Monday, July 7, 2008

RAK time

Ok, so I ended up working yesterday and not posting anything..

Clear Scraps has release the build your own word books as well as several ginormous shapes.

Word books can be made to say anything - up to 8 letters - and can be made from acrylic, chipboard, or a mixture of both (wouldn't that be cool?). What a fun way to make an album specific for a trip, or someone's name, or anything else you can think of. I made an ARMY album for my husband using the new word books - I have another one I am working that says BONKERS, and another with my dog's name (ALI) How fun is that??

The ginormous shapes are 12x12 acrylic shapes that can be used in a variety of ways. I used the giant brackets to make the mobile posted previously. I also took several of the shapes and cut them in half to make a cool, one of a kind 6x12 album (FAMILY fun).

So onto the RAK - post a comment about acrylic albums - what you like, if you have a favorite tip or technique, or what you're afraid of... I will pick 2 people at random for RAKs. One will receive a word book, and one will receive a couple of the 12x12 acrylic shapes.

I'll post the rest of the army album later (after work)

Have fun!!

Edited to add: I'll accept comments for the RAK until Friday July 11 at midnight CST. Winners will be chosen over the weekend.

70 comments:

Sandy/tx-nana-scraps said...

Hi Julie, that's a generous RAK. Well, I've not used any acrylic items at all, and I guess it's because, well I'm really afraid to try. I know, kind of silly, but sometimes it is hard to jump on the bandwagon while it's moving. LOL I saw the mobile you made for your DD and thought it was adorable and clever too. Thanks for ding this RAK. :-)

LiveLaughScrap said...

Hi, Love your blog.
I really don't have anything to add about technique for an acrylic album.
I have never made one. I am conceren though as how to make them look right with the previous & post pages showing through. I'm afraid I would have a tendency to just cover easch page. I would love to try it.
Thanks for offering thet RAK.
Lori
Cricut MD - LoriBordelon

Anonymous said...

I have never used acrylic. I guess I'm afraid of them all. LOL What a generous rak! Count me in.

nickicole (cricut messege board)
ncole1701@aol.com

Unknown said...

So sweet of you!! I have yet to try an Acrylic Album...they scare me, yet I am intrigued! I would love to give it a try!

Alecia Wolfford said...

Such a cool RAK!! I've always been intimidated by the clear albums until recently. I did my first album, the WOOF one, and it was a blast!!

A tip that my good buddy Wendi told me, use double-sided paper. Adhere paper to one side of each page and you can see the other pattern through the back. So much easier this way!!

ChelleStamps said...

I haven't ever tried the acrylic albums yet either. I actually like that you can see through to the next page. I think it gives it a cool dimensional feel. Would love to try it. Thanks for offering such a generous RAK.
Shelly
(My Addiction on cricut messageboard)

Sheila said...

I love acrylic albums! No one technique that I prefer over another, just have fun in the process. I suppose I stamp on them more than any other technique.

Jeanyjo said...

I have never tried an Acrylic album before. they look really cool but I am so affraid that I will make a big boo boo and I wont be able to cover it up LOL. I would love to try one though.

Ans what an Awesome Rak you are so sweet

Jingle said...

How fun! I love the idea of the giant acrylic shapes! I can just imagine those with just a bit of paint on the edges to make them pop! Oh, and build your own word books sound fabulous! I would love to have one with my last name! Or, a fun word that means a lot to me, but others may not get, kwim? What a great product idea!!!

Stacy said...

Fun RAK. I haven't done an acrylic yet either but really want to give it try someday. Build your own sounds fantastic!

~*~Amy~*~ said...

What a great RAK

I have never done an album so I can't leave a tip, but I know I would love to do a cat one. Something I may have to look into

~ŠǿƒŧβŖñ™~ said...

Please include me in your RAK.. This is an awesomely generous thing to do!

I loved what you did with your blog and a lot of the creations you've done. I've added you as a favorite so I can come back and get inspired!

Thanks!

Chris said...

I love the look of these clear scraps albums!!!
Acrylic still scares me a little but getting my feet wet with acrylic cards.

Unknown said...

what a fab RAK - i have two clear scraps albums just waiting for me - i am taking a class at CKC in a couple weeks and have just begun playing with acrylic items - the studio g blocks and acetate cards - i love the way everything seems to sparkle and i love using stickles or dimensional pearls.

aphotojunkie said...

Julie this is such an awesome RAK and so generous of you. I have only dabbled a bit in acrylic letters (small ones) I love using alcohol inks and glitter glue on them. But the albums still intimidate me, you have to think way beyond the page you are working on. I would love to try one someday soon. Thanks and have a great day....

Born2scrap said...

how cool and sweet of you to do this julie! i did my first acrylic album just a couple months ago and I am hooked! i think my fave thing to do (may be old hat to some) is to use double-sided paper. and i LOVE the shapes! i think it's great they're coming out with build-a-word since two of my kids have unusual name spellings!

i love all your artwork on here; giving me some great ideas (wink wink); just need to find more time!

kelly/born2scrap

Elizabeth said...

Cool rak!! I love the acrylics because you get a tease from the other side. I've made one album and it was fun to make.

Lauri {Scrap Attack} said...

WOW, fun!! I've only done 1 album recently but I love painting the edges of the acrylic - it makes the pages stand out more to the eye! I also added some transparency's in between the pages to add a little pop and dimension! Fun stuff!

Angel said...

Oh How sweet of you to do this.. I have never tryed acrylic albums as I just did not know how to start it.. But I have seen alot of them done and really want to try them.. I sooo Love the look of them when they are done..
I have heard rubons and some pens where cool to work with when playing with these.. Thanks for doing the rak...

Dorianne said...

i've never done an acrylic album of any sort, so I'm just scared of the whole idea in general. love your blog!

bgraceb said...

Julie......just love all your awesome projects and inspiration!! I have been doing a test run of making a mini album with clear page protectors to calm my weariness of using actual acrylic. I am having a great time with it, so can't WAIT to try an actual acrylic album!! Thanks for offering such an awesome RAK!!

Brenda

None None said...

What an incredibly generous RAK, Julie. I haven't had a chance to make an acrylic album yet but I have experimented with small acrylic items. My best friend is Zip Dry glue since it dries clear. My only warning is to use a little bit and work quickly (and precisely). Once it's down, it's down. :)

PattiM said...

Hey Julie,

Awesome RAK... I've used a clear tag album on a LO by using one tag, for a tag.... But have yet to actually do a album.... I have the glue, pp, rub-ons, etc.... but have used it on everything else. I guess like everyone else, I'm a little intimidated to start... I've seen lots of adorable albums and creations on your blog and you've really given me the I want to try that bug but I still hesitate...I would love to incorporate some clear shapes into a chipboard album.... Maybe make my own peek-a-boo type windows....

Have you ever seen something on a blog that you fell in love with, went to your scrapspace and created the same thing but didn't like it when you were done...But have gone back to that same person's blog and still love her's.. That's me... LOL

Good luck to everyone....Hope you all have a great week...

Hugs,

PattiM
(Pattie's passion)

I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!!!!

Erin Gudge said...

Wow! Nice of you!

I love to use Queen & Co felt fusion on acrylic albums, it looks great from both sides and gives an awesome look. Same for KI Memories Lace CS.

angie worthington said...

julie, you are so generous!...now, about acrylic albums...i have not tried one yet...i would have to order one or go to the hardware store and get sheets cut, just haven't done either yet...it is on my to do list...i really love how awsesome everybody's always turn out...looks like a bunch of us are still waiting to take the acrylic plunge!!!
;) angie/craftyscrapr

obxpatti said...

How generous of you!
A friend gave me an acrylic album and I have not started it yet. They are so pretty and I love how you can see elements from one page on the next. But, my fear is that I will make a mistake and it will not turn out right. Silly? One of these days I will just do it and it will probably turn out OK. LOL. I guess in honor of your RAK I should start it now.
obxpatti

Sabrina said...

What a great RAK! I just found your blog a few days ago and love coming here to see what you're up to in the acrylic world. As for the acrylic- I love the peek through idea although I must admit it has been hard for me to master. I've been scared to do much more than just use the shapes and paint them lightly to give them some color. I love to use rub-ons on them too and paint pens.
Sabrina ~the1scrappinmomma from AMR MB~

jessicamae3 said...

I saw some of these at my LSS and thought, hey that would be so awesome, and then I chickened out! I am so excited to create an acryllic album and look forward, should i have any questions...speaking with you jewlz! I'd love to make one of these books for my DH who lost his best friend Stormie girl this past Nov. I would use Stromie. This way he would always have something special to remember her by! I loved your mobile and thought it was a great idea. If I won the clear scraps I would force myself to create something with them!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Jessica

GLOANN said...

Hi Julie, what scares me about acrylic albums? Most of all the fact that you can see through them from one page to the next. Afraid I cannot get the papers, embellies, whatever placed right. Guess, in general, I'm just afraid that I cannot do justice to these beautiful albums. Gloria

Marilyn said...

What a cool RAK and so nice of you to offer it! Acrylic albums....Scare me to death! I have seen so many awesome ones, including yours! I have a few acrylic albums, but they are still just sitting there. I have tried many times to use them, but I am so scared I will mess it up! I am determined however, and this has given me the motivation to get started.

Anonymous said...

Wow I love your blog. Havn't tried this feat yet.Would love to try it and I love the way you can see everything thru it.I think doublesided papers and embellies so you can see from both sides. MAybe someday in all my spare time I can get one done. Thanks for the chance at the awesome rak ! So very sweet of you. Angelhugs,Linda

Anonymous said...

Nice blog. I will save it to my favorites so I can visit again for some great ideas. I have not tried to make an acrylic or word book yet. thanks for sharing your talent! LisaMH

Unknown said...

I bought an acrylic album from my LSS and didn't realize that what I thought were smudges or finger print marks were actually the rest of the covering on top. I really had to get my fingernail down in there to get it off but didn't realize it until I had already covered the cover completely so I would love something else acrylic to work on again!! Thanks for doing the RAK!

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie! What a neat Rak! I can't wait to see those big shapes.
My favorite thing to do with they shapes is to paint the edges so that they stand out. I've also seen them stapled to a layout but I haven't tried that yet.

Anonymous said...

WoW AMAZING! Is all I can say at first. I would totally love to get the acrylic ablum because they are no where to be found around here. I have never played with them before but I do have a awesome idea of what I would love to make with one of them.

This is such a wonderful, sweet, amazing gift you are giving away. Can't wait to see whom wins.

Hugs:o)
Jen
bearsbelief@aol.com

Marcie said...

First of all I love your blog. You are very creative. So, I have never used acrylic for a word book, but I have used chipboard and it was very fun. I bet acrylic would be great for this. Thanks for having this great RAK.

Stacy said...

I have not been brave enough to try one of the word books or acrylic albums. Maybe one day soon!

Love the Blog!!

Uratoon

Andie said...

What a cool RAK. I love your blog and I love the Chris Ledoux song!!!

I am so scared of acrylic albums. I am afraid of the wa it will look especially being see through, I just don't think it would turn out right.

Kelly C said...

This is super cool! I love acrylics, love to paint, ink or glitter the edges to help define the edges!!

Anonymous said...

I have never done an acrylic album, just have never had the time to try it yet. They are awesome, though. Great blog site. Thank you in advance for the RAK. Very thoughtful

cricut mb name: jewels2

Amy C said...

Great blog!! How nice of you do this RAK. I haven't tried acrylic yet....I am a little intimidated by creating an acrylic album. The thoughts I have are "What if I mess up and you can see something though to the other side of the acrylic that doesn't look good."

Amber (tink13) said...

Julie,

Thanks for offering such a great RAK.

I have never made an acrylic album because I am afraid. I may try it out some day.

Thanks
~Amber~
(AMR-tink13)

Peggy said...

great RAK! I've never tried an acrylic album but am in awe of those you and others have done. maybe one day!

Unknown said...

Wow! Thanks for the RAK. I've done only one acrylic album so far, but I just loved how it turned out. The "gianormous" shapes sound really cool! Thanks again!!

Anonymous said...

I'm not used to the acrylic albums, but have seen some of them and they look interesting. I think it would take me a while to use since I'd have to preplan the whole album right?

Wouldn't it be cool to have a collage type effect where photos might be overlapped to see similar physical features? Maybe print photos on vellum or transparancies.

Would love to try it.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Anonymous said...

I have never used acrylic, I don't really have anywhere around here to buy albums, etc. I am also a little intimidated by acrylic. What kind of adhesive do you use?

Thanks for the opportunity to participate in your RAK!

thetulsateacher said...

I have never used an acrylic album. I think it would be interesting. BTW- you have a great blog! Jill (teacherchick on Cricut MB)

mystyle said...

Clear Scraps makes great acrylic albums! The chipboard and acrylic combo sounds FAB! I read that Heidi Swapp recommends E2000 glue on acrylic albums! I can't wait to try to do one! Thanks for the chance!!!

LehighGal said...

I love the look of them, but am sooooooo very afraid of making a mess out of it. Some day I will be brave and take the plunge. Thanks for offering this wonderful RAK!

Sandy from Ukiah said...

I have never done a word book and all I have seen is the studio G stamps, don't sure if those are acrlic or not. I would love to be include in your Rak. Thank you

wendipooh13 said...

oh soo fun!!! love acrylic albums!!! and I think the end result is sooo amazing, love using double sided PP and rub ons- they look so cool and both sides of the page!!!can't wait to try another one soon!!!!

Jennifer said...

That acrylic album is gorgeous! I've never worked with acrylic, but I sure would like to. This is an awesome RAK!

~CutItOut~ from the cricut message board.

Samantha said...

What a fun RAK! I'm still a little scared to try mine out even though I have several Clear Scraps albums. I'll have to get cracking on them soon!

Dream of Scrappin' said...

You have a very cool site! Fabulous RAK too! I had not heard of Clear Scraps until now. I have likely been enabled! How fun it would be to alcohol ink some of these pieces as part of an album. I think that would be my best tip!
Please include me in your RAK!

Amanda said...

What an awesome rak! How sweet! I have NEVER used an acrylic album...I am always afraid that I will get one side looking awesome and the other side will just look terrible because I won't be able to cover it up...*sigh*

June said...

Great RAK offer Julie...hoping to try doing acrylic at somepoint...still playing catch up on other frenzies...by the time I do try this, I'm sure there will something else out there I missed...great ideas...TFS...

AShu93 said...

I really like the look of the acrylic album & love the way you colored the letter shape on the Army one.

I also like the look of the stamps on acrylic, but I'm afraid I'd smear them around because that's what happens when I stamp on acetate.

Anonymous said...

I really like how these albums turn out. They look so cool. I have not tried one yet. I have heard they can be hard to make and need lots of planning since you can see through the pages. I really like how some people have made them into frames.

Anonymous said...

What a great RAK!

I have not done an acrylic album yet but I'm very excited about the possibilities. I'm signed up for a workshop to make one later this month. My primary goal is to leave enough "white space" on each page that you can see through to the next layer.

Unknown said...

Oh wow Julie how nice of you. I would love to do an acrylic album, I got one for my birthday but am too scared to try it. I would love to do a Caitlyn or Army for my time in. I love your album of your hubby. Very nice!!!

CaitlynsMommy

Albert R. Gomez said...

I have to say I'm a fan of Clear Scraps. I've purchased several items (large stars, crown album, circle album, etc.) My original intent was to use alcohol inks on the stars. I think I'm intimated to tackle an album--mainly due to the fact that you can see through to the next page and your layout has to be just right. But, I am going to give a shot soon.

Thanks for offering such a generous RAK.

Anonymous said...

I love the ARMY book! Great job! I love making acrylic books. I've made 3 so far and want to make more. One the two that I've made, I not only use the Staz On ink with corner design stamps, but I have cut out designs (or pre cut flourishes from chipboard) and make sure both sides are colored...and I attach them in a way so they show on both sides. Give a bit more dimension to the pages!

That's a great RAK! Thanks for doing this.

Cathy (kissakoala Cricut MB)

Anonymous said...

Generous RAK!! I love the look of the acrylic albums, but I've never tried it. I guess my fear is trying it without seeing it first. I need a class or step by step tutorial to get going. I would love to give it a shot sometime!

Terri Moore said...

Hi Julie! Saw that Army acrylic album on SAS - fabulous job. Would love to be entered in the RAK - such a cool idea to have personalized acrylic pages. Would be perfect to do one of the AirForce. Thanks for offering up the RAK to us.

Jenna Franklin said...

I love acrylics! Love the peek of something else behind - it may take a little more planning, but so worth it in the end!

h2osmom said...

Great ideas, I have never made an acrylic album, thanks for the ideas!!!

V said...

Acrylic albums just terrify me! It's so funny. I keep collecting the suckers, but I just can't get past the clearness of it all to actually try one. I'm determined though. The fabulous build your own word books are way to tempting to just horde!

V

AJ said...

I love the new shapes- the only thing I am afraid of is not getting enough time to work on it! ;)
I love working with acrylic and alcohol inks. fun stuff.

TanishaRenee said...

OOOOH, I just loooove acrylic albums...love them! My favorite technique is to adhere transparencies to acrylic to add visual interest!

BethW said...

This is stupendous. I got to this entry backwards-I cannot believe this did not win. What were they thinking?
Anyhow I was trying to find the best stamping ink to use on acrylic albums, so I've been stumbling around the net.
And yes thanks for the chance to win also.