the NEW Kraft Kuts 2, boy and girl , should be uploaded to the store any day now!).

If you have created something awesome using Kraft, head on over to the gallery, get registered, and upload so we can take a peek!

{Cosmo Cricket} AWDML July Contest

We have a wonderful contest going on in the month of July
 
We are so happy that Cosmo Cricket is sponsoring the contest
at A Walk Down Memory Lane.
 

Create a layout using 75% Cosmo Cricket products

Please make sure to specifiy in your upload description what you used
for Cosmo Cricket products

The theme or concept for you layout is all up to you.
* Deadline July 31st at Midnight
* Submit 1 Layout
* Submit Your Project in the AWDML Monthly contest submissions
category in the gallery
* To upload into the gallery you must register in the gallery first.
* Then register at the forum to link it back to the contest
* A maximum of ONE entry may be submitted.

* All images must be no larger than 500 X 500 pixels
* The winners project(s) will be posted on the main website all
through with their Name, as well as in our newsletter & blogs.
*Your entry must not be one already completed for any other sites,
contests or challenges. It must be made for this specific contest.
*There will be two winners for this contest
 
Link to site: http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/

Celebrate July with Free Shipping!

Yipee, it's July! I love the month of July. Summer is in full swing and there's so much to do. Some of my favorite things to do are...

• Celebrate the 4th of July. I love a good fireworks show.
• Bbq in the backyard. I don't care what is I'll put it on the girll. I just made a pizza on the grill the other night and it was YUMMY!
• Strawberry picking. So, so fun. I think I eat more than I pick though!
• Celebrate my husband's birthday. You have to love a reason to eat cake.
• Eat ice cream after my daughter Frances goes to bed. Ssshh, don't tell her. 
• Scrapbook all my summer pictures!  

So to start July off right the A Walk Down Memory Lane store is offering free shipping on orders over $50.00 that are placed today - July 1st! Use the coupon code July1FreeShip at checkout to receive free shipping today.

Hmmm, where to start? How about with July's featured manufacturer Cosmo Cricket? I love the new Early Bird collection. Talk about a design perfect for summer. As soon as I saw it I knew it was perfect for this picture of Frances in her little cherry swim suit. Look at those arms and legs? How sweet is she?

Happy July everyone! ~ Sarah 

Meet our NEW Design Team!!

I am sooo pleased to announce our NEW Design Team members!!  These members were chosen from a lot of really talented applicants and the chose was extremely hard!  But I am confident that these 4 girls will WOW you with their creations!

<----- Please welcome Crystal!  I live in KY with my wonderful, supportive husband.  I am a SAHM to our wonderful and very active son, Caeden who will be 2 in August.  We are also expecting our second blessing as well--another boy.  As you might expect, I have plenty to scrap about!  I love scrapbooking because it gives me a much-needed creative outlet and allows me to document my family's lives as well.

Crystal's blog is located at Scrapper Mom.

 

Meet Mindy. ----->
My name is Mindy Baxter I'm a Stay at Home mom to 3 children, ages 10, 7, 2. 1 boy, my oldest and 2 girls. They really keep me on my toes! I have been paper crafting for about 3 years. I have so much fun, I love doing challenges, design team work, teaching classes with my craft group. Even doing some illustrating for a few stamp companies. I live in Southern California with my husband, Ralph, who for the most part is understanding about my addiction, I mean hobby. He has been so kind to let me have the office in our home as my craft area and is always trying to improve things, shelving, lighting ect. I'm really looking forward to my design team term here at A Walk Down Memory Lane!

Mindy's blog can be found at Stampin Mindy.

<-----  This is Nicole.  Hi, All!!  I am so excited to be a part of the new Design Team at “A Walk Down Memory Lane!”  Let me introduce myself…. My name is Nicole Wise.  I live in Southern Maine with my husband and two kids, who are five and six years old.   They are the main reason I scrap.  I love to scrap the funny moments and how they grow and change.  During the day, I am a Middle School Music Teacher.  I just finished up my 11th year of teaching and while I am super excited for summer, I love teaching!  The kids are super fun and keep me entertained every day.  The saxophone was my major instrument through college and I have been known to play professionally in a big band now, and again.

I have been scrapping for about three years.  In the past year it has truly grown into an obsession that I am thinking about all the time.  I am always looking  for fun ideas to use in my scrapping  and I enjoy surfing the internet to find interesting things.

You can check out Nicole's blog Four Wise Guys.

Welcome Sarah!  ----->

My name is Sarah, I live in Chicago, IL, have been married for almost four years to my husband Ron and have an adorable 5 month old daughter Frances. We have three dauchshunds- Ginger, Bacon and Kody that we adopted from a rescue. I also love to run and have run in several marathons, love to cook and am getting better everyday, and love being outdoors.

 

I have been scrapbooking for about 7 years, but have only done it seriously for the last couple of years. I love to scrapbook my daughter, my family and the doggies. I would say my style is cute and fun. I love patterned paper and embellishments. I like to learn and try out new techniques, but don't like to spend too long on a page. The main reason I scrapbook is so my daughter and my family always know how much they are loved and what they means to me (I tell them and show them enough, but after looking at my pages there is no denying it). So no matter if the layout is fancy or simple if that message is conveyed, I love the page. I also love going back and looking at my pages. If I am having a bad day they always cheer me up.

Sarah's blog is Scrapcetera.

I hope you visit their blogs and get to know them a bit.  They have already impressed me with their ideas and willingness to help promote A Walk Down Memory Lane.  I hope you will be as impressed with them, as I am!

Design Team Call!!

We are so excited to announce that we are looking for 4 designers for our July 2009 - December 2009 team!! The call is open from June 5th through June 15th. We will be announcing the new design team on our blog and newsletter on June 22nd.

So WHO are we looking for?

We are looking for inspiring designers who are creative, ambitious and who can design not only with our products from the store. We are looking for designers who can display the following:

- Open communication skills
- Unique individual style
- teamwork and cooperation
- Ability to display and teach different techniques
- Ability to create layouts from a basic to a more advanced skill level
- Creativity in the use of our card kits and products to help promote A Walk Down Memory Lane
- Ability to teach online classes and write up instructions
- Must be able to work within deadlines and under pressure

What do I need to Apply?

1) We would like you to submit Three (3) original layouts and one paper craft project that best represent you and your style. Acceptable paper craft projects would be altered items, cards, mini albums, etc. All submitted items must be your own design (they don’t have to be made specifically for this call) and e-mailed to DesignTeamCall@awalkdownmemorylane.net
2) Active participation on message boards and in galleries is important and will be considered when we chose our team. You will also be required to have an active blog

What to include in your Application besides your projects?

* Your name, address, e-mail address
* Links to online communities (forums, message boards, galleries) in which you are active in and regularly post to. *Please include all links*.
* Link to your blog where you post your scrappy/stamp/paper craft creations.
* Links to other Design Teams you are currently on, and scrapbook resume (if you have one). Prior design team experience is not required, however, preference may be given to those who are not committed to another DT. If you are currently on a design team please include how long you've been there, and when your term will end, also include your title there (for example: DT coordinator, strictly LO designer, etc) Also Let us know if you've been published and where (here's your chance to TOOT!).
* Answers to the “Time to get to know you” questions below. J
* A headshot and bio for our website and newsletter announcement

Time to get to know you!!!

Please include your answer the following questions in your email submission:
- How would you or others describe your style?
- What is both your strengths and weaknesses when designing?
- Why do you want to be a part of our design team?
- How much time would you be able to devote to your duties at A Walk Down Memory Lane
- Give us your best idea for promotion our store. (ie. Blog hop, advertising in a magazine, etc.)
- Do you have a unique skill (for example, do you create sketches or make handmade scrappy items?)
- What is your favorite food?
- Give us an example of an online class that you could and would be willing to teach (you do not need to provide a write up or sample for this call!)

Now for the Nitty Gritty...What you’ll do as a DT member:

1) Your DT term would be from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
2) Each month you must, create, at minimum 4 layouts & 1-2 papercraft projects. Your work must be sent in via email by the 25th of each month. You will be responsible for ordering your own products from the store and making sure that you have enough time to get your assignments done for your deadlines.
3) Each DT member will be responsible for posting classes and help running crops on the blog and Message Board. We will not hold crops closer than 6 weeks apart.
4) Post your DT layouts on galleries and blogs throughout the web, whenever possible, link to AWDML. Watch other promotion Message Boards and Blogs for product chats and talk us up where possible.
5) Participate in Message Board and DT blog discussions on a _regular basis_ and keep the message board going by regularly posting new topics, games, challenges, tips & tricks, project examples, etc.
6) Leave praise and encouragement _regularly_ in our gallery for our message board members. This is a HUGE part of your requirement. Members like to receive feedback on their work!
7) Help moderate the MB and alert the Admin if you find anything inappropriate
8) Newsletter participation is a must, you must sign up monthly for at least one newsletter duty (product highlight, small project with instructions, sketches, etc)
9) You must have a “scrapblog” or a blog that you talk about scrapping on and update it regularly each week with a post about projects you’ve used from the store, featured manufacturer, or whatever. We ask that you also have links to our site and your DT blinkie on your blog and other sites where allowable.
10) Be the eyes and ears for AWDML online, finding new inspiration or ideas and sharing them to help our community grow.
11) Each DT member will be required to post to the AWDML DT blog once per week. You will also be required to post a class and a challenge once a month. We will have a rotating schedule so you don’t have to do BOTH in one week.
12) You must sign and return the AWDML DT contract before your DT term begins.

What do you get in return?

- As a Design Team Member you will receive your choice of product, with a $30 value, from AWalkDownMemoryLane.net free of charge, including free shipping.
- As a Design Team Member you will receive a package of featured manufacturer goodies each month free of charge.
- DT Members receive 30% off of orders placed in the www.AWalkDownMemoryLane.net store (up to $50 per month) and free shipping on those orders as long as they are shipped with their monthly DT package.
- DT Members will receive a package of past kits for use during their DT term. These can be used on classes, tutorials, challenge samples, etc.
- DT Members bio and head shot will be featured on our design team page.
- DT Members designs will be featured in our monthly newsletter.
- DT Members blogs will be linked from both the DT blog and the AWDML store blog.

** Important information regarding international applicants
International designers, if you are chosen you will be responsible for paying the shipping difference each month, and please keep in mind that we do expect you to keep with existing.

Please e-mail any questions and submissions to DesignTeamCall@awalkdownmemorylane.net

May's Featured Manufacturer-KI Memories

May's Featured Manufacturer is KI Memories!  Check out all of their beautiful papers, embellishments like brads, buttons and ribbon!  All of our KI Memories are 15% off through May 31.

Check out the Clearance Center, for hundreds of scrappy goodies up to 40% off.  This includes pattern paper, stickers, embellishments and more!

NSD Sketch Challenge Weekend

May 2nd is National Scrapbooking Day and I have a special challenge for you this weekend :)

Here is your NSD Layout Sketch

 

Create a layout with this sketch and posted here your creation. Upload it in the AWDML Gallery and then link it back here :)

The deadline for this is May 3rd at Midnight PST. On May 4th, I will annouce winner by random drawing to recieve a RAK of goodies from me. USA and Canada enteries only.

I can't wait to see your creations and have a wonderful scrappy weekend.

~~~~LUCY~~~~

Kit Overviews

I absolutely love working with kits and since AWDML has a wide variety of past kits still available and my DT tenure is coming to an end

I wanted to showcase a few of my favorite!  AWDML’s kits always have just the right amount of elements for any scrapper!  If you happen to get stuck along the way of designing I suggest just rummaging through the array of items included in the kit and I'm always sure to find something to spark your mojo!

 

SUPERSTAR -contains several bright papers from Prima’s Dude collection mixed with My Minds Eye Dreamy Collections rounded off with fun shaped brads and festive ribbon and chipboard!

 

 

FASHIONISTA Kit that combines Fancy Pants Designs Simplicity Collection with Heidi Swapp's Carefree Collection, the colors work so well together.  I had fun creating with the stick pin embellishments and felt dimensional flowers.

 

BACK TO SCHOOL- kit contains several papers of KI Memories School Collection, alpha stickers and chipboard; not to mention a clear acrylic frame to alter!

 

 

CHRISTMAS MAGIC- A well blended collection of papers from Bo Bunny's Holiday line.  I loved the pink and aqua hues within the patterns.  Of course what kit is complete without adding some Kaiser Craft Goodness, the pink pears added just the right touch to my craft projects!

 

VINTAGE HOME- The perfect mix of October Afternoon and Pink Paisley of course don't forget the decorative brads and matching alpha's.  My favorite element had to be the raised alpha's by MM.

 

HE SAID-If you like Basic Grey you are going to LOVE this kit!  Granola, Granola, Granola....gorgeous patterns to play with that compliment Crate's Prudence Collection.  Add in some white fabric Thickers that are easily altered, glitter die cuts by Crate, decorative brads and you have yourself the ingredients for the perfect layout!

 

 

SHROOMS AND BUDS- Last but not least....a bright combination of colors from Adorn it Whoopsy  and K & Co Berry Sweet Collections.  What eye candy this is!  The decorative felt border compliments the patterns and the cute little shroom embellishments splashed with just the right amount of glitter are sure to make your creative juices flowing! 

 

You can check all of these kits out at this LINK to the store.

 

I hope I have inspired some of you along the way; Stay Scrappy! -Angie

Basic Grey Goodness!

Here are some cards I have done using Basic Grey!  Don't forget that BG products are all on sale in the A Walk Down Memory Lane store!

Ambrosia:

Sultry:

Cupcake:

Mellow:

Archaic:

Offbeat:
 

Have a terrific Tuesday!  *Lynn*