Contributor Center Stage: Mel Blackburn

This April, we're thrilled to dedicate the Contributor Center Stage to Creative Team Contributor Mel Blackburn (JustMel)! Mel is an active part of the Studio Calico community, sharing her beautiful layouts and cards. Be sure to check out her projects in the gallery this month! Take a few minutes to learn a little more about Mel — her crafting history, organization techniques and more! We're so thankful for our talented team that helps to spread the joy of memory-keeping all over the world.

1. How long have you been scrapbooking?

I discovered scrapbooking after the birth of our first daughter in 2004. I wanted to create a mini album with pictures of her relatives. When I started researching various album options, I discovered a local scrapbook store and the world of scrapbooking. Needless to say that I never finished that mini album — instead, I created countless amounts of 12x12 layouts. About two years ago I made the switch from 12x12 to 8.5x11. I love the smaller format, especially since I tend to scrapbook smaller pictures. Around the same time, I started Project Life, which is now my favorite project. I will do the odd scrapbook layout (mostly 6x8) but I’m 100% dedicated to my PL and using my Studio Calico Documenter kits!

2. What’s your go-to technique?

Since I now work with a smaller format, my go-to techniques are no longer elaborate or complicated, but I do love to use my sewing machine, even on my Documenter cards. I also love to create small clusters of embellishments on all of my projects. I think this comes from creating 12x12 layouts where I had a lot of space to work with. This part of the process is still ingrained in me and I don’t think it will disappear any time soon.

3. Would you mind sharing some photos of how one such project came together?

Since I’m mostly creating Documenter spreads, I thought it would be ideal to showcase my process for putting together my spreads. In this case, I decided to create a spread that is part of my personal album (I have a 9x12 album for the family which showcases weekly spreads and I have this 6x12 personal album which is more about me, my likes, dislikes, thoughts, etc…).

My very first step when creating my spreads is choosing the location of the pictures. I want to make sure that the pictures are spread out in a way that will be pleasing to the eye. In this case I paired the larger picture with only 1 3x4 picture. If I would have had 2 3x4 pictures on the right side, my spread would have feel too picture heavy.

Afterwards, I select my documenter cards. To create this spread, I used the Film Club Documenter kit and Pretty in Pink Documenter add on kit. I wanted to complement the pink tones of the tulips and create a soft spread. To do so, I chose a color palette of mostly pastels colors with a splash of red.

My favorite part of my process is embellishing my projects. I love finding the perfect accent for a documenter card. I usually start by putting items on the pictures and seeing how everything comes together. Once I’m satisfied with the general design, I will create each card individually, usually by adding stitching or stamping to accent the embellishments. However, before I adhere the embellishments, I will add journaling to the documenter cards with my electric typewriter. My journaling is usually simple and highlights a couple of important facts about the picture. If I feel a picture requires more journaling I will save it for a scrapbook layout.

Once my spread is complete I will usually go over every card to see if I’m satisfied with the overall design. From time to time I will add a bit of stamping or a small embellishment. My process is rather simple and uncomplicated; this spread came together in about an hour.

4. How do you stay organized?

For me, organization is key. I have a tiny scrap space (you can see it here on the Studio Calico blog) and very little room for my supplies. I rely on my Raskog cart and armoire where all of my supplies are neatly tucked away using various baskets and containers. I went from a spare bedroom, to a corner of the basement to now this tiny corner in our master bedroom and I have to admit that this is my favorite scrap space to date.

5. What is the crafting tool you can't live without?

I love my Tim Holtz tiny attacher. I use it on all my projects, from layouts to documenter spreads. It looks great but also cuts back on the amount of adhesive I use!

6. Where do you go to get ideas?

Inspiration is all around, from an advertisement or a print on a dress, I try to keep an open mind to take in the beauty that surrounds me. I love Pinterest for gathering inspiration and ideas, but most of all the Studio Calico community is such a wonderful place for inspiration and exchange of ideas! I love looking in the gallery every morning to see what beautiful work has been shared.

7. Anything else we should know about you and/or your style?

I have learned a lot over the years about my style, which has definitely evolved. I have embraced my own creativity and sense of design. I’m so grateful that I am able to contribute to this amazing community that has continued to inspire me over the years and I feel very privileged to share my work with others. Thank you to Studio Calico for giving me this opportunity to work with their wonderful kits and share my projects with the community, I am thrilled and honored to be here.