Frequently Asked Questions:

Hey everyone, we're busy creating something special for you all but in the meantime we ask that you send in your questions! They can be about scrapbooking, paper crafting, adhesives, cutting tools, techniques, anything scrapbooking related! This is going to be for a new segment to our blog titled "FAQ" aka frequenly asked questions. Feel free to post them in this blog as a comment or e-mail them to us at patcatansblog@yahoo.com

thanks!

Fun ways to use left over paper

I don't know if EVERY Pat Catan's store has magazines because I've not been to EVERY store but I imagine they do. I like it when the new magazines come out. I'm usually the one of the first ones looking through them for ideas and inspiration. The new "Paper Creations Magazine" for Fall is out. There were several cute projects! Two of the projects that caught my eye are party favor boxes. Both use a small round paper mache' box, leftover acrylic paints, crepe paper and extra bits and pieces of scrapbooking paper. They are projects to make when you have lots of little things lying around that you want to find a use for.


They take a little time and I wouldn't want to make them for say, a class of 30 children but 5-10 wouldn't be too bad. If you'd like to make them, just pick up the magazine at one of our stores and give it a try. The directions are clear and pretty easy. If you need help stop by the Cuyahoga Falls store and I'll answer your questions. I'd love to see pictures of your creations so feel free to email them and if I can I'll post them.

So, what -is- Chipboard?

About.com describes chipboard as the following:

Chipboard: (noun) Pressed fiber thick paper, usually made from recycled paper. Chipboard is used for the backing of notepads, backing of stacks of business forms, and in scrapbooking used to ship stacks of sheets of paper to scrapbook stores. Some manufacturers are making acid-free/lignin free chipboard specifically for use in making scrapbook pages. Chipboard can be used to create thickness in scrapbook page embellishments and monogram letters. You can paint it, sand it, cover it with patterned paper, and use rub-on letters to embellish it. Mat board, found in the framing section of your local craft store, can be used as an excellent substitute for chipboard.

Chipboard is one of the most versatile scrapbook supplies we carry. Currently I (new Jen) am working on a comprehensive chipboard guide to show all of you just how great this product is and how to use it. Currently our store carries square and circle pre-cut chipboard pieces and 12 by 12 inch chipboard papers. I hope to have this chipboard guide up no later than the beginning of October (hey, it's a lot of work!). I'm also working on mini-chipboard album patterns you can create using the 12 by 12 inch chipboard! (and a gluestick, corner rounder, and more!)

Also, in efforts to make this blog even more informative we will also be adding a FAQ (frequently asked questions). This may stem from questions we receive in store to questions our blog readers e-mail to us. If it picks up it can become a weekly to bi-weekly addition to our blog. ANY questions you may have about anything scrapbook, paper craft, stamping, card making etc please e-mail us at patcatansblog@yahoo.com. Also any feedback, comments, questions, constructive criticism also please send to that address. This address is for me (Jen), Vicki and Keith. The old blogger Jen can still be reached at the e-mail that used to be on this site.

Thanks for reading! Please send in feedback! The more feedback the better we can help make this blog even better!

Happy weekend!
Jen

(who will be scrapping tonight! finally)

Just a reminder...

This week our stores begin our Scrapbook Department resets! All stores should be finished by mid- August! So many awesome new things coming in I can't wait for you all to see!

Also stay tuned for a scrapbook layout or two from me. I'm turning 29 in a day and I had a great idea for a scrapbook page (or maybe even a mini book) on the topic of almost being 30. Perhaps it may spark some ideas on pages you can do for reaching a milestone time in your life. I hope to have that up by the end of the week!

Happy scrapping!

Chipboard Pre-Cut Circles Mini Album

These are so cool! Made out of chipboard these pre-cut circles can be used for so many things. One of my favorite things, though, are mini albums. While working the other day I noticed we got in new fall and Halloween themed stamps by See D's Lil' Stamps. Coming in an assortment these stamps are great for projects big and small! This one just happens to land in the small category. It's quick, easy and fun and can be made in under an hour!
((click image for larger view!))




Ingredients:

• Chipboard Circles by Darice (I'll have item # up soon!)
• Lil' Stamps of choice (I used the Halloween assortment)
• Gluestick (I prefer Leeho)
• Scissors (I use the detail sharp scissors by Tonic)
• Ink Pad (I used Versafine Archival Instant Dry Pigment Ink in Onyx Black)
• Decorative Chalks
• Photos pertaining to the stamp subject
• Ribbons of choice
• Opening metal rinG
• Cardstock in colors of choice (I used Bazzil)
• Patterned paper of choice
• Scrapbooking pen
• Sandpaper block (nail file, etc)
• Hole Punch (I used the Crop-A-Dile)
  

Using your gluestick cover one side of your chipboard and press it to the back of the cardstock or paper you want. Set aside to dry for a moment and repeat this step with your other chipboard pieces. When dried a little bit take your detail scissors and trim as close as you can around the edge. Gently sand the edge of your chipboard until it looks smooth and no jagged edges. Repeat this with all pieces. On the empty side apply glue and press onto paper of choice and repeat the process over again.

Once you have your circles finished, punch a hole in desired spot on each piece so you know where your top is as you work. Using rubber stamps of choice, stamp your circles where desired. Crop your photos and place onto circles. *note* You can use a whole photo in replacement of paper. When finished attach all circles with metal ring and cut strips of ribbon and tie into knots on the ring. That's all there is to it!

With the rubber stamps you can stamp on one color and trim the image out, use decorative chalk or markers to color in or just leave blank. I also use the chalk to add edging to the circles and shadows to the stamped images.

Well there it is, have fun with it! This would make a cute baby book, brag photo book, gift tags and more! I'd love to see your projects if you make any! Enjoy!