February Scrapbook Challenge

I want to inspire you to COMPLETE your albums! Consider joining this challenge to complete a 12x12 or 81/2 x 11 2-page spread using the heart shaped cutter from Creative Memories Custom Cutting System, Gemstone Patterns.

	Gemstone Patterns

This shape must appear on each of the 2-pages. It can be used as a mat or journal box there is no limit to the endless possibilities. You can enhance your page layout with more hearts using the new Sweetheart Maker

	Sweet Heart Maker

or the Heart Maker of Creative Memories Shape Maker Collection.

Heart Maker

To submit your pages, please email a picture of your completed 2-page spread to boworks@aol.com. This challenge ends on Saturday, February 28th. The winner will be announced in March and their 2-page spread will be posted on this blog.

Save time and money this Valentine's Day

With Creative Memories products, preparing for Valentine's Day can be fun, easy and economical. Here I used leftover Creative Memories paper from previous paper packs to make a greeting card. It was easy with my Creative Memories Custom Cutting System, I used the heart shaped cutter and red blade for the large heart and I used the heart punches for the smaller hearts. I then used a couple of strips of coordinating paper and I stamped the word "love" in the corner for my little message.

For my gift, I chose to make a little gift bag using my Creative Memories paper and my Cricut machine. I plan to fill it with candy for my sweetie.

Valentine's Day Is Just Around The Corner

Document your celebration with one of these great products from Creative Memories.

Primary Valentine Power™ Palette Additions

Specifications • 4 double-sided sheets of paper • 8 double-sided photo mats • 1 sheet of clear title stickers (English only) • 1 sticker sheet Features • Contains a variety of Valentine-themed paper and stickers • Coordinates with the Primary Power Palette • Photo-safe Price (US) $9.00 Power Palette Additions are coordinating add-ons to our Power Palette line. Additions allow you to supplement a Power Palette with special-occasion-themed paper and stickers.

Ltd. Ed. With Love Paper Album Kit

Price (US) $16.00 Create the perfect mini storybook with the With Love Paper Album Kit. Makes a great gift just as it is, or quickly assembles with photos using the coordinated, precut decorative accessories. All the pieces to create a beautifully accessorized album are provided in the kit. Limited time. To place an order or check out more of our products Visit my website at www.mycmsite.com/sites/michelebowie Specifications • 1 Paper Album - 6 white pages/12 sides • 14 sheets of double-sided printed papers • 12 double-sided photo mats • 1 sheet of epoxy stickers • 1 sheet of die-cut flourishes • 1 sheet of clear title stickers in brown (English only) • 1 envelope (extra postage required) Features • Rectangular cover window to display a photo • Overall size is 6.5 x 6.5 inches.

Creative Memories Everyday Display featured in Scrapbooking.com Magazine

Basic Techniques Department

Square One: Head for the Wall Part III - Magnetic Personality

by Judi Kauffman for Creative Memories

I couldn't resist another installment of Head for the Wall. Part III has the subtitle "Magnetic Personality" because the projects are based on frames with a magnetic surface in the center, just right for easy to change wall décor. Pop a square into position, hold it in place with four super strong magnets; add some hanging elements across the front and the project is done in a jiffy.

Mini Heritage Everyday Display Intermediate Project by Jen Pohl for Creative Memories Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to create simple projects, this is a good place to start. The magnetic surface and magnets offer a lot of flexibility and endless options. Change your mind; replace what you had! It's that easy.

Mia's Room Intermediate Project by Addie Rysavy for Creative Memories Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

Getting started:
Use the two projects shown (courtesy of Creative Memories) for inspiration. If you want to duplicate them exactly as shown, step by step instructions and supply lists are provided.

Some of the many possibilities:
*Change the art each week and make an album out of the 52 different squares at the end of the year.
*Invite eleven friends to join a swap, each person choosing a month and including a calendar in their creations.
*Take turns - get the kids in on the act. Let them make layouts to welcome house guests or to celebrate special occasions.
*Surprise the family - don't tell them when a new work of art will appear...but reward the first person who notices with a special treat.
*Make wedding, anniversary, or graduation gifts.
*Think of the frame as a scrapbook page for the wall, or use the square space for collage, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, children's art work - more like a bulletin board.
*Switch the hanging elements whenever new layouts are added - think of this part of the design as a headline.
*Consider the piece to be a family message center and hang tickets, appointment reminders, and such across the front instead of using that space for lettering or dates.
*Because there is no glass across the front add as much dimension as desired.
*Instead of a layout, frame a single photo print, piece of beautiful scrapbook paper or gift wrap.
*Showcase report cards, a team photo or other timely bits and pieces.

To find the products mentioned in this article contact me or visit my website at www.mycmsite.com/sites/michelebowie .

Paper crafting with Creative Memories products

Wondering what to do with some of those miscellaneous sheets of paper? I used some of my paper to make these Valentine Treats. Then, I embellished this square glass candy jar by making these heart shapes with my Creative Memories Heart Shape Maker.