Getting Started with Simple Steps

How to Start Scrapbooking
Simple Steps: The Basics 101.01

Today we’ll start a new monthly feature, Simple Steps. We will be covering the basics of scrapping with the Mosaic Moments Grid Style for those that are just getting started with this system. We want you to have success and see how easy it can be to complete beautiful layouts that you will love.

In the early days of the Mosaic Moments Grid System, most of us were still using film and having the local store develop our prints. We began with these basic supplies, the Grid Cutting Mat that is specifically designed with 1/8” grid lines for exact precision. We used a cork backed metal ruler, X-Acto Knife for cutting, Dotto Adhesive, a Lil’ Chizler for lifting photo pieces and a Quick Glance Guide for framing the picture we wanted to cut.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January

Today some things have changed. Digital cameras and phones with camera features are the norm. We may still have local developing but more people are editing and developing their own photos. Our cutting mat is now two-sided, the original side and then the new the Simple Cut side where you can easily cut to size all the basic shapes. We still use the old tools, but new dies specifically for fitting on the grid are making the process quicker and easier to scrapbook.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January Pattern #130

Let’s take a look at how our Mosaic Moments tools can be used.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January Supplies

This layout features Pattern #130 a mosaic style pattern that can use die sets B, C, E and the 1” squares die. From the Renaissance Collection Papers I’ve selected Deep Sea Blue. I’ve added glittered cardstock accents and a sneak peek at next week’s featured die…”Mr. Snow and Flakes” with a few added snowflake accents. Glitter cardstock was also used for cutting the number tiles for the date from the Numbers 3 die set.

 

Mosaic Moments Pattern #130

 

Mosaic Moments Numbers 3 die set

THE DOUBLE SIDED SELF-HEALING 14X14 CUTTING MAT

I have decided to use the Simple Cut side of the Cutting Mat to show you how easy this is to use. It really is a quick glance for the size you need to cut. You will notice on each side there are numbers 1-10 and lines connecting the top to bottom and side to side, a large white dot in the lower left hand corner of the mat and a Quick Grid Guide with all the actual sizes in inches and decimals for quick reference.

QUICK TIP: You will want to invest in a bottle of Goo Gone to keep your mat clean. Any excess adhesive that lands up on the surface can later stick to your grid paper, photos, and other items that rest on the mat and can become annoying and sometimes even destructive, so keep it clean and protect your investment. A paper towel to rub it in (in a circular motion is good) let it sit for a minute and then wipe it off and you are good to go!

 

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January

I have used the original grid side to cut my 12”x12” glitter paper to the 4 3/8” that I need as it is a full 13” rule and I can see exactly what I’m cutting. On the Simple Cut side I will line it up twice at the large white dot and at the number 2 place my ruler at the top/bottom lines and cut. I turn both of these pieces horizontally and trim at the number 3 which will give me two 2×3 rectangles to fit the pattern. Then once again, lining things up at the large white dot and the number 6 I cut to fit my large center rectangle in the pattern. I will center a 4”x6” photo on the top of this glittery base.

You will notice that only the first column is 1”, each column/row after that will be 1” + 1/8” added in. It is a simple and clear way to cut what you need to size without the distractions of the full grid side.

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics Numbers 3 and Mr Snow and Flakes die set

A 1”x 12” strip from the blue glitter cardstock is cut and 4-1” squares are hand cut. From the remaining blue strip you can use the 1×6 die from Die Set E or hand cut it for the yellow section below the center photo in the pattern.

I also cut numbers for the date to go on 1” squares using Numbers 3 die set. You have the choice to use the number itself or as I did the square and allow the blue to show through. Now the large blue strip is blingy but it still needed something and nothing hit the mark until I tried the snowflakes from Mr. Snow and Flakes one of our new dies. It was just the right sparkle needed that worked nicely with my photos.

MOSAIC MOMENTS DIES
Mosaic Moments Simple Steps

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January

Mosaic Moments Simple Steps The Basics January cutting 1″ squares for mosaic section

At the top of this pattern is a mosaic section. These 1” squares can be hand cut, but you can use the handy 1” squares 4×6 grid die. I divided this space up to use three photos, 2- 2×3 and one 2×6 section. To use the die for only two rows I just arranged it to fit the bottom half of the die with the top of the photo and run it through the die machine. You don’t need to have a full 4×6 photo to use this die!

Die Set B would give me two 3×5 pattern sections. Now for this the photos were printed with the margins resized. I really wanted the full photo and not to trim away some of the key areas of the photo. Once the photo was printed the 3×5 die was used to trim it to the correct size to fit into the pattern.

There are two 2×3 pattern sections that flank the center photo and I decided I wanted to mat both using the glitter cardstock used with the center photo. I showed you how I cut the mats above, but with the photos, I printed 4-2”x3” on a single 4×6 photo paper. Two would fit into the mosaic sections at the top of the layout while I would trim a slight 1/8” off of the long edge of the other two so an even border would be seen. I could have used the layered die to cut, but it took too much out of the photo that I wanted to be able to see. That also let me keep the bling of the mat to a minimum with a 1/8” narrow border.

I hope you picked up a few pointers for playing with all the Mosaic tools and are ready to get the New Year off to a good start. In the coming months we’ll add more Simple Steps, with the basics of Mosaic Scrapbooking for you to try as you master the process.

Andrea Fisher