April's Review	Rebecca's Review	Penny's Review	Karen's Review	Renee's Review

Review by April

I love it when I find scrapbook collections that I know will allow me to design several different layouts using a variety of pictures and themes! The new Infuse Collection by BasicGrey is a perfect example. I received 18 beautiful papers with this collection, 12 with really fun, unique patterns, and the other six came in solid colors with an overall distressed look. Each of these 12" x 12" papers were heavy in weight, making them perfect for sanding, inking, and withstanding just about anything you could throw at them. The collection also came with one sheet of coordinating alphabet stickers, one sheet of coordinating die cuts, one sheet of coordinating die cut monograms, one sheet of coordinating alphabet die cuts, and a pack of Infuse colored fibers!

I have always loved BasicGrey's alphabet stickers and the Infuse "Sugar" alphabet stickers were no different. The sticker sheet is filled with a signature font alphabet in green and pink, both offered in upper case and lower case. Even better, it comes with numbers as well! The Infuse Die Shapes sheet is a mixture of unique looking flowers, flower centers, and stems. The Sweet Meat Mini Monograms die cut sheet, offers each letter in a different color, multiples of each letter, and they all measure 1 1/2 inches in height. The Bon Bon Monograms die cut sheet, offers 1 of each letter in the alphabet, and a double of A, I, and E, as well as a few symbols. They are all 2" in height, and come in patterns identical to the papers. Last but not least, the pack of Infuse Fibers included approximately 3 feet of 10 different coordinating fibers.

The first thing I wanted to do with this collection, was to put the flower die cuts to good use. I combined 4 different Infuse papers on my first layout, one of which - the "Purify" paper, I cut out the edge design for decorative purposes. Then I used the Sugar alphabet stickers and the Sweet Meat Mini Monograms for my title. When I got ready to add the flower die cuts, I was happy to see the die cut sheet was designed so that you could easily mix and match all the flowers and stems to achieve your own desired look. I used a pop dot behind one of the small flowers to add a little dimension, and then embellished the flowers with bling and pen work!

Title: My Blessing
Products used: Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Salt, Purify, and Concentrate)
Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Infuse Sugar Alphabet Stickers)
Die cuts (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Sweet Meat Mini Monograms and Infuse Die Shapes)
Rub-ons (October Afternoon)
Rhinestones (Cell Phone Bling)
Pen (American Crafts precision pen)
Flower Sequins (Queen & Co)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I found the perfect picture of my son Memphis, that coordinated beautifully with the colors of the 3 patterned papers I chose for my second layout. I wanted to make sure I left plenty of room for journaling to explain the picture, so I cut up the 3 patterned papers into different size shapes and blocks which help direct your eyes to the photo. I sanded and inked the edges of my papers and photo to help them stand out a little more. I created my title using both the Sweet Meat Monograms, and the Bon Bon Monograms, as well as the Sugar Alphabet stickers and a few leaves from the die cut sheet. I used a Cropadile to punch holes in the bottom of the layout and then wove 3 of the coordinating Infuse fibers through the holes. To finish it off, I added journaling and dots across the bottom with a brown pen!

Title: Spread Your Wings
Products used: Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Condense, Saturate, & Seethe)
Die cuts (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Infuse Die Shapes, Sweet Meat Mini Monograms, & Bon Bon Monograms)
Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Infuse Sugar Alphabet Stickers)
Fibers (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Infuse Fibers)
Pen (American Crafts precision pen)
Ink (Clearsnap Colorbok Fluid Chalk ink)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I took one look at the wave-like shapes in the "Instill" paper and knew exactly what picture I wanted to use for my last project. The curvy shapes reminded me of my daughter's frilly tutu and the beautiful pink "Suffuse" paper was the perfect girly color I needed! I like to use black and white photos when I'm designing with several different paper colors, because I think it allows the colors to shine while still keeping the focus on the photo. I used glitter glue to embellish every other line on the "Instill" paper and added rub-ons and bling to the "Suffuse" paper. To create the title, I used the Infuse Sugar Alphabet and the Sweet Meat Mini Monograms, and then used my glitter pen to color around the word "Shine" to highlight it!

Title: Shine
Products used: Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: White)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Instill, and Suffuse)
Monograms (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Sweet Meat Mini Monograms)
Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse Collection: Infuse Sugar Alphabet Stickers)
Pen (American Crafts precision pen, Sakura Stardust)
Glitter Glue & Paint (Ranger Stickles & paint dabber)
Flowers (Prima Forever flowers)
Rhinestones(Heidi Swapp Bling Borders)
Rub-ons (One Heart One Mind)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

What I really liked is how well all of the papers, die cuts, monograms, and stickers coordinate perfectly, and also allow the designer to mix and match with ease, creating unlimited project designs. I enjoyed how the mix of colors in this collection allowed me to scrapbook girlie pictures and masculine pictures at the same time. I loved everything about this collection and I would recommend it to any scrapbooker - from beginners to advanced!

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Review by Rebecca

Infuse means to fill or cause to be filled with something. For example, "I am infused with a love for the new BasicGrey Paper!" What a coincidence, the new BasicGrey patterned paper collection is Infuse!

As the packaging for BasicGrey Infuse states this collection, "is saturated in a full-bodied color blend of Garden Green, Hibiscus Pink, and Coffee-Bean Brown." Doesn't that sound yummy? It sounds almost as good as it really is! The patterned paper designs include circles, stripes, flowers and solids. Of course, the papers all have the BasicGrey trademark "inked" or grunged up look.

The products I received for my review include the following items from the BasicGrey Infuse Line: Collection Pack which includes 18 papers, sheet of alphabet stickers and a sheet of die cuts; sheet of Bon Bon Monograms; sheet of Sweet Meat Mini Monograms and a package of fibers.

Like all the other BasicGrey collections this one inspires! The papers are cardstock weight. For my "Siblings" layout I layered, ripped, inked and folded. The solid colored papers make it easy to combine flowers, stripes and solids. I also used the monograms on the layout. The Sweet Meat Mini Monograms are thin and I did rip a couple so make sure you are careful when you are removing these. I really like that the monograms are available in various colors so that I could easily mix and match the letters. I like the Bon Bon Monograms because they coordinate patterns with the papers and the font is very decorative.

Title: Siblings
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: White)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse: Saturate, Breathe, Concentrate, Seethe, Stew)
Fiber (BasicGrey Infuse)
Tape (Masking Tape)
Brads (Doodlebug)
Flowers (Prima)
Die Cuts (BasicGrey Infuse: Bon Bon Monograms, Sweet Meat Mini Monograms)
Pen (American Crafts Pigment Pro: Black)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Brushed Corduroy)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my "R -n- D" layout I had fun with the patterned papers again. This time I also included some of the fibers as photo corners as well as one of the die cuts on the photo. The die cuts were different from others I have seen in that they include numerous pieces of various sizes. It did take a little more time punching out and adhering the die cuts but it was well worth it! I also included the stickers and even though the stickers are only in green and pink they are in different shades as you can see with the "heart!" stickers.

Title: R -n- D
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: White)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse: Inspire, Steep, Seethe, Instill)
Fiber (BasicGrey Infuse)
Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse: Sugar Alphabet Stickers)
Die Cut (BasicGrey Infuse)
Pen (American Crafts Pigment Pro: Black)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Brushed Corduroy)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)


Title: Thanks Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics: Spring Willow Medium)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey Infuse: Introduce, Lace)
Fiber (BasicGrey Infuse)
Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse: Sugar Alphabet Stickers)
Pen (American Crafts Pigment Pro: Black)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Brushed Corduroy)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I loved BasicGrey products since they first hit the scrapbooking market. They make it easy for me with their already distressed look and their collections that include solids and patterns. They coordinate die cut and sticker alphabets and fibers to make it a little easier for scrappers to start creating. After three years they are still hitting the mark and this time they brought BasicGrey Infuse to the party!

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Review by Penny

Having long been a BasicGrey fan[atic], they have always been an industry leader in my mind. Just when you think their collections can't be any more beautiful, edgy or unique, their talented designers do it again.

The Infuse collection pack combines soft greens, pinks, browns and creams in 18 different patterns. A few floral, a few striped, a few with circles and other shapes. Think spring, romance and warm, luscious color. It also includes a sheet of cardstock letter stickers and a sheet of coordinating die cut shapes (mainly floral).

Fibers, 2" monogram die cuts and 1 1/2" alphabet die cuts may be purchased separately, two of which I used in my projects. Coordinated ribbons, buttons and chipboard shapes round out the collection.

If you've been a scrapper for any length of time, chances are that you've not only heard of BasicGrey but have also owned some of their products. That being the case, you already know that their papers are high quality 65# papers - strong enough to back a layout if you wish. You also know that their colors are rich and vibrant, and that the quirky patterns add to the overall charm of their collections.

So, let's focus on what's different about this new release. New products in this collection include the chipboard shapes and a 1 1/2" die cut alphabet sheet. Love them! Some of their standard collection favorites have been given a face lift. The 2" monogram letters now come in an elegant scroll-shaped pattern, and their cardstock letter stickers in a larger script font.

The layouts I created with the Infuse collection came together easily and have a gorgeous glow about them, don't you think?

Title: Big Wide World
Products used: Patterned Paper “Salt,” “Instill” (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Sugar Alphabet Stickers (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Sweet Meat Alphabet Die Cuts (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Bon Bon Monograms (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Fiber (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Buttons (Buttons Galore)
Marker (Zig Writer)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)


Title: Forever & Always
Products used: Patterned Paper "Concentrate," "Seethe" and "Purify" (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Die Cut Shapes (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Sweet Meat Aalphabet Die Cuts (BasicGrey Infuse collection)
Chipboard (American Crafts)
Marker (Zig Writer)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Infuse means to inspire, introduce, penetrate or instill. I can't think of a better description for this collection. It is like a song you can't get out of your head after hearing it on the radio. Working with these colors and patterns just pushes your creative thought to new levels, which may seem a bit awkward at first but soon becomes the standard by which we live.

Taken from BasicGrey’s website:
YOU SEE THINGS; AND YOU SAY "WHY?"
BUT I DREAM THINGS THAT NEVER WERE; AND I SAY "WHY NOT?"
-George Bernard Shaw

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Review by Karen

For awhile now I’ve been hoping that BasicGrey would send us one of their new collections to review. When I saw them on our list, I jumped at the review. I love pink. I love pink by itself or with brown or green. Infuse combines those colors with a pop of red, making this collection perfect for me!

In my kit, I received one collection pack, two sheets of mini monograms, one sheet of monograms and one pack of fibers. The collection pack consists of 18 sheets of paper, one sheet of die cut shapes and one sheet of letter stickers. The patterns in this collection are floral based, with some papers leaning to a graphic interpretation of the floral theme. There are six solid sheets, and twelve patterned papers in the collection.

Part of what drew me to this collection was the color scheme, but I fell for the patterns the first time I saw them. Even though there is quite a bit of pink in this collection there are plenty of patterns that lean toward the masculine side. This collection also uses new fonts for its letter stickers and monograms. The mini monograms new font is serif font that is so versatile, while the letter stickers have a slight script feel to them. These two fonts really work well together.

My first project is a fun picture of my kids goofing off. On this day the kids asked to play “photo shoot.” That is code for Mommy I’ll let you take pictures of me if you want. I always take the kids up on those offers. At one point the kids stood on the hill in a pyramid and I realized how much they looked like the opening from Charlie’s Angels. Since they were in a playful mood, I was able to snap this photo of them as my angels. I laugh every time I see it. I needed a collection of papers that contained the pinks and browns in the kids clothes, the greens of the grass, and wasn’t too girly. I used the solid paper, Suffuse, as my background. I then took two of the papers that felt more masculine and added those to the layout. To soften those patterns, I added some of the die cuts in the lower left corner.

Title: Sweet Silly
Products used: Patterned paper: Infuse, BasicGrey
Die cut shapes: Infuse, BasicGrey
Jewels: Heidi Swapp
Pen: Gelly Roll (glitter pen), American Crafts (brown pen)
Journaling Square: Heidi Swapp
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

My second project is a layout from my grandmother’s funeral. I stamped and cut out the flowers. I wanted a paper that really allowed my photo to shine. The paper called Introduce, had the perfect feel to it. I matted the photo with Saturate, the perfect brown that was distressed with a little green and pink. I mixed the letter stickers with the mini monograms. I love how these work together!

Title: never forget
Products used: Pattern paper: Infuse, BasicGrey
Stamps: Technique Tuesday
Ink: Ranger
Die cuts: Sweet Meat mini monograms, Basic Grey
Letter stickers: Infuse, BasicGrey
chipboard: American Crafts
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

This collection was so easy to work with. The patterns are beautiful and understated, letting your photos take center stage. The letter stickers and monograms are simply put, perfect. And the colors work well with so many different photographs. This really is a collection for all seasons.

Infuse is a beautiful collection with a little something for everyone. The pinks are perfect for girly pages, while the browns and graphic prints are wonderful for pages of the men in our lives. This collection is easily dressed up with jewels or glitter, and it won’t take away from the beautiful papers. The patterns are perfect too, including dots, stripes and florals. I can whole heartedly recommend this collection. It really needs to be on your must have list!

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Review by Renee

When BasicGrey first came on the market, I was in heaven. They were so different from everything else out there. Of course, like a good hoarder, I bought everything. Then the other companies started making similar papers and I sort of forgot that BasicGrey was still out there. That is, until I saw the new BasicGrey Infuse line. Well, I honestly think I need a little bit more of this line, it is so beautiful.

For this review, I received the collection pack, which includes eighteen different patterned papers. The packaging describes the collection as a house-blend in full-bodied colors of garden green, hibiscus pink and coffee-bean brown. I find this to be a wonderful description of the papers, as they really do evoke the feel of sitting in a garden drinking a comforting cup of coffee. As with all BasicGrey collections, this one includes six sheets of distressed solids which are named Suffice, Stew, Salt, Saturate, Steep, and Seethe. In addition, there are twelve other patterns in stripes, and florals with names such as Purify, Condense, Concentrate, Instill, Inspire, Lace, Breathe, Season, Invest, Extract, Spice, and Introduce. In addition to the papers themselves, the collection pack includes a dual colored alphabet sticker sheet and a cardstock die cut sheet. I also received a sheet of the monogram letters for this collection as well as a sheet of the mini monograms.

As with all BasicGrey, these papers are cardstock weight and very sturdy. The distressed solids are suitable for background papers, a feature that I have always loved with BasicGrey papers. I also really like the fact that BasicGrey has included three different alphabet options with this collection. Each option has a completely different feel, which extends the versatility of the entire collection. Another factor that I especially love about this collection is that the patterns included a so versatile. Not only are there florals which have a very feminine feel, but there are stripes and small patterns which can be used with more masculine layouts. Add those patterns to the distressed solids and your cropping options are endless.

For my first project, I decided to crop a set of pictures of my son that were accidentally packed with a box of things that we are just now getting around to opening. I really loved these pictures and was so happy to find them. When I placed them next to the BasicGrey papers, I was thrilled to see how well the patterns worked with the fall park pictures of my son. The mini monograms and the rich colors of the stripes, small pattern and distressed background papers worked perfectly with pictures of an active little boy playing in the park.

Title: Little Ross
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics White Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (BasicGrey)
Monogram Letters (BasicGrey)
Bling (Heidi Swapp)
Star Die (Sizzix)
Glaze (Making Memories)
Pen (Zig)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I selected a layout at the other end of the spectrum, using the more feminine papers from the collection. In the same box with the photos of my son, was a set of pictures of my daughter taken at a photo club meeting, where we learned to set up and use studio lights. I took my daughter along to model for me and she ended up modeling for quite a few of the photographers who attended the meeting. This picture of her with her Addy doll was my first attempt at using the studio lights and has always been a favorite of mine. I used the Suffice distressed pink paper as a background and coupled that with the Inspire floral pattern and the green distressed paper. I also used several of the floral die cuts from the accompanying sheet, placing some of them on dimensional adhesive to give them some lift. I also used the large monogram letters to complete the girly look for my two American Girls.

Title: American Girls
Products used: Patterned Paper (BasicGrey)
Die Cuts (BasicGrey)
Monogram letters (BasicGrey)
Alphabet Stickers (Arctic Frog)
Bling (Heidi Swapp)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

The BasicGrey Infuse collection is so versatile and fun to use. The colors of the collection are rich and vibrant. I especially love that the collection has three different lettering options available for scrapbookers to use when working with this collection. I also like the addition of the cardstock die cuts. If you have never tried BasicGrey, this is the perfect collection to use as your starting point because of it's versatility. If you are already a BasicGrey fan, you will simply adore this collection. Either way, you can't lose with it.

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