Doodle Red Smash Folio Book (K & Company)	Mod Black Smash Folio Book (K & Company)
Pretty Pink Smash Folio Book (K & Company)	Retro Blue Smash Folio Book (K & Company)

But they are selling out fast…

About 2 weeks ago I purchased a few items from the new cool concept line by K&Company, called: “Smash Books”. I received my fun-mail last Wednesday and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! There is absolutely no good reason for not updating you guys before, but here I am. Updating. Better late than never, right?

Doodle Red Smash Folio Book (K & Company)	Mod Black Smash Folio Book (K & Company)
Pretty Pink Smash Folio Book (K & Company)	Retro Blue Smash Folio Book (K & Company)

My Review

I got the pink/ pretty book because I am a girly girl.

The cover of the book is fabulous. The floral design is actually embossed into the craft hardcover.

The inside of the book is lovely too. Each page is different. Some come in a double-page-spread and some are individually designed.

Aside from the cool page design that includes: flowers, maps, wallpaper design and more they also have many pages that include journaling prompts and other graphics that encourage and inspires to use the book on a daily basis. I LOVE that!

I am not crazy about each and every one of the page designs. Some are really awesome and some are less awesome.

For list lovers, this book also has several list type prompts, such as: current memories, top ten, highlights of today and a book list. I think those are fantastic too.

I also bought a couple of the smash pads and I really like them. The designs are cute and the prompts are wonderful. I just wish there would be different designs instead of 4-5 pages of the same design but for $1.90 it is more than what I have expected (not to mention that other brands also sell duplicates of the same designs for more).

The pen/glue thingamajig is wonderful. The pen has a fine Sharpie-like tip and it writes very smoothly and the glue is great too. The idea of having them both together on the same stick is downright genius.

I would recommend these books to any one who likes to capture and record memories, stories and ideas. It’s perfect for that.

I would not recommend buying that as an alternative to a traditional scrapbook or a mini-album. For that purpose I think picking the colors and designs a-la-cart would be a better choice.

Now I want to try the doodle, retro and mod designs too!

IT IS ADDICTING.

On the inside flap of the book protector it enumerates all the things you are encouraged to tuck inside the book, I think it’s inspiring, so I’m going to write it down for you guys:

• Wish Lists
• Magazine Clips
• Cookie Fortunes
• Feathers
• Recipes
• Ticket Stubs
• Favorite Movies
• Snapshots
• Doodles
• VIP Passes
• Postcards
• Kid Quotes
• Love Letters
• Paint Swatches
• Notes to Self
• Jokes
• Favorite Quotes
• Project Ideas
• To Do Lists
• Business Cards
• Favorite Songs
• Cocktail Napkins
• Souvenirs
• Newspaper Clips
• Reading Lists
• Sketches
• Poems
• Design Ideas
• Fabric Swatches
• Life Lists
• Fan Club Stickers
• Greeting Cards
• Swizzle Sticks
• Wrappers

Now, even if you do not have a Smash Book [though I highly recommend it], you can uses these smash prompts and make your own book on a plain composition notebook.

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What do you think? Do you love this idea too? Do you have a Smash Book? Share by leaving a comment.

Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.

I was honored when a reader sent me a copy of her new e-book “Save On Scrapbooking Now” for review. It means a lot to me that my opinion matters to you guys and I truly appreciate it.

So here I go, without further ado.

I love the premise of the book. I too believe that scrapbooking is a precious hobby but shouldn’t be as expensive as it may get.

All it takes is a pinch of creativity and a sprinkle of freebies and you are all set.

In this book, Kaye Grieve is offering an extensive overview of the world of scrapbooking, from the tools of the trade to stretching your supply and getting some more bang for your hard earned buck.

I love the thoroughness of the book and the ease of use with links outside as well as inside the book, for a quick reference.

I think the book is extremely useful to novice scrapbookers and also provides many great ideas for savvy ones.

You may think of it as a scrapbooking-encyclopedia => It’s wide-raging, useful and sports a utilitarian design that is good for scrapbookers who do not have time for extra frills.

I was not compensated for the review nor am I using an affiliate link of any sorts. I am just giving my genuine opinion on it.

Enjoy!

I have been accumulating tape runners for a while, trying to find the best one for me.

Now that I have used the three major “actors” in the adhesive arena, I wanted to make a short review for your benefit.

In this review I will go through the ease of use and the environmental footprint of each tape runner. You will also be able to appreciate the difference in size of each tape runner. In general all three are very good adhesives, but the above points varies amongst them.

I have paid for all the adhesives myself and was not asked to make this review by any company, this is my honest opinion based on my own experience.

Video Review

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Recap

1. Tombow Tape Runners

Pros: Easy to use, adheres well, smooth application.
Cons: Shorter refill (39 feet), not environmentally friendly due to many disposed plastic parts.
Get it:

• Regular Scrapbook.com | Two Peas In A Bucket
• Temporary Scrapbook.com | Two Peas In A Bucket
• Dots Scrapbook.com | Two Peas In A Bucket
2. Glue Glider Pro by Glue Arts

Pros: Adheres well, smooth application and a larger refill (60 feet).
Cons: Not environmentally friendly due to many disposed plastic parts.
Get it: Scrapbook.com

3. Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG)

Pros: Easy to use, adheres well, smooth application and the largest refill (36 yards or 108 feet – comes in a package of two which totals in 72 yards or 216 feet) and most environmentally friendly because it has the smallest plastic waste.
Cons: More difficult to replace refills (though it takes a minute instead of a second) and it is more expensive to get the dispenser, though the refills are cheaper in the long run.
Get it: Scrapbook.com

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The Story

You know how much I love recycling and turning my trash into treasure so it’s no surprise that I came up with this project after my bathroom got filled with empty boxes of soap.

When Amy from Mod Podge Rocks e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to use some of the Plaid products on my future projects I knew this mini book idea would be perfect for the test run. The funny thing is that just before Amy e-mailed me, I already bought a huge bottle of Mod Podge Gloss for paper just the week before so I had a chance to try out 2 other products that got sent to me by the company: Mod Podge Hard Coat and Mod Podge Sparkle.

I really, really, really loved the Mod Podge Hard Coat. I initially chose it for another project. I accidentally ruined a set of coasters I had and thought the Hard Coat formula will be perfect to restore them. However I used this as a top coat for the mini book and it is amazing. It is a bit thicker than the original formula and it dries clear into a hard coat (just as its name suggests…) that seals the cover and secure the binding of the book. I really recommend this for book makers.

The Sparkle formula has fine glitter in it and it adds a fun glittery top coat to any surface. What i like about it is that it adds the glitter without the mess that usually goes with it… You just need to apply it with a foam brush and the glittery particles doesn’t rub off of it after it dries up.

The recycled mini book can be made out of any box, of any size, so I purposefully left out exact measurement, so you can use the same technique on any empty box that comes your way.

So if you feel like playing along and learn how to make this recycled mini book, keep on reading.

Tools and Supply

This project uses MINIMAL supply, as it’s mostly recycled.

• Empty cardstock or chipboard box.
• Scraps of paper for the signatures (each insert much be double the width of the cover and the same height)
• Mod Podge Paper Glossy
• Mod Podge Hard Coat (optional, but HIGHLY recommended to secure the cover and binding)
• Mod Podge Sparkle (optional)
• Scissors
• Foam brush (or a wide brush)
• Paper piercer
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scrap of copier paper – the same width and height of the spine.
• Needle + thread

How To

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Step by Step Instructions

1. Flatten the box by carefully disconnecting the connecting flaps at the bottom and inside the box. You may also use a craft knife for that.
2. Use your scissors to cut off the flaps, as well as the inner flap and the short edge attached to it, so you are left with 3 sections: 2 cover sections and a spine, already creased for you…
3. Measure the width and height of the cover sections and the spine and cut pieces of patterned paper at the same size for the cover. If you want to conceal the binding you will need one piece the size of the cover section and the other size larger by the width of the spine plus an additional inch. If you choose to conceal the binding, adhere the outer cover papers at the end.
4. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cover section and the spine, lay the pattern paper on top of it and apply an additional layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it off. Put it aside to dry.
5. Take a plain copier paper, the same width and height of the spine and mark 3 horizontal lines on it – one at the center and two additional ones, about an inch apart. If you work on a larger box, you may want to add more lines, equally separated from each other.
6. Next mark equally separated vertical line, each line stands for one signature. I used 5 signatures, so I drew 5 vertical lines, one at the center and the rest in ¼” intervals.
7. Cut your signature inserts to double the width of the cover section and the same height and fold each signature of paper inserts in half.
8. Line up the paper guide with the inner crease of the signature and poke holes on the crease next to each of the 3 horizontal lines. these holes will help later with the binding process.
9. After the inner cover is layered with paper with a base and top coat of Mod Podge and completely dry, line up the paper guide with the inner spine and poke a hole at each of the intersections of the horizontal lines with the vertical lines.
10. Start binding the signatures together. Take the first one, insert the needle through the center hole and into the center hole of the signature, than to the upper hole and back from the bottom hole, into the center hole to the outer cover – repeat on all the signatures.
11. Once you finish binding all the signatures together, weave the thread through the center line of threads until it meets the initial loose end and tie them together in a tight knot. Cut the excess thread and tidy up the knot to look as smooth and straight as possible.
12. Lastly, apply a layer of Mod Podge Top Coat on top of the outer cover and the spine, it will secure the binding as well. You may also apply an additional layer of Sparkle Mod Podge if you want a fun glittery finish to your mini book.
13. Enjoy!!!

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If you have any question, suggestion or remark – don’t hesitate to contact me – either leave a comment here, use the contact form or start a new thread on the Creativity Prompt Flickr Group!!!

I would also be very happy to see your own creations, so don’t be shy and share

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”.
This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.
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Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Michael Cassidy of Rand Media Co. and asked whether i would like to receive a pre-released copy of “The Skinny On Creativity” for review.

This book is part of a series of publications entitled “The Skinny On”.

To better understand the idea behind this series, let me quote from the introduction to the book:

“In our time-starved and information-overload culture, most of us have far too little time to read. As a result, our understanding of important subjects often tends to float on the surface – without the insights of writings from thinkers and teachers who have spent years studying these subjects.

Our series is intended to address this situation. Our team of readers and researchers has done a ton of homework preparing our books for you. We read everything we could find on the topic at hand and spoke with the experts. Then we mixed in our experiences and distilled what we have learned into this skinny book for your benefit.”

The book “The Skinny on Creativity” is no different.

It is well written in a very clear and concise way.

At first glance I thought the book is too simplistic because of its unique style. However, I quickly understood the book is designed to be perceived differently by each individual who reads it.

I can either read the snippets as they are conveyed and move on quickly or I can pause after reading each notion to ponder and contemplate about it.

In other words, I can read it either very fast or very slowly, depending on what I wish to get out of this book and I absolutely love it. Not to mention that I may want to read it slowly at first but have the option to go through it quickly later on.

Before writing my own book, “Unleashing The Creative Child Within You”, I conducted an extensive research on creativity. I read a ton of books and essays and covered the subject of creativity from A to Z. Therefore the ideas presented in the book The Skinny On Creativity were not new to me, but still I could find a fresh outlook on these ideas by the connections the author made between them and the order he decided to put them on.

I also enjoyed the humor the author injected to the otherwise very theoretical book. It made my reading much more joyful and several times it led me to an entirely different outlook on the subject matter.

In Short

I think this book is perfect for someone who is looking for an extensive overview on the subject of creativity but without having the time for the extensive reading required.

In addition, the wittiness and pithiness of the book are very inspiring and were actually honing my creativity while I was reading it. I kept coming up with new project ideas which is always a delightful characteristic in a book on creativity.

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Have you read any of the “The Skinny On” books? If so, what did you think about them?
Have you read another good book lately that you’d like to recommend? Please share by leaving a comment on this post.

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.

The grunge, vintage and distressed look seem to have always been “in style”. this look adds a fabulous touch to a project and makes it look like an handmade, one-of-a-kind piece of art (which is a great look to have, don’t you think).

Tim Holtz is well known for creating wonderful altered art with a characteristic distressed look. Therefore it isn’t surprising that he came up with a line of products for Rangers Industries designed to help getting this one of a kind look.

On this post I am going to review Tim Holtz’s distress inks and foam blending tool.

Overview

The distress ink is an acid free dye ink with an agent that delays drying, which makes those inks more blendable.

The foam applicator is basically a tool with a wooden handle and interchangeable foam applicators, designed to absorb the distress ink and apply it moderately and with more control to the altered surface (paper, cardstock, chipboard, fabric etc.).

Using these tools together you can conquer the world create a special distressed look, tint photos and apply a color wash to porous surfaces.

I like

Pros

• Gorgeous colors. The designers at Ranger Industriess really did a great job at picking up the colors for the ink pads. They are absolutely beautiful.
• Compatibility. Ranger has an entire line of distress inks, paints and embossing powders and all the colors matches perfectly, which makes our life easy when coordinating colors on our projects.
• High quality. Those ink are really excellent. They are vibrant and won’t fade. When you apply the ink it appears to be very vibrant and gets more subtle once it’s dried. However, after the color is set, it stays there magnificently.
• Inexpensive. For their size, the ink pads are really inexpensive. The blending tool is also inexpensive if you have more than one ink pad, as the interchangeable applicators are coming in a pack of 10 (The basic handle comes with 2 applicators as well)!!!

Cons

• highly addictive. After you get a couple ink pads, you start developing an appetite and although these ink pads are inexpensive individually, the price does add up when you start a collection (and you need a different foam applicator for each color). I wish they had small queues, like Clearsnap’s colorbox chalk inks.
• Staining. Once you’ve got some distress ink on your fingers, it doesn’t come off. No matter how long you are going to wash it with soap and water… I’ve been trying to avoid contact, but it’s impossible. You have to touch the applicator in order to replace it… If you have any tips on that matter I’d love to hear them!
• Packaging. The ink pads are designed to stack together on top of each other, which is great, BUT the cap seems to have a will of its own and it magically opens all the time. It wouldn’t be such a big problem if the ink wasn’t that powerful (and staining => see above). A larger inking surface will be appreciated too, as this ink is PERFECT for background stamps.

Tips

1. Foam applicators storage. Ranger does have a special Craft Spinner for storing the applicators. But it works only for the tool itself, and doesn’t answer the need to store the applicators themselves and it’s also a bit pricey.

   I came up with a nifty idea that I want to share with you. Just cut a small Velcro piece with a self adhesive back and adhere it to the base of the ink pads. The applicator will stick on it and you can easily know what color ink the applicator is for. (Just make sure to store the ink pad upside down so it won’t stain your drawer or shelf and it will also keep your ink juicy).
   

2. Ink application.
   • For inking up the edges of your paper or cardstock, tilt your applicator in 45 degrees and gently pass it across the edge. The harder you press on the applicator, the thicker and less precise the inking will get – so instead of applying pressure on it, just repeat the application over and over until you get the desired result.
   • For distressing the surface itself, hold your applicator straight down, start from the outside and go in with swirling motions.
   • You can also cut the applicator to smaller pieces if you want to ink up smaller surfaces or ink with more control – this technique can also help if you want to add a tint to a black and white photo.

These are some cards I have made, using the distress inks:

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Have you ever used distress inks? If so, how did you find them?

I hope this review has been helpful for you, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment on this post

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• On The Catwalk – Papertrey Ink

I hereby introduce a new type of featured posts on Creativity Prompt, titled: “On The Catwalk“.

On these posts I will review different products – both tools and supply – as well as different stores, artists and other creative spots I have been stumbling upon. “On the catwalk” would not be posted on a weekly basis as the rest of the prompts, but only from time to time, as I spot something worth sharing…

Marching proudly on the catwalk this week are Papertrey Ink‘s products.

Overview -

Papertrey Ink is a company offering original photopolymer stamp sets as well as the ink pads, cardstock and ribbons to accompany the stamping (and some other cool tools and supply).

The company is releasing a few stamp sets each month (on the 15th) along with new shades of ink pads, cardstock and ribbons.

This is how their stamp set is packed:

[Polka Dot Basics]

As you can see, minor assembling is needed but their built-in storage solution is fantastic. The clear plastic case is also great for paper scraps’ storage.

[The content of the stamp set's package]

[The assembled stamp set]

Tip -

I find it the easiest to first lay all the stamps down inside the CD case and then cut off the impressions from the index label sheet individually and stick them on the CD cover, behind the matching stamp.

Pros -

• High Quality - Their cardstock is heavy weight, at 110lb – it is the heaviest cardstock I have come across (apart from specialty artist’s paper which is very expensive). With its smooth texture, the stamped impression is perfect each time. The cardstock also takes heat embossing and water coloring very well. In addition, the sturdiness of the cardstock makes it the perfect for notebook covers (as you can see at the picture above.)
  The vellum is extremely high quality and can be made into a card by itself, as you can see below:
  
  [Click on the photo above for a larger size]
  Their stamps are very durable and gives clean impressions.
  Also their ink pads (by Palette) are excellent too. The ink dries quickly and the light opaque ink-pads give a strong impression on darker colored surfaces.
• Great use of the transparency of the stamps - The stamps’ design is very imaginative and the transparency of the stamps is well incorporated into it. The stamp sets are nestable, thus allow you to customize and adjust your stamped image with layering.
• True Match system - Papertrey Ink is offering matching cardstock, ink pads and ribbon for a perfect coordination.

Cons -

• Price - The stamps are on the expensive side, at 24 USD per set (some smaller sets are sold at 15 USD and the mini ones, that compliment the bigger sets are sold at 5 USD). You can rest assured I would have bought each and every stamp set, had it not been so expensive.
• Shipping – I am a true fan of Papertrey Ink’s products, which makes me more susceptible to delays. It took about 15-20 days for me to receive the products (in California) after making the order. I wanted to play with my new stuff much sooner… On the other hand, they offer a flat rate price for shipping (to continental US) and free shipping on orders above 55 USD (to continental US).
• Release agent - Some of the stamps might have a release agent residue on them, which can interfere with your stamping. On the information leaflet that comes with the stamp, they advise to erase the stamps with a pencil eraser… After getting the residue off, the stamps are perfect.

This is my current Papertrey stash:

I am planning on increasing this stash, significantly… (as my budget allows)

Stay tuned, as tomorrow I am going to post a video tutorial on how to make this notebook using Papertrey Ink’s products.

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Have you ever used Papertrey Ink’s products? What do you think about them?
Is there a specific product or tool you would like me to review?

Share your thoughts and leave a comment on this post!