Off to CHA!

Hiya! I hope you're all sleeping in and have a relaxing weekend of crafting fun ahead of you!

 

By the time you read this blog post, I'll be on my way to the airport (blerg) to fly out to Anaheim for the Winter 2013 CHA Show. Well, technically I'm flying to Long Beach and then driving to Anaheim, but whatever. Details, details.

 

I'll be back next week with lots of great ideas for 2013 projects!

I will be tweeting pictures of things I see from the show. To follow the action, check me out here: @Kathryn_Scraps on Twitter.

You do not have to have a Twitter account to see my Tweets.
You can just bookmark the link above to follow the action online.

Just as a reminder, if you're ever looking for a link to my YouTube, or Pinterest or any other web presence I maintain, the best place to look is my website: Kathryn Is on the Web!
I have links there to all my social media accounts.

If you have questions while I am at the show, just Tweet back to me and I will try to answer them or get the info you're looking for. I can't promise to answer every request (things can be chaotic there and the conference center is SO big), but I will do my absolute best!

Also, if you are in the Anaheim area, you are invited to join me and some other online crafting "personalities" for a pizza party from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pacific USA time on Sunday, January 13, 2013. This party is hosted by Barrie and Carol of Scrapadabadoo in the meeting room of the Cortona Inn and Suites in Anaheim, CA near the Anaheim Convention Center.

You're also invited if you're not in the Anaheim area, but it might be a long way to go for some pizza. Especially if, say, you live in France or New Zealand. ;D

Please come party down with me, Mr. Lifeguard, Barrie and Carol, as well as Laura Denison from Following the Paper Trail; Jim Hankins from the Gentleman Crafter; Kathy Orta from Paper Phenomenon and all your friends from the online crafting community!

NEW VIDEO: Make Your Own Washi Tape!

 

 

Hi, everyone! I hope you're all enjoying your week ~ almost halfway through! I leave in two(ish) days to head out to Anaheim for the Winter 2013 CHA Show, so I hope to be back with lots of great ideas for 2013 projects.

 

I will be tweeting pictures of things I see from the show. To follow the action, check me out here: @Kathryn_Scraps on Twitter.

 

Before I go, though, I have one last video and two more USTREAMs for you!

On today's USTREAM shows, we're going to be making some cute Valentine treat holders.

 

I know it's only January 10th, but I'm doing them a month before the holiday so you will have plenty of time to mass produce them for kid's classrooms, church groups, friends, neighbors, etc. 

 

Treat box classes are this afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA time and then again this evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time. 

 

All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.

 

 

I have a longer USTREAM tutorial on how to make your own washi tape, which you can check out here if you prefer to see me work in real time: Homemade Washi.

 

 

I thought I'd make a shorter video for YouTube, in case anyone wanted some quick info or extra ideas for more tapes. I tried to make these tapes different from the ones we did on USTREAM.

 

 

 

 Also, I really didn't feel like folding my laundry or packing for CHA so "make a video" seemed like a GREAT idea at 2:00 a.m. :D

I'm super happy with how cute they all turned out! This is such a relaxing project for me, because I just love playing with colors, inks, stamps & just having fun. And if a style of tape doesn't work out, it's only tissue paper, so who cares!?!!!

I filmed this technique video for my YouTube channel.

 

You can watch the video below,

or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: Make Your Own Washi Tape.

 

 

Have a great day & see you later this afternoon!

Kathryn

Camera 360 App

Today I have a photography app for you to check out! The app I wanted to share with you today is the Camera360 Ultimate app by PinGuo Inc.

Original:

Camera360:

This app is available in both the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store, and it was free in the Google Play Store when I installed it.

It is available from Google Play and iTunes, and was free when I installed it. There are links to the app for both devices below.

Camera360 Ultimate for Android Devices

Camera360 Ultimate for Apple Devices


The Camera360 app is a photo editing app that can be used in conjunction with or in place of your device's camera app. What this means is that you can take pictures with your phone's regular camera and then edit them afterward with Camera 360, or you can take the photos with the Camera360 app itself. 

For example, these photos below were not taken with Camera360, but I used the app to edit them later:

Original:

Camera360:

Camera360 has several different way it can add to your photos. You can add frames or other scenery, add effects, add filters (they have TONS of filters) and make changes to the camera's focus, white balance and depth of field to give your more control over your photos.

There are A LOT of features to Camera360, so I recommend just sitting and playing with photos to see what you can make it do. It doesn't automatically save and share all your corrections and changes like some other social camera apps, which makes playing around easy and fun.

Original:

Camera360:

Camera360 is probably my current favorite of the camera and photography apps I have on my phone. I still have a lot to learn on the app, but I am experimenting with it all the time and having lots and lots of fun.

Hope you all have a great week & I enjoy the app! What are some of your favorite phone apps for scrapbooking and photography?

Kathryn :D

P.S. My translation app for the blog is broken. As soon as I find another good one, I'll replace it. In the meantime, if you view my blog in Google Chrome, you should be given the option of translating the blog from English.

Test Your Color IQ!

Happy Friday, my friends! Yesterday on the show we were talking about how well we see colors, and I promised to post this test that Mr. Lifeguard found.

This is an online color hue IQ test. I was a bit stressed about taking it at first because I always thought I had a good eye for color, and I really didn't want to find out I was wrong about that. I decided to take it anyway, and to my relief received the following result:





To test yourself, go to the X-Rite Online Color Challenge page and arrange the tiles as instructed: Online Color Challenge. 

It doesn't take too long and it is a fun little challenge. Be sure to come back and tell us how you did.

Have a GREAT weekend!

~Kathryn :D

Latest Manicure!

Yesterday my mom and I went to get our nails done. It was time for Santa to fly back to the North Pole!

The nail technician noticed my Santa design, and asked if she could design something different for my nails. I told her to go right ahead! I figured if it was really bad, I could always just have it removed and do a plain polish. Well, what she came up with was AMAZING!

I love the design she chose. It's so intricate and detailed and the colors are very me, as well. I also like that the design is on a clear base, so it will be less noticeable when they start to grow out. My nails grow very fast and I am not always the best at getting them redone in a timely fashion.

I'm definitely going to make an appointment to see her at the beginning of February and have her do something in pinks and reds for Valentine's Day!

See you this afternoon and evening for our regular USTREAM show! Today we are starting the mailbox project. Classes are this afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA time and then again this evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time. All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.

See ya!

Kathryn :D

NEW VIDEO: Photo Shoot Realities, 12"x12"

 

 

Hi, everyone & welcome to 2013! To be honest, 2012 basically sucked, so I am not too sad to see it go. But, like the poem from yesterday suggests, I am going to put all that behind me! I have my fingers crossed for good things from 2013. :D

In honor of turning over a new leaf, I have given my blog a total makeover for the new year! I like how fresh and clean it looks ~ like a new sheet of paper. :D And it really makes the layout photos pop, so I like that, too.

Here is my first layout video of 2013! This layout has some "out-takes" from my sister's engagement photo shoot. I'll probably be scrapping her engagement photos in a couple different ways, but in this version I wanted to talk specifically about some of our photo shoot challenges: cranky models & an impending hurricane (Sandy made landfall about eight hours after these photos were taken), to name just two.

I used papers and embellishments from the Studio Calico "34th Street" kit with the "Penn Station" and "Herald Square" add-ons. I took advantage of a deal from Northridge Publishing that enabled me to get all that for the price of the kit + S&H. I also mention in the video that I used some paper tape I made myself. I have a USTREAM tutorial on how to do that which you can check out here: Homemade Washi

Below are some pictures of the finished layout:

 

I filmed this layout coming together for my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below, or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: Photo Shoot Realities.

 

 

Have a great day & a great year! See you Thursday!

~Kathryn :D

P.S. CHA is getting SO close! Anything in particular you guys want to see? I will be tweeting from the floor again this year, so there should be lots to chat about!

Happy New Year!

If it didn't bring you joy,
     just leave it behind.

Let's ring in the new year,
     with good things in mind.

Let every bad memory go,
     that brought heartache and pain.

And let's turn a new leaf,
     with the smell of new rain.

Let's forget past mistakes,
     making amends for this year.

Sending you these greetings,
     to bring you hope and cheer.

Happy New Year!

~Kathryn :D

P.S. Have fun tonight & have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

NEW VIDEO: Almost Life-Sized!

Hi, everyone!

Congratulations on surviving the apocalypse! That was a lot less scary than it was made oput to be.

Today I have my last YouTube video before Christmas. This layout has a lot going on: it's the first kit club kit I've ever purchased, it's the first Instagram photo I've ever taken, it's one of my first photos with my new phone and Mr. Lifeguard is wearing my face! Whew!

This 12"x12" layout features an Instagram pic of Mr. Lifeguard holding a picture of my face (we had to take it for an eyeglass company) over his face. He's using his new phone, and because of the size of the Galaxy Note 2, it looks almost life-sized.

I used papers and embellishments from the Studio Calico "34th Street" kit with the "Penn Station" and "Herald Square" add-ons. I took advantage of a deal from Northridge Publishing that enabled me to get all that for the price of the kit, so I decided to give it a whirl. Not sure how I feel about not choosing my own supplies, though. You guys know how picky I am!

Below are some pictures of the finished layout:

I filmed this layout coming together for my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below, or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: Almost Life-Sized.

This layout wwas a bit of a challenge, but I am hoping future layouts with the kits will go more smoothly. I probably just need to get used to a different style of scrapbooking. Or I'll realize it's not for me. Both are fine!

Have a great day, great weekend and a great holiday! See you Thursday!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

~Kathryn :D

NEW VIDEO: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

Hi, everyone & happy Monday!

On Saturday, I taught my "Boxed Set Album" at my local scrapbook store to nine lovely ladies! We had lots of fun & everyone left with a box and a book. I was super tired afterward, though, because I am not used to thinking for so many hours in a row. Hee, hee! ;D

Also this weekend, I got another layout video completed and uploaded to YouTube. This 12"x12" layout features Instagram pics of my brother and sister from his graduation party. My sister is holding a clock with the time "4:30" and he's holding an empty bottle of tequila (there were more than just the three of us at this party, I promise!). I used papers and embellishments from the American Crafts Dear Lizzy "Neapolitan" collection.

Below are some pictures of the finished layout:

I filmed this layout coming together for my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below, or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere.

Everything about this layout went more smoothly than the last one ~ from the actual creation of it to the editing flying by. That made me very happy! I feel like we may be closer to normal again. Well, as close to normal as I ever am.

You probably recognize my sister from the above photos if you've been following my recent layout videos. She and her friend Anna have been the stars and photographers of all those Southeast Asia pictures. Her friend Anna is currently serving in the Peace Corps, teaching at the Vinnytsia Khutory School in the Ukraine.

The school is poorly insulted from the weather, and it is getting cold in the Ukraine! Classes have had to be cancelled due to freezing temperatures in the class room due to rotting windows. It is getting cold in Vinnytsia Khutory! Help the volunteers get new windows to keep the kids warm by donating to the project at the Peace Corps website: Vinnytsia Khutory Project.

Small donations make a big difference! The books at Vinnytsia Khutory School are old, full of grammatical errors, and not well structured. The teachers have purchased some materials with their own money, but both teachers and students are unable to afford complete sets of new materials. By donating $16, a student can have a new textbook!

 

Here are some of the students you'd be helping with your donations:

Teachers at Vinnytsia Khutory do not have access to a computer and printer. By buying a computer, television and printer, teachers will be able to supplement their lessons with listening activities, videos and worksheets. Please help them improve the English Department with your donation!

Some people have reported difficulties with the direct link to the project on the Peace Corps website. You can also reach their project page by going to www.PeaceCorps.gov and putting the project number in the search bar: 343-367.

Have a great day, enjoy your week & thank you for your generosity!

Kathryn :D

NEW VIDEO: One Drink Maximum, 12"x12" Layout

Hi, everyone!

I have lots to report today! A new video, plus some updates to my shop!

I was finally able to get my hands on Basic Grey's "Serendipity & Shine On" collection. I know I am really late to the party on this one, but my local JoAnn's never got this collection. I had to wait until I had a chance to go to one over an hour away from me. On the plus side, they had all the collection elements 50% off AND I had a 20% off entire order coupon, so my patience was rewarded!

This 12"x12" layout is an Instagram pic of a drink I was served at Fulton's Crab House in Downtown Disney. We went out for Mr. Lifeguard's 40th birthday & I ordered a hurricane for my pre-dinner cocktail. It was supposed to come with a float of Bacardi 151 on top. As you can see from the photo, however, more than half the glass was straight alcohol!

Below are some pictures of the finished layout:

I filmed this layout coming together for my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below, or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: One Drink Maximum.

 

 

It took me about three weeks to edit this video, working off and on. It was TORTURE! I had several challenges with it, not the least of which were some corrupted video files. I ended up having to edit half of it in Windows Movie Maker (which is my back-up video editing software) and half of it in Adobe Premiere (which is my preferred editing software).

As a result, some of the transitions in this video may be different & I struggled with the narration matching up to the video as well. Overall, not my best work. This is as good as this one gets, I'm afraid, but I promise the next one will be better! And I do have raw footage for another layout, so there is going to be a "next one" coming soon. Also about drinking. Hmm ...

I hope to see you all this afternoon and evening on USTREAM for more fun with the Bushel Box album! The bushel box album is an 8"x8" album done in a fall theme with the Bo Bunny "Apple Cider" collection. Fingers crossed, we'll actually finish the whole thing tonight! If we do, next week we'll go over some last minute Christmas gift ideas. The classes will be offered online today from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and again from 9:00 - 11:00 PM Eastern USA time on my USTREAM channel.

Also new in the shop today, we have a section called "Videos & DVDs" where we have put up an edited version of the online USTREAM class for the Boxed Set album. Clocking in at just under two hours and forty-five minutes, the DVD and videos has all the important information from the USTREAM class edited for time and easy viewing. It is available as both a DVD and a digital download. Click here for more details: Kathryn's Shop.

We plan to edit some of the more popular class series down and put them into this format. If there's a particular class you'd like to have on DVD, please let us know in the comments! We aim to please. :)

Have a great day!

Kathryn :D