Scrapbook Layout 1: Candy Factory

This layout was created with DCWV's Glitter Sweet Stack: it includes a pre-sewn journaling tag and four photo mats, and features three sweet tear bears, a conveyor belt, a candy stand, and yummy polymer clay lollipops.  The tear bears, paper piecings, and polymer clay pieces were all handmade.  I have to admit, during the course of this layout, I had a few candy cravings!

The "memories" title was made with the Cricut machine, using the Makin' the Grade cartridge.



These photo mats came out very sturdy, which I liked.  No, seriously, I was really pleased.  :)







The tag and mats were all inked with Colorbox (bright) pigment ink. 

The swirls on the lollipops are actually swirls of glitter; the candy pieces are also speckled with glitter.



Each slat was individually inked and pieced; it took awhile, but I think it gave the slats an extra dimension. 

The candy stand is made with glitter cardstock; it is a shame the picture doesn't show the glitter too well.  :(

Bags of sugar, ready to be made into candy!

I liked how this yellow dress came out; the ruffles added an extra layer and detail.





Craft Tip 2: Prevent Ribbon from Fraying by Sealing with Glue

THE HASSLE

The use of ribbon in crafts is very common, and always adds a nice decorative touch. However, based on the material of the ribbon, certain ribbons are more prone to fraying than others.

This may cause some crafters to stay away from using particular materials, thus reducing their options, and preventing their full creativity potential.

THE SOLUTION

An easy solution is to seal the ends of ribbon with a clear-drying glue; no more worrying about ribbon fraying, and no more having to cut the ribbon shorter, and shorter...
Just cut and prepare the strip of ribbon, as directed for the project. Before glueing down the ribbon to your project, lightly dab the ends of the ribbon with glue, let dry, and now the ribbon is ready for use.

Make sure to minimize handling of the ribbon until the glue is dried; this will prevent the glue from picking up any possible dirt, and giving it a "dirty" look to where the glue was applied.

SEAL FABRICS TOO

Using glue to seal ribbon is a method that can easily be used elsewhere; there are many possibilities. Fabric, like ribbon, is also prone to fraying, and can be easily remedied by sealing with some clear-drying glue or fabric glue.