Challenge 108: Tutorial - How to use up alphas

Every scrap-booker has packs of alphas containing only those odd letters and numbers that will never get used. And if you’re anything like me, every time you need a title you still look through them just in case, and you get more and more irritated with them - but you can’t throw them away because that would be wasteful, right? Here is a way of using those leftovers so that you can finally throw that packaging away (and buy some more!)

You will need:
• Enough alphas to create the title you want; short works better.
• Your leftover chipboard Thickers or raised alphas, any colours.
• Spray or dye ink(s) in contrasting colour(s) to the title alphas.
• Card-stock.
• Backing paper from double-sided tape or adhesive.
• If you’re using spray, a cardboard box to spray into.


1. Start by deciding your title. Cut each letter out, or stick each letter onto a different piece of the backing paper. This is so that you can remove them. Choose your alphas from a single coloured pack, or ink them all to match each other.

2. Arrange them on the card-stock, but don’t stick them down. You can use repositionable adhesive to hold them in place if you wish.

3. Randomly place your leftover alphas around the title, sticking them down. Aim for about 1½ to 2 rows of leftovers.

4. Remove the title alphas, and mist and/or ink the leftovers and the card-stock background until their original colours are mostly covered. You could use a cosmetic sponge to get into as many of the holes, nooks and crannies as you can. You may want to use several close colours in similar shades, but make sure that the title colour stands out. Allow to dry.

5. Tear the card-stock around the edges of the lettering.

6. Replace the title alphas, sticking them down permanently. Your dramatic title is finished and can be added to your LO.

For this tutorial I have used Thickers and other lettering that is raised, so that the outline of the alphas still shows. If you have flat, printed stickers, you could use the same method but with alcohol ink so that the printing shows through the ink without being obscured by it. The title could then be in raised lettering and/or a contrasting colour.

You could also use this method to create a striking card, or a name plaque for your child’s room, or a holiday greeting banner. You need never hang onto those annoying Qs, Js, Ks, Xs and Zs again!

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Thanks for the Tutorial Rosey - its very inspiring!! >> Now it's over to you - our blog followers!! Give this tutorial a go for yourself then come back here and link us to your creation. If you do your name will be entered into our prize draw for November.

Still stuck for inspiration? Check out what our Design Team did with this tutorial:

Georgina

Rosey

Nilsa

Kelly

Challenge 107 - Sketch

Oh my goodness, where is the year going?! Can you believe November is almost finished already>! We have a great sketch (created by Nilsa) this week for you to play with - why not take time out of your crazy schedule on the run up to the holidays and take time for yourself! Scrap, use our sketch and relax! :)

This is your challenge for this week- create a layout using this sketch:

 Here is what the DT came up with to provide you with a little more inspiration:

Georgina

Nilsa

Rosey

Now it's your turn - leave a link to your creation below and be in with the chance of winning this months lovely prize pack !

Challenge 106 - the scraplift challenge

I like that today is 11.11.11 it's pretty cool huh!  I was patiently waiting for 11:11am today and was watching the clock like a hawk, typically I got caught up in something and then when I looked to check the time it was 11:12am! pppff! 

Also - Happy Veterans day to you if you are in the States and Happy Poppy Day (Remembrance Day) to those in the UK.  Truely a day we should all be thankful for and remember those who have lost their lives for our countries.

Onto our challenge for this weekend - it's a scraplifting one and we want you to scraplift this layout from Nilsa:

 Here is what our DT created for some added inspiration:

Georgina

Rosey

Nilsa (yes you can scraplift yourself!)

Thats it! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy ! Don't forget if you play along you will be in with the chance of winning out lovely echo park papers !

Challenge 105 - Colour Challenge!

Happy November!! Lets jump right on in to our challenge for this week.......

You may have noticed recently that our colour scheme has changed to purple! We all love Purple on the Design Team, but its an incredibly difficult colour to scrap with don't ya think?!

Well, we like a challenge and so this week we are challenging you to create a layout with the colour scheme of :

BLUE

WHITE 

PURPLE

For a little bit of inspiration check out what our Design Team created:

Hampton Court Maze by Georgina

L is for Lovely by Rosey

Chillin' in NYC by Nilsa

Snowman by Kelly

Because it's November and therefore a new month, we also have a new prize pack up for grabs for you! This month you are playing for a chance to win this brand new paper pack from Echo Park - "Victoria Gardens".

Simply link us to your creations below to be in with a chance of winning or click here for more information and the rules!

Have fun!

October's Winner Is.........

CONGRATULATIONS THIS MONTH TO........

CHELSEY!

Well done Chelsey - you have won the October prize pack of Echo Park Christmas Papers !! Well done Email Georgina with your address in the usual way! Congrats.