Balzer Designs

Ten Tempting Treats: 2008 Version

Last year, I wrote a list of "Ten Tempting Treats": five craft-related products that I love and recommend and five that were on my holiday wish list.  In honor of Black Friday, here's the 2008 version:

ON MY WISH LIST...

Husqvarna Viking Mega Quilter

This is a serious sewing machine.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Bernina, but I can't stand the idea of attempting to sew another large quilt with it.  It's just too hard to manage the fabric and I end up hating my stitches.  The Mega Quilter offers an enormous arm area (9"x6") and the option to convert it to a long arm machine with a portable table.  Of course, there's no price anywhere online, which certainly means that it's ridiculously expensive.  Sigh.  Someday...

EK Success Glass Cutting Mat (13x13)

I have long touted that cutting on a glass mat is significantly better than cutting on a self-heating mat.  There's little to no drag and it just cuts like butter.  I have also been using the glass from a $1 picture frame for the past three or four years.  About a year-and-a-half ago, that sheet of glass broke.  I still use it.  Sad, really.  I think it's time to upgrade.  For $19.99 I can get a glass mat with grid lines that is actually bigger than my 12x12 piece of paper.  Definitely on my wish list.

Ultimate Screen Printing Kit from Speedball

I've been wanting to experiment with all sorts of printing these days, and a screenprinting kit is high on my list of desires.  This one from Speedball retails for $139.99 and includes 2 screen frames, an instructional video, and all the ink and tools you need to get started.  I'm a little afraid to start playing with screen printing because I think I'm going to love it and become a total addict.  And can I really afford to start a new hobby?  I'm running out of room around here as it is!  And yet, I really, really, really want it!

Making Books by Hand

It's no secret that I love making mini albums. But this book takes the idea of a mini album to the extreme.  These teeny tiny wonders just fascinate me.  I also like the sound of the following: "The authors share innovative, unique, and previously unpublished binding structures that incorporate scrolls, flaps, folders, and more. In addition, some book projects are made from unusual materials or found objects, such as a book out of a ukulele, a real accordion book, a book diorama in a cigar box, and other experimental creations."  That's from Amazon.com where the book is currently on sale for $14.95. 

Adobe Illustrator CS4

I know the box on the left says CS3, but that's the photo I could find.  CS4 just came out and I've been playing with the free trial download.  Illustrator is a vector based design program.  This site does a nice job of explaining the basic differences between Photoshop and Illustrator. Essentially, Photoshop uses pixels, which degrade as you edit.  Illustrator uses vector objects, which don't degrade.  This is important for logos, maps, illustrations - non-photographic things.  There is a serious learning curve (and I'm still in the infancy stages of it) but most graphic designers and professional artists do use Illustrator.  However, at $499 I fear that it will remain on my wish list unless I can figure out a way to get it at a steep discount. 

I LOVE MY...

Inkssentials Craft Spinner

Well, first of all, I love my Inkssentials Ink Blending Tools.  Of all the stuff that came out of Ranger U., it was the Distress line and these ink blending tools that blew my mind.  The spinner holds eight blending tools - one for each grouping of Distress Ink color - so you never have to change out the foam!  My spinner sits on my desk and I just grab what I need and keep going.  It's easy to use, doesn't take up a lot of space, and I use it almost every time I sit down to scrap!  The spinner is $20 and the ink blending tools are $5/each.

Digital & Hybrid Scrapbooking by Patty Debowski

This book is a bible.  Whether you want to create beautiful digital pages in Photoshop Elements, or just become better at photo editing, this book is a must have.  Patty writes in plain English.  She covers the smallest details and provides fantastic screenshots and photographs.  Well worth the $39.99.  I will also add that I'm on a Mac and the book is written for the PC, but I didn't have any issues translating it over.

American Crafts D-Ring Albums

I have switched over completely to using these 12x12 binder-style albums.  No more post-bound albums for me.  It's so much easier to be able to mix up my page sizes and the order of the pages with these D-Rings from American Crafts.  I particularly like that they're customizable.  I tend to paint mine.  I know other people like to use patterned paper.  If you're not feeling up to that, American Crafts does sell corduroy and cloth versions for a bit more.  I've seen the "Modern" album (pictured at left) online for as little as $11.55!

Epson PictureMate Dash

I have the Epson PictureMate Deluxe.  It has been discontinued and replaced by the PictureMate Dash.  I'm assuming that the Dash is just as good as my Deluxe, if not better.  I literally can not scrap without my Deluxe.  The prints are very high quality (just like you get from the photo lab), waterproof and scratch resistant, and the color is *gorgeous*.  Also, it's a workhorse.  I drag it to crops and events and generally abuse it and it's still ticking.  It's a great little printer and totally worth the $149.99.  I've even used it to print my journaling at a crop!

Permapaque Fine Point Pens by Sakura

Everyone loves American Crafts' Slick Writers because they write on slick surfaces.  But have you discovered Sakura's Permapaque pens?  They write on glass, plastic, pottery, vellum, metal, etc.  They come in a variety of tip widths, colors (including metallics), and are archival (meaning no fading).  I particularly appreciate that when you do write on paper, they don't bleed the way the Slick Writers do.  This makes it easy for me to go from photo to paper and back again.  I also love them for general craft use.  I found some prices online: You can buy them individually ($1.64) or in a pack (pack of 11 - $11.88).  Try them out.  I think you'll really like them!

Let me know what's on your holiday wish list!  I'm always excited to find out what other people love!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Quirky Crafter

Let's face it, we all do things a little bit differently, right?  Everyone has their own idiosyncrasies when it comes to getting it done.  Maybe it's because you never really learned "the right way" or because you found a better way.  Maybe it's because you're lazy or because you're a perfectionist.  Whatever the reason, I thought I'd share ten of mine.

1. I don't really use a paper trimmer that often.

I own several, but I always cut my photos with scissors.  Sometimes I'll cut patterned paper with a trimmer, but mostly I'll just eyeball it and use scissors.  The thing is, I'm not a particularly clean and linear scrapper, so messy edges just add to the energy of the layout for me.

2. Wow, I have a hard time with two-page layouts.

This is the last two-page layout I did that I liked:

I made that almost two years ago.  And it's not particularly brilliant.  For whatever reason, I have *a lot* of trouble making two pages work.  It's something that I want to work on.  I often have a lot of photos and run out of room on a 12x12 (which is when I go to a mini book), but I need to be better at the two-page spread.

3. I only learned to machine sew in 2006, and I'm mostly self-taught.

In fact, I only learned to iron because I wanted to quilt.  I love sewing, but I don't understand almost anything technical that people say to me about "blind hem stitch" and I can never figure out issues of bias and non-bias.  Blech.  Life's too short for all those rules.  I love to sew, and so I do - with my own little ways of getting it done. 

4. I don't read instructions.

Like a man, I refuse to believe that I need instructions.  Sometimes this is good and sometimes this is bad.  I always try to figure it out first and then if I'm still having trouble, I go and read all the instructions.  My reasoning behind this is actually quite sound: If I have fully examined the machine or program and can figure out how it works by myself, then it become intuitive to use.  If I learn from the instructions, it means I always need the instructions.

5. I can't work unless I have order.

Contrary to what it may look like to my husband, I need order to work efficiently.  I try to clean up between projects and really put things away.  What looks like a pile of boxes is a very clever organizational system and I do know where almost everything is.  Truth be told, I have a bit of an organizing fetish.  I'm always trying out a new system or planning a better way to organize it all.  There are many times that I pull absolutely everything out and put it all back again!

6. New technology thrills me.

I'm always ready to try out a new computer program, gadget, die cutter, machine, tool, etc.  I'm an über geek when it comes to that kind of stuff and I really enjoy the challenge of figuring it out.  I swung by Portrait Bug over the weekend, and when the owner saw how geeked out I was over the Slice, she handed one over for me to play with at home.  I had it out of the box and charging almost as soon as I walked in the door.  Love that!

7. I can't get away from story.

The art that appeals to me - theatre, visual art, music, dance - all tells a story.  I can appreciate art that exists for aesthetic reasons, but I can't really get into it unless there's a story being told.  So, it's no big surprise that when I sit down to create almost anything, it begins with story.  What's the story that I want to tell?  I'm trying to get more sophisticated about it - relying less on actual text to tell the story.  Which brings me to...

8. I'm rarely satisfied.

Once I've learned a new skill or conquered a long-term project, I immediately want to move into "what's next?"  I'm always striving to learn more, do it better, and generally improve.  I'm constantly seeking a new challenge, a new measuring stick, a new accomplishment.  I think of myself as very calm and shy and withdrawn, but the truth is that I'm pretty darn competitive and pushy - at least with myself.  I know lots of other crafters who are happy to do the same thing over and over again, but I can't stand it!  Like a shark, I need to keep moving in order to breathe.

9. I'm terrible about washing paintbrushes.

I clean my stamps.  Usually right away.  However, paint brushes tend to get dumped into a jar of water.  And then they sit in that jar of water for weeks, and occasionally even months.  I know this is not good for the brushes.  So, I always buy quality student-grade brushes - good enough to not fall apart in the water, but not so good that it matters if I ruin them.

10. I hate to waste things.

I take great satisfaction in using scraps, using leftover ink, using packaging, etc.  I keep everything!  You never know when you might need it!  It was a revolutionary moment when I figured out that I could donate supplies I no longer wanted.  Previous to that I spent a lot of time trying to make "ugly" supplies look good instead of getting rid of them.  Silly, huh?  I still have trouble throwing stuff away.  I mean, trends are circular - and everything old becomes new again!

What are your crafting quirks?

Monday is a Lovely Day

1. Quilting Arts TV "...celebrates the new look for quilting where art and embellishment meet traditional quilt techniques.  Hosted by Patricia (Pokey) Bolton the editor in chief of Quilting Arts magazine,  look to Quilting Arts for the most innovative designs in quilting today."  I watch Quilting Arts TV on PBS all the time and guess what...

I'm going to be a guest!

Oh joy!  I got the invitation on Friday.  And do you know why I got an invitation?  Because of my performance on Scrapbook Memories!  Yay!  I haven't pursued almost anything in the quilting arena - publications, contests, etc.  But, I'm thinking this may be a sign from the universe!

2. Did you know that Maya Road offers FREE downloadable templates for all of their chipboard mini albums?  They even have some calendar and day planner downloads that you can print!  How cool!

3. Cooler than cool is Spoonflower.  Spoonflower is a site that will print custom fabric for you!  You can get anything from a swatch to yardage!  It's $18/yard, which is not unreasonable at all considering the fact that there's no minimum.  It's all printed on 100% cotton and I'm definitely going to make some soon.  I just need to figure out what...

That's all for now!  Thanks for stopping by!

Text in a Circle in Microsoft Word

Last February, I did a tutorial on creating a circle of text in Microsoft Word with some screen shots.  There were a few questions, so I decided to use a screen capture program and do the technique in real time.  So, here you go...

Have a great day!

Project Fifty-Two: Start Making a List

Hello and a happy Tuesday to you!  If you're thinking about doing Project Fifty-Two in 2009, I'd like to encourage you to start making a list.  Things get so crazy in November and December, and if you're like me, there are always a ton of crafty projects that you want to do, but there's no time to do them in.  So, here's what I propose:

• Grab a notebook, scrap of paper, or open a file on your computer.
• Whenever you think of a crafty project you'd like to do, write it down.
• It can be small.  (Example: "Take photos of me and John together," or "Research Adobe Illustrator prices.")
• It can be big. (Example: "Take a long-arm quilting class," or "Finish my Wedding Album.")
• It can be an idea for a project. (Example: "Create a mini-album with all those Staten Island Ferry photos.")
• It can be a technique you want to experiment with. (Example: "Create some small mono-printed quilts.")
• It can be a contest or personal challenge.  (Example: "Enter CK Hall of Fame Contest," or "Do more layouts with multiple photos.")
• It can be anything that crosses your mind, like "Handmade Ornaments."  Just write it down.

Remember, no idea or project is too big or too small.  Just start writing them down over the next few weeks.  We'll discuss what to do with this list at the beginning of December.  But, trust me, it will make Project Fifty-Two so very easy!

Finally, I thought I'd leave you with a layout...

Fabric, Glimmer Mist, Hand Cutting, Layering, Foam Adhesive, felt, Rhinestones, Hand Dyed Tags, Paint, Spackle...so much happy arty goodness!

Label Tulip...is almost sold out again!

Seriously!  It's amazing.  Most of the kits sold out about an hour after they went on sale.  You can still get the main kit and one of the add-ons I think, but that's it!  Here's the main kit:

And here's what I did with it (plus I'll admit that I still have some stuff left over!  These are *big* kits!):

I had some issues photographing this banner.  That's not a very nice photo, is it?  I don't have a fence or a mantle or anywhere else to hang something like this.  I really made it to bring to my Mom's for Thanksgiving.  Maybe I'll take a photo of it when it's at her house - much nicer environment than my apartment!  Here's a close up:

For those of you who took my "7 Elements of Design" class, this was the prize for completing all your homework.  I designed the cutting files for my Klic-N-Kut and then let it do the work!  I did use a distressing tool and a lot of ink to provide some dimension as well.

I think that this is my favorite of the layouts I did.  The border of the page was done with four colors of ink, a very cool stamp from the kit, clear embossing powder, and an iron.  And I'm really into these paper ruffles lately.  I can't stop making them!

I'm not a particularly "trendy" scrapper, but I have noticed a big trend is butterflies!  They're everywhere.  And this kit definitely had some cute ones!

Firstly, I have to thank my brother for the layout title.  When he sent me this photo, that was the subject of his message.

Secondly, the kit only had two of the Maya Road flowers, so I made more from felt and some rhinestones.  Here's a tutorial on how to do that for yourself:

I've never seen the embossed cardstock that makes up the base of this layout.  I'm not sure who makes it, but it was a great base for some creative inking.  (It was originally yellow.)

I know that I said this when I posted the sneaks, but these Basic Grey letters are really fantastic.  I just got some in a different font with my Just Let Me Scrapbook goodies and (I know this is blasphemy) but they are way better than Thickers.  I like the size better.  I like the amount of letters you get so much!  An entire uppercase and lowercase set.  (I still have letters left after all these layouts.)  And they stick.  Really stick.  I am a fan.

This month's challenge was to make a page about what you're thankful for.  This is a cleaner kind of look for me, but I'm always a fan of a simple grid, you know?

I tried something new with the MME rub-ons that came in the kit: I punched a square from the text section.  I really like the look.  I think it's a technique I'm going to have to try again!

I am a slow scrapper.  A layout can take me a loooooooong time.  So, I was shocked when this one came together in under an hour!  I used some of the home made buttons from this tutorial I posted last week.

The background is a Maya Road sheer (such a cool idea) covered in alcohol inks. I'm planning to do a little tutorial this week, I just have to find some time to do it!

In any case, please, please, please check out the Tulip Girls Gallery.  It is an *amazing* collection of art and I am humbled and awed and inspired by the creativity!

Thanks for stopping by!

Busy - Lots of Excuses

Geez Louise, I haven't posted in many several days.  So, what's been keeping me from blogging?

1. Label Tulip kits go on sale tomorrow, so I've been madly trying to finish up my layouts.

2. My templates column for Scrapbook Dimensions Magazine is due tomorrow.  So, I've been writing that and having lots of hybrid fun!

3. I also have a project due tomorrow for Scrapbook Dimensions using the Unibind machine.  It's pretty cool.  It melts the glue in the book cover to create a glued book binding.

4. I'm working on the December stamp set for Scrapbook Takeout.  I've got lots of ideas, but I just need some time to sit down and draw, you know?

5. I interviewed some potential sales people for Portrait Bug yesterday.  The store is going to open next week and they're looking for people to start working the floor.  It is amazing how quickly you can tell whether or not someone is a good fit.  It's also amazing how few people have good eye contact.

6. I placed a *huge* order with Ranger.  I'm trying to develop some new ideas using their supplies for upcoming classes at Portrait Bug.  I had fun making this super cool UTEE mosaic.  I was trying to mimic shattered glass or broken tail light fragments or something urban like that...

I think it's much cooler in person.

7. Speaking of classes, I did put some classes on the Portrait Bug calendar for December.  Photos of the projects aren't up yet, but it's on my ever growing "to do" list.

8. On a totally personal level, I want to go to the Manhattan Meetup crop tonight, but I have rehearsal from 4-11pm and I'm thinking that I'll probably be too pooped to party even if the rest of the ladies are still going strong.  But, we'll see how I feel later today.

9. My new printer and I are getting to know each other and while it's a good relationship, it's still a process.  I'm hoping to post a review sometime after all these deadlines pass!

10. New Quilts, New Quilts, New Quilts.  I've been sketching.  I've got a lot of ideas for some new quilts that I want to make.  I'm in a typography frame of mind lately.

So, that's what's going on.  I'm hoping to offer up some new work and at least one tutorial next week, but we'll see what the weekend brings!

Thanks for stopping by!

Scrap Love

I wrote this post for the Label Tulip blog.  It appeared over there last week, but I wanted to share it here too:

I gather from this thread on the Label Tulip message board that most people throw away their paper scraps. Not me. I'm a paper hoarder. I love to save my scraps and keep them by my desk in file folders sorted by color. But I'm not going to try to convince you to save your scraps. Rather, I'm going to try to convince you to use your scraps by transforming them into embellishments you can use later.

A lot of people don't like to keep their scraps because they find that (1) they don't use them and (2) it's a pain to store them. My solution answers both of these complaints.

Here's the deal: The next time you're cleaning up from working on a layout, make a little pile of your scraps and try out one of these ideas:

1. Flowers

There are many different styles of flowers, but the lollipop flowers are very popular right now and super easy to make. Here's how:

3. Basic Shapes

There are really only three shapes that I ever pre-cut so that I have a bunch on hand: (1) tags, (2) stars, (3) hearts. That's what I tend to reach for. You may have a different set of shapes that you like to work with. Now, I like a super handmade look, so I don't use a pattern or a template. I just start cutting. If you're a neater person, you may want to use a template, a die cut machine, or a punch. Here's a recent layout where I used up a bunch of scrappy hearts:

I store my shapes in a little drawer and just poke through them when the need arises!

3. Buttons

I am a button addict. They always seem to add just the perfect finishing touch, you know? With a few scraps, a circle punch, a hole punch, and some diamond glaze, you can make your own! Watch this video to find out how...

When you're finished, put away your new embellishments for later use on a card, layout, or even as a pretty finishing touch to a package!

I hope you enjoyed these tips!  Have a great day (and stop throwing away your scraps!!!)

Project Fifty-Two: Question and Answers

A few days ago, I posted about my year-long project for 2009: Project Fifty-Two.  (Click here to read that post.)  I'm so tickled that some of you are planning to join me for the ride!  There were some questions and comments from that post that I wanted to make sure I addressed:

i was just thinking about plans for 2009...projects, goals, etc. From my Project 365 experience the key is keeping it simple. I'm intrigued by your idea :)

Posted by: jillconyers | November 06, 2008 at 06:12 AM

im TOTALLY IN. i tried the 365 portrait a day project, and felt totally overwhelmed. but this sounds do-able! thanks for the inspo! :D i hope your year goes well. :D

Posted by: shaina | November 06, 2008 at 04:04 PM

I was inspired to start this project partially because of my own experiences with Project 365.  I've really enjoyed it, but my ambitious idea to upload all my photos to this site and print them all and include some journaling...has just fizzled out.  I am still taking photos most days, but I am pooped.  Too complicated and too much of a commitment, you know?

I'm SO in. Yeah! I was thinking of making something up for myself, but I LOVE playing along with others. Hope we'll have a flickr group. Can't believe I have to wait till Jan 1.

Posted by: Gina | November 06, 2008 at 07:29 AM

Yes, we will have a flickr photo pool.  But once again, this is meant to be super low stress and super low commitment, so no one is required to participate in the flickr group.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar with flickr, it's a *free* photo sharing site and you can have photo pools (private and public) where people share their work and leave praise for each other. 

This is a great idea. Way less pressure. I'm thinking I might do it. Thanks for the inspo missy. Are we just sharing via your blog?

Posted by: Aimee | November 06, 2008 at 02:11 PM

If you don't want to join flickr, then I will have a post on my blog each week where you can leave a link to your layout whether it's on your blog, or at your favorite scrapbook site's gallery.

I love thisidea. I am going to try to participate. of course, I just posted on my blog about how overwhelmed I am...what's one more project?

Posted by: lily | November 06, 2008 at 08:24 AM

Your idea does sound really cool. I seem to start all these cool projects then stop somewhere along the way. But, I could try!!

Posted by: Sue | November 06, 2008 at 09:27 AM

definitely sounds intriguing. Ill have to think about it....because I am really bad at sticking with projects, LOL.

Posted by: Liz | November 06, 2008 at 03:00 PM

Sounds like such a wonderfuul concept, Id love to say Im joining you, but I know Id fall off the bandwagon :)

Posted by: Suzanne Webb | November 06, 2008 at 06:42 PM

Lily, Sue, Liz, Suzanne, and anyone else who is concerned that they'll fall off the bandwagon, or that it will be too much, don't worry.  The entire point of this project is to feel creative every week without any stress.  Remember, you can simply snap a photograph if that's all you have the energy for.  Or rip out a magazine ad that inspires you.  I'm thinking of it like this: I'm making a commitment to find at least ten minutes every week to do something creative, just for me. 

Hope that helps answer some of your questions!

Thanks for stopping by!

Label Tulip: November Sneaks!

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who said they're even thinking about joining in my little Project Fifty-Two.  There were some questions left in the comments section and I will answer them all in my next post! In the meantime...

Here are some sneaks of some of my projects using the November Label Tulip kit, which will go up for sale on November 15.  It's a really gorgeous kit and so beautifully coordinated.  Plus, I'm in *love* with the awesome alphas in this kit.  Seriously, I'm going to have to buy a million in every color.  The font, the size, the value.  I adore them!

 

I've got a few more projects up my sleeve, so watch for the design team reveal on the 15th!