Friday has come and gone and I didn't getting any scrapping done. Did
you?

Denise Jonas
Sent from my iPhone

Check out this site for some Blog Candy.....

http://atouchofdeb.blogspot.com/

TGIF!!!!!

TGIF!!!!!  Hope you have a GREAT day!!

Today's Tip! - Ribbon Storage the Easy and Creative Way!

Ribbon Storage the Easy and Creative Way!

Ribbon storage is a must if you are a scrapbooker or crafter.  But it doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to organize your ribbon collection. In addition to available ribbon storage, below are some unconventional ideas that you may already have around your home.

• I sort my ribbons into tackle boxes, easy to grab and see the assortment of ribbons.  Sort by color or type for ease of use.
• Keep your smallest scrap pieces in canning or storage jars. The variety of colors and pattern usually make for a nice display on a wall shelf or bookcase.
• Thread the ribbon spools upright on a paper towl holder.
• Use a small tension rod between bookcase shelves or a wall shelf.
• Try a slack hanger that has multiple tiers. They are made with open ends so it is easy to slide the spools on and off as needed.
• Check out CD racks. Some of the smaller ones would be perfect. They seem to be just the right size for holding spools, there is no dowel to deal with and you can access them easily.

As you can see ribbon storage is not difficult or expensive but it can save you time in the long run if you organize it.

Wooohoo...... 2500 Hits!!!!!

Yahoo..... we just hit 2500 hits!!!!

How exciting!!!

Today's Tip! - Sticker Storage for Your Scrapbook Space

Sticker Storage for Your Scrapbook Space


Sticker storage is a must!  I don't use a lot of stickers, but there are times that warrent stickers, such as titles and such.  Because I don't use much, simple accordian files work well for me.

Is your current system working? What about the unused stickers on a page - How do you save those?

There are many questions on what to do with your stickers and sometimes few good answers on what storage is the best.  Let me know what you think.

Today's Tip! - An Embellishment Organizer For All Crafts

An Embellishment Organizer For All Crafts


An embellishment organizer is THE answer to organizing your collection. If you scrapbook or do other crafts that require small items then you know the importance of keeping everything organized.

What do you use?  Why does it work for you?

Here are my current favorites:

Embellishments add such a quality to any scrapbook page.  But don't let the amount of embellishments available today intimidate you, simply organize them from the beginning.  Choose the right size organizer for your collection but always leave some extra space for growth.

Happy Tuesday Morning! It's Crafts Night for me, how about you?

Today's Tip! - Pen Storage That Will Keep Your Creativity Flowing

Pen Storage That Will Keep Your Creativity Flowing

Pen storage is important because it enables you to see what colors and types of pens you have in an instant. It also prevents you from making uneccessary purchases only to find out you have that color or type of pen at home lost under piles of other items.

Pen Storage Ideas and Products

1. Acrylic Cubes - These are available at local office supply stores and are my personal favorite as I like to keep my pens horizontal
2. Crop in Style - Pen Caddy - Holds up to 75 pens! It can also be folded flat for storage great for saving space! For the serious scrapper this is the way to go.
3. Lazy Susan - Keep your most frequently used pens or those for current pages or projects on your desktop using a lazy susan. It is easy to switch out, takes up little space, and can double as a tool holder.
4. Flower pot, vases, or old glasses - Anything interesting around your house can be used to keep your pen collection at bay. You can get a few of each and separate by color or type. It can add for a nice display of color if you have the extra space on a shelf or bookcase.

Pen storage is simple and can be done throught many things around your house and therefore is inexpensive. For the more serious scrapper a pen caddy is probably the way to go.

Today's EXTRA - Sticker Storage

Look at this post from Club CK (Creating Keepsakes) on a variety to sticker storage ideas.  I SO like the DIY Sticker Spinner (see photo.... instructions on site).

5 Easy Ideas for Storing Your Stickers



Click the link and check it out.  You can even win on the site!

Today's Tip! - Paper Scraps

Paper Scraps

How about some other uses for those scraps.....

1. Make cards - Everyone loves a handmade card!  No sense spending so much money to buy one when you have great scraps on hand to make your own!  You don't have to make every single card alike. Make good use of those scraps by mixing it up a bit!
2. Make gift tags - Cut scraps in different sizes, add a sticker or stamped image and tie a little ribbon to the top! Instant gift tags and a bunch of scraps used up!
3. Make card sets using scraps! - Make some all-occassion cards to give as a set. Every year I give a boxed set of handmade cards with envelopes. For my sister, I made baby Thank You cards, what a great gift for the new parents!  Surprise someone in your family with a fabulous handmade card set ready for sending...plus use up a bunch of scraps!
4. Make serendipity squares for your pages - You can make up sets of serendipty squares to use on layouts, cards, or to share with a friend! Gather some coordinating paper scraps and cut them in strips. Mix and match patterns and colors. Adhere the strips to a large piece of cardstock or chipboard. Overlap and jumble the scraps up however you like. Cut the pieces into two or three inch squares. You can stamp on them, add rub-ons or other embellishments to your squares. Now you have some ready made embellishments!
5. Jazz up plain diecuts - Tear up little bits of scrap paper and adhere them to the diecut. This will give you a great mosaic look on your diecut!
6. Make punchies - Put those punches to good use and punch some flowers, hearts, and other versatile things that you can put in a little bag to take with you to crops when you won't want to drap all your actual punches along.

You will be surprised how quickly your scrap pile will shrink once you put some of those bits and pieces to good use! It makes me feel so good to know that I am putting it to good use instead of throwing it away or letting it keep piling up!

Copic Markers - Must Have? *OR* Nice to Have?

I don't have any Copic Markers but I sure love the way they look!!!!

Does anybody have them?  What are the pro's or con's?  They seem expensive, but they are refillable?  Does that make them worthwhile?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!!!!

Today's Tip! - Scrap Paper Organization

Scrap Paper Organization


Scrapbooking can be an expensive hobby. There's paper, tools, embellishments, and all kinds of things we "need".  Like you and I, many paper crafters cut expenses in a variety of ways.


One way to cut expenses is by saving your scraps of paper.  I admit, I am a scrap paper horder! While I used to save every little piece…I am trying to be a little more realistic.  After years of scrapbooking, I ended up with PILES of scraps!  I had plastic folder set up for each color and tried really hard to keep them "organized".  But to find "just the right color" was still an onerous task.  Generally, I knew where the perfect color was in a full sheet, and off I'd go, creating more scraps that I would add to my collection.


I know I was wasting lots of money and only creating more scraps.  Those scrap folders were bursting at the seems… literally!!!!  And all that paper going to waste because it was so hard to deal with.


I've thought, and researched and even asked others and in the end, decided to make cards..... use up all my scraps and I won't have to deal with storing them, right?  While not a perfect plan, I cleared out a lot.


In the end, I can't stop saving scraps, but I can do so wisely.  I started being picky on the scraps that I save.


First, I cut all the "big" scraps into 8"x8" or 6"x6" pieces.  I know that I will use these.  Then I created a supply ot 2"x2" and 1.5"x1.5" squares.  These are great for mounting stamped images, verse, journal blocks, titles, etc.  Anything else, is pretty much relegated to the recycling bin.


I do have a little stash where I put small paper strips…they aren’t big enough for a journal box but they work for captions, "ribbons", or a few other handy uses.  There is no rhyme nor reason to these strips, they are all just thrown into this little box and I do use them quite often!  Especially the white and kraft paper pieces!


I found this solution, as well, and this may help you.


How to Organize your scraps so you can use them in 3 easy steps!

1. Find a storage tote to hold your scraps. Take a look at your scraps and decide how big your container needs to be.
   
   For example:
   
   - File totes are available at local supply stores
   (You will need hanging file folders for this method.  Standard hanging files will work; larger scraps stick up above the files but this way you can see at-a-glance what color that file is)
   - Rubbermaid Containers
   - Sterilite drawers / bins
   
   
   If you tend to not have enough scraps to fill a filing tote…you may find this smaller option more appealing:
   - Crop-n-File
   - Durable 13 Pocket expanding file
2. You may wish to label your folders:
   - Red Pattern
   - Red Solid
   - Orange Pattern
   - Orange Solid
   - Green Pattern
   - Green Solid
   - Blue Pattern
   - Blue Solid
   - Pink Pattern
   - Pink Solid
   - Purple Pattern
   - Purple Solid
   - White and Creams
   - Brown pattern
   - Brown Solid
   - Black Pattern
   - Black Solid
   - Specialty
   - Heritage
   
   Analyze the colors or styles of paper that you tend to use the most and then label your files.  Perhaps you would rather sorty by theme?  Make it work for you.
3. Now it is time to dump out all those scraps and start filing them!  Consider setting a size limit.  Above all, stick to your guns!
4. Now, make it a habit to look into your new scrap file each time you are scrapping and need a smaller size of paper so that you do not always find yourself cutting into a brand new sheet!

You will really be surprised how much you will use your scrap papers once they are organized! You will also be surprised how much money you can save by utilizing all your scraps! Now you can take that money you saved on paper and buy some more awesome embellishments!

Cinch Bindery Tool vs Bind It All

I have the pink Bind It All (BIA) and it's been great and easy to use in the little book projects I've done so far.

Now, the Cinch Bindery Tool is coming out.

Is it really that much different?  My BIA has done everything I've needed it to so far and is really easy to use.  Only limitation I've found has been the thickness of material to punch, but I can't see that this one takes anything thicker.

What are your thoughts? I can't see how I would need this tool.

Today's Tip! - Crafty Storage blog

Stumbled across this blog called, "Crafty Storage".  There are some GREAT ideas!!!!

http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/

I encourage you to browse the site as there are many ideas, and tips, and even some rooms that will make you go WOW!!!!!

Enjoy!!!

Today's Tip! - Create Your Own Scrapbooking Space

How to create your very own Scrapbooking Space in 3 Steps

1. Find space in your home that you can, or already do, use for Scrapbooking.  This can be a corner, nook, or entire room, but your area should have good quality lighting, a sturdy work surface, and be someplace where you are able to leave your projects out while working on them.
2. Once you've established your space, paint it your favorite color - something that inspires you and makes you feel happy!!!
3. Next, you can buy, or re-purpose, cabinets or storage units.  What you choose will depend on your needs and your budget.
   
   There are lots of ideas online, so check them out.  And some crafters have been quite creative, so don't be afraid to think outside the box.  Don't forget to check out the unclaimed counter-tops at your local hardware store.  There may be something there that will suit your needs and, if you can make it work in your space, you may get a very good deal.
   
   Now you have a space to work and storage.

Other things to consider:
Think about buying, or making, some shelving.  Or have a contractor make shelves that specifically fit your needs.  Again, it can be as extravagant, or as frugal, as you choose.  A shelf can be something as simple as a pine board across two inexpensive brackets, or can be much more elaborate.  You are making this to suit your needs and your budget, so you call the shots!!!

How about some wire mesh grids to organize all your stuff on up on the wall. This could be the wire "cubes" taken apart and mounted on the wall, or something as funky as chicken wire wrapped around a light wood frame and screwed to the wall.  The benefit of this is that you can hang things from the grids using S-hooks, clothes pegs, rings, or any number of things.  Another benefit is that you will be able to see at a glance what you have.


I hope that this is helpful!

And the Blog Candy Winner is......

According to the Earth Day Canada website http://www.earthday.ca/pub/about/history.php

Earth Day was first launched as an environmental awareness event in the United States in 1970.



In 1990, two million Canadians joined 200 million people in 141 nations in celebrating the first International Earth Day.

...... with the correct answer of 1990, the winner is "The Matriarch".

 
Please private email me with your contact information and I'll mail that out to you.
 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Blog Candy...... only 30 minutes left and only 3 guesses!!!

"In what year was Earth Day first celebrated in Canada?"

Post your answer in the comments section here on the blog and I'll randomly draw from all the correct answers received between until 7:30 pm TONIGHT.


What is the prize? How about a Daisy D's Gift Box Kit!

Today's Tip! - Simple Steps to a Good Layout

Simple Steps to a Good Layout

Here's a few things to consider when doing a scrapbooking layout:

Let a Theme Rule
Build your scrapbook page around a theme such as a trip to or a wedding and then decide how many photos you need to "tell your story".  If using more than one photo on the page, each photo should relate to the theme or to each other.  Keep the layout and page meaningfull and neat.

Generally, you'll want to use three to six photos on a page. For more photos, a two-page spread would work great (and this is my personal preferenct).  For each occasion or theme, select the only best photos for your scrapbook page.

Tip 1: You don't have to use ALL your photos in your scrapbooks.  Trying to use them all will either drive you crazy, or will seem like such a monumental and tedious task/ that you never even get started!!!!  To keep the fun, and your sanity, give yourself permission to scrapbook only the best photos or those which hold significance, even if it's not the "perfect shot".

Tip 2:  If you need more help in planning effective and eye-catching layouts, try using scrapbooking sketches. There are many different sources out there and, even if you use the same sketch for every layout, different papers, patterns, themes, and embellishments will make them all look different.

How to Arrange Photos
Select a focal point and then choose a main photo that will serve as your focal point before leading your eyes to the rest of the page.  A good layout design idea would be a photo that represents the overall theme and such a photo will, generally, require minimum cropping.

Bear in mind that the focal point does not have to land right smack in the center of the page.  Instead, highlight its importance by placing it slightly off-center, tilting it ever so slightly, or giving it a multi-layered mat.

Maintain Flow and Balance - With the focal point photo placed, the other photos should contribute to the flow and balance of the page.  Good placement will be evident when you seamlessly follow the "story" from one photo to the next.  Overlapping, or angling, works to direct the eye from the start to the finish point of a layout. Make a stronger visual impact by skewing only one or two photos and not every piece in your layout.  Try experimenting with different locations, sizes and angles of the photos to see what works best for your scrapbooking layout design.

After experimenting with different scapbooking layouts, step back log objectively at layout for a few moments. Is there a good flow and balance? If not, continue to make adjustments here and there until it "feels" right. If the answer is yes, time to adhere your layout to the page.

Crop It the Right WayProperly cropping a photo should improve the look of it by eliminating unnecessary details. Cropping narrows the focus to the subject and also allows you to fit more photos onto a page.  However, be careful that you don't overdo it, as too many shapes on a page could end up making it look very busy.

Blog Candy, as promised......

Well, you did it!!!  We hit 2000 pageviews late last night and, as promised, here is the blog candy!

In honor of Earth Day tomorrow, the trivia question is this,

"In what year was Earth Day first celebrated in Canada?"

Post your answer in the comments section here on the blog and I'll randomly draw from all the correct answers received between now and tomorrow at 7:30 pm.

What is the prize?  How about a Daisy D's Gift Box Kit!

Free Fonts site

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/

Free fonts from Kevin and Amanda..... there are some really cute ones here.

Thanks Kevin & Amanda!!!!!

Happy Wednesday!

May it go smoothly and the weekend come quickly.

Today's Tip! - Being Green

Came across this GREAT article on another blog about "Being Green".  she's got great tips and stuff on her blog, check it out at http://creativepzazz.blogspot.com/2010/03/kermit-was-wrong-it-is-easy-being-green.html

________________________________________________________________________________
KERMIT WAS WRONG, IT IS EASY BEING GREEN

Yesterday, being St. Patrick's Day and everything being green, got me to thinking about being being "GREEN" and crafting. No, I do not mean being jealous of your fellow crafters and all the goodies and tools they have, but being eco-minded, non-wasteful, recycle-savy, and resourceful.


When I look at my crafting, I think I am GREEN, or at least, I am trying to be! You know, I used to be more resourceful than I am now! I would keep all sorts of things, in the hopes that I would be able to use it for something!

For example, yesterday, I was at the public library in our town, where my Mom works. They were holding a book sale. I had to work to help her out, so I was stacking, moving and restacking books. I noticed that several of them still had those old library cards in them. The ones that look like this:

I decided to go around and collect a bunch of them. I got all there was from one table of books and brought home a stack over 3" high! What will I do with them? Well, most of them are set aside for blog candy at some point! The rest I am going to use as journaling cards in a mini album. I am building up supplies and ideas for a mini album, and I want these, and the little pockets they go in, to be where I put journaling. I'm probably going to let the back be the only part that shows, because it is empty. Of course, the front with all the signatures is what is so interesting! I found the pockets at the library too. I just asked for one, so I can re-create them at home, but you can find them at the office supply store in town, too. I am really excited about these!

The next time you start to throw something away, look at it, and ask yourself the following questions. These are your Hot Tips for the Month!

To turn yourself a little more GREEN, ask yourself these questions each time you start to toss something away:

• Can you use the chipboard from the packaging to create mini-album pages or to punch out an accent
• Could you cover the box and turn it into a great storage or gift box?
• Is there any clear plastic that you could use as an acetate accent? Strips of clear acetate make almost invisible props for pop-up cards. Stay tuned for a sample card made this way!
• Soda Pop cans are great craft products.
• Is there a plastic bowl or cup, such as yogurt cups, that could be used again for non-food purposes? Try them when painting, watercoloring, or to hold crayons for a small child's gift.
• Speaking of crayons, don't toss the broken ones! Peel off the paper, break them into pieces, and drop bits into a cup (like a yogurt cup) to melt slightly in the microwave. Start with 15 secs, then add 5 seconds until melted. Do not stir! Let cool and remove or cut away from the cup. Make a blue crayon with all different blues in it or make a rainbow crayon!
• Do you throw away all those "pretend" credit cards that come in the mail? They have such great uses! I keep all of them. The cardboard kind can be used as chipboard as is or to spread glue over a project. The plastic kind work great as paint spreaders. They leave really cool streaks and smears on the project! Try this same swiping technique with a couple of drops of craft ink then emboss! WOW!
• Do you keep your paper scraps? You should! What if you only need a 1/4" circle? If you keep every single scrap, you will always have a piece to use! If you can't see keeping anything smaller than a 2"x2" square, then put all your paper scraps in a box, when you get a box full make handmade paper one day! Mix a handful of pre-soaked neutral scraps in a blender with a lot of water. Mix well. Add just a few small pre-soaked scraps of a colored paper and blend just a couple of times. This will create an interesting speckled effect. You can do this by starting with a color slurry and adding another contrasting color for speckles too! There is no need for fancypaper making supplies. Just take the slush you made in the blender, pour it into a large plastic box. Use a CLEAN filter for your stove vent, a scrap piece of window screen, a mesh strainer, coffee filter, cool whip lid, etc. to gather some of the pulp, then let it drain. You can lightly press a sponge into the pulp to get more poisture out. Got areas that are bare, gather some pulp in your hand and pat it into the bare spot! Once it is fairly drained and as thick as you want it, flip it over onto some paper towel that is on a folded beach towel. Peel off the filter/screen. If you used the mesh strainer, do not worry that the paper is not flat. Press it with your hands or with a wet sponge. It will dry flat. When dry, cut or punch into a great tag or accent for a card or scrapbook page! Kids love this whole process! Get them involved!

Other GREEN Crafty Tips:

• Use what you have. We all want new products, but if we make ourselves use what we have to make a project, we can remind ourselves why we loved that product in the first place.
• Alter what you have. Remember that great paper called Sending Love from Stampin' Up! (click to go to the post about this technique)? Its colors were really pretty, but it had a definite Feb 14th feel to it. Once you brayer or sponge on another color over the top, the embossing still shows through and you have created an entirely NEW paper! Try this with many other patterned papers. Are the colors too bold for your taste now? Distress it, brayer over it, sponge it, or my new fav thing to do is emboss over it in clear, then brayer on color; when you wipe it with a paper towel or clean sponge, you get a reveal of those bold colors. Do a combination of all these techniques and see what you get! Watch a video on this technique later this week!
• Wait! Don't forget that brads, eyelets, flowers, and other embellishments can be altered to look new too! For brads and eyelets, sand them, distress them, color the with a marker, press into VersaMark and emboss with your favorite color. For flowers, ink them, paint them with crackle paint, stamp on them, spritz other inks on them. Cover them with glossy accents for a really unique accent!
• Visit garage sales and look through the jewelry. Cheap jewelry with a nice chain, great beads, impressive charms, or large pins are great to use when crafting! These items will work great on scrapbook pages, mini albums, and tags. Don't forget to go through the books, while you are there. Dictionaries, music books, ledger paper, cards, and other papers work great as background paper! Even a page from that trashy romance novel LOL would be great for a Valentine's card or LOVE mini album! I always check out the storage items too! A girl can never be too organized! I found some great apothecary jars at one yard sale. $5 each for gallon size! What a find! Not only are you getting a prize, but you are preventing things from going to the dump!
• Recycle magazines. Take them to an elementary school, where they cut them up for projects or to a nursing home, assisted living, or hospital. Libraries often take magazines for donation too. Or better yet, sell them on Ebay and make money to buy new craft products... or to give to the needy. :)
• Remember next month is Earth Day Month. Try to use some of these tips in your crafting until they become habit. We are all working together to save the Earth.

Oh, so close to 2000....

..... guess I'd better find some blog candy.  How shall I do this?

Today's Tip! - Rusted Metal Look

Get the rusted metal look without the rusted metal.

• Coat a red or burgundy colored cardstock with brown chalk.
• Next, add tan chalk for a powdery finish.

Woohoo.... over 1900 visits to the Blog!!!!

So, exciting!!!!!  Wonder if we'll make it over 2000 by end of day tomorrow?  If we do, I'll find some blog candy to post......

Facebook Page - Scrapbooking Room Organization

Okay, this is a GREAT Facebook Page and there are MANY organizing ideas.  HAD to share!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCRAPBOOKING-ROOM-ORGANIZATION/58881444027?ref=nf&v=wall#!/pages/SCRAPBOOKING-ROOM-ORGANIZATION/58881444027

Oh, and for those of you NOT on Facebook, I found another link to the same ladie's site:

http://www.squidoo.com/scrapbookingroomorganization

Update on Studio Cleanup

Well, I didn't get as far as I wanted to this weekend.  Did some sorting and organizing but I spent yesterday exhausted and had a 2-hour nap in the afternoon and was still in bed at 9:30 last night.  Maybe I'm fighting something, or maybe just a little run-down.  Either way, feel a bit better this morning so hope to get back at it after work today.

I've also started a box to donate to a local daycare centre.  Hope to add some more to that box, but there is already a lot of construction paper, fun foam, and other things.

Wishing you all a GREAT Monday!!!

Today's Tip! - Background Paper

Want an eye-catching background? Cut a piece of patterned paper into a large curved shape and attach it to your cardstock. It instantly creates visual interest to your background. You can use freehand, bowls, plates and anything round to help you draw the curved shape.

Tea Bag Holder Get Well Cards

Here's a fun little "Get Well" card found on Splitcoast Stampers.  Click to go to the original post.

Seems to me there are a lot of bugs going around lately.  How about a "cuppa" their, or your, favorite tea to make a friend or loved one feel better?  Your thoughtfullness when giving one of these cards will instantly perk them up, guaranteed!

This is a great tutorial and it's absolutely darling! It doesn’t appear to be too difficult either; there are two options (easy or intermediate).

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/teabagholder

Housekeeping

Did some blog housekeeping today... what do you think?

Is there anything else you'd like to see here?

Today's Tip - Organizing Embellishments

Organizing Embellishments

Embellishments are like your personal finishing touch and add your own unique flair to your projects. It is important to find an organizing system which will work for you without being overwhelming and visible enough that you don’t forget to use your items.


First you must bring all of your embellishments together and sort, determining what to purge and, ultimately, deciding how to sort the rest in a way that makes sense to you.


Some ideas for sorting your embellishments:

• By category (buttons, brads, alphabet charms, etc.)
• By color
• By manufacturer or lines within manufacturers
• By type (metal, acrylic, tin)
• By theme

For alphabet embellishments, there are different considerations.

• Separate your alphabets by letter and have an “A”, "B", "C", etc. section that will store your metal, button, tin, eyelet, and game board letters together.
• Sort each type of letter separately (i.e. your alphabet buttons in one place with each section devoted to a different letter).
• Sort each color separately and then separate the letters.

Most importantly, the organizational plan has to make sense to you and the way you would use your alphabets.


Now that you’ve decided how to sort your embellishments, the next step is deciding how to store them. Which embellishments do you find you use the most? Those should be the closest and most easily accessible to you. Do you crop away from home often? If you do, your embellishment holders should be portable enough to be able to toss in your Cropper Hopper and go, without your having to stop and transfer them to another container.


Some ideas for storing your embellishments:

• CraftMates
• Cropper Hopper Embellishment boxes
• Magnetic office supply containers
• Original packaging in baskets, peg boards or small drawers
• Photo Boxes
• Tackle Boxes
• Watch tins

Don’t forget to label everything – labeling is the key for easy retrieval and clean up! Whatever system of storage you choose, review it from time to time to make sure it is still working for you.

• Can you easy to find exactly what you need?
• Is it easy to clean up after a scrap session?
• Is it easy to put away new purchases?

If you answer no to any of these questions, it may be time to tweak your system a bit. Remember, being able to maintain your system is one of the most important aspects to organization!

Almost time to "play"....

Heading to my Craft Studio in a few minutes and I have a plan.... projects that I would like to try.  Things that I want to work on.

Tomorrow, things to do but I hope to stop and pick up a clock insert and try the Canvas Clock Project.

I'll post photos.

New Storefront!!

Come check out my new Storefront on my Ladybug Layouts Facebook Page and check back often as it is a work in progress and will constantly change and evolve.

A lot of my personal projects will be posted, some supplies, and who knows.....

Weekend plans?

What IS this wet stuff falling from the sky?????  Definitely was NOT on my wish list for the weekend.  Does this change your plans?  Will there be some crafting added to your "To Do" list?

I'm not yet sure what I will do..... will keep you posted!

Today's Tip! - Organizing Ribbons and Fibers

Organizing Ribbons and Fibers

Before you begin organizing your ribbons and fibers you have to decide how you want them to be organized.

Do you want them sorted by color, theme, or manufacturer? Do you want to keep them with matching embellishments or store them separately? Do you like to keep them in their original packaging?  Think of how you use them and how you will look for them. and organize in the way that works the best for you.  Also think about the types of ribbons and fiber that you use most often – keeping those close at head and ready will make things easier.

Here are some category ideas:

• Solids and Patterns by Color
• Solids by Color and Patterns by Color
• Each Pattern by Color (Ginghams, Polka Dots, Stripes, etc.)
• Each Type by Color (Eyelash Fibers, Chenille Fibers, Rick Rack, Twill, etc.)
• Theme
• Manufacturer
• Manufacturer Sets (i.e. SEI Granny’s Kitchen, Memories Cosmopolitan, etc.)

Here are some ideas that would work for both ribbon and fibers:

• On fiber cards in embellishment organizers (I use a tackle box)
• In mini embellishment boxes
• On spools hung on a pant hanger (this works well if most of your scrapbooking is done in one location)
• Wound and paper clipped, and stored in embellishment organizers with their coordinating embellishments
• In small plastic zip bags stored in a photo box
• Wound around index cards and stored in a photo box

Evaluate your system after a few months, and make sure that it is suits you and your needs. If you find that you are using one type more than the others, again, make sure it’s up front and ready to use. If a previous favorite is now being used less, move it to a more suitable spot. Make your system work for you!

Today's Tip! - Beads

Beads can add color and design to a scrapbook. Beading can be as simple as gluing a few beads onto a scrapbook page or as complex as a sewn beaded design.

Today's Tip

To give a chalked accent to your items without the mess of the chalk, print images directly onto vellum. Next, color the back of the vellum with a marker.

Tonight's Project - Young Girl Brag Book

This one is cute and used nothing but scraps, again!!!!

Free Disney Layout

More than a few people have recently come back from a Disney vacation, how about using a layout like this?

Today's Tip! - Rusted Metal

Get the rusted metal look without the rusted metal. Coat a red or burgundy colored cardstock with brown chalk. Next, add tan chalk for a powdery finish.

Tonight's Project #2 - Baby Boy Brag Book

As I said in my previous post, stranger things have been given new life in a craft project.  Besides, being "Green" is all the rage right now.  These little "books" were salvaged from the garbage destined for the landfill and they look so cute now.

Originally, these were little soft plastic CD "books", I can only assume came with some pretty large computer programs. These little ones are only designed to hold 2 CD's, but some of the other ones I have will hold 7 or 8.


This particular one used up some cute, little boy paper scraps (I'm on a scrap clear out binge right now) and I think it turned out pretty cute!!!

Tonight's Project #1 - Feminine Brag Book

Some people might think this strange but others, who know me, won't think it strange at all.

I found these little "books" in the garbage and salvaged them with the hope of finding just the right project to give them a new life.  I think this fits the bill.

Originally, these were little plastic CD holders, I can only assume came with some pretty large computer programs.  These little ones are only designed to hold 2 CD's, but some of the other ones I have will hold 7 or 8.

This particular one used up some cute, and feminine paper scraps (I'm on a scrap clear out binge right now).  I think it turned out pretty cute!!!

Anybody Crafting Tonight?

Crafting with my cousin tonight and working on some little Brag Books!!! So cute!!!!

Sure Cuts A Lot Top 40

Do you like this blog?  Do you find it useful?  Inspirational?  Interesting?  Want to make it even better?????

Help me spread the word by clicking on the Sure Cuts A Lot Top 40 link to the right.

Let's keep our site in the Top 40!!!!!!

Today's Tip! - Frosting

Frosting adds a unique touch to all of your metal charms. This creates a softened look suitable for baby and grandparent scrapbooks.



To create this frosted charm look, sprinkle embossing powder and glitter on the metal charms and heat. Repeat this process again, before the item has a chance to cool. Attach the charms to your scrapbook once they cool completely.

SCAL - Sure Cuts A Lot

Does anybody out there have it?

I do, but haven't played around with it too much.  What are your thoughts?  Benefits?  Limitations?  Ease of use?

Anybody have any good Cut Files to share?

Today's Tip! - Handprints

The sweetest accents to a child's scrapbook page are handprints. Handprints are especially appreciated in baby or grandparent scrapbooks.

Drink your water!!!!

FREE Sheet Music Images

Cruising around the internet and found these sweet Sheet Music images that you can print from your home computer.  Simply click on the photo to enlarge it and the save it to your computer for later use (right-click on it, and click Save Image As).


Some are wedding related songs and others appealed to me visually. Use them for whatever you want, they are royalty-free.

Some More Scraproom Envy for you.....

Found "Doodlebop's" Scraproom on Splitcoast Stampers (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1674650?&cat=3376)

What a beautiful and organized room.  (incidentally, I'm working on my room at the moment...... )

Brooklyn's First Christmas Layout

Today's Tip! - Fake Credit Cards

What do you do with those little credit-card-style gift cards once thate are depleted?  What about the "sample" credit cards you get in the mail trying to entice you?


How about........

• Punch holes in them and make a fabulous mini-album?
• Use your die-cut machine to cut out a shape (stars, circles, flowers, etc.) and cover with glitter, paint, paper, or ....?
• Add ribbon to make a Jacob's ladder?
• If you having matching cards, make a memory game?
• Create a piece of jewelry?

Today's Tip! - Sequins

Do you adore sequins? Want to incorporate them into your layouts without adding too many of them? A fun way is to dot your letters "i", "j" and replace the letter "o" with a sequin.

Today's Tip! - Filmstrip

Save time by matting a few photos on the same piece of cardstock to create a "filmstrip" effect. Just place and space the photos evenly and cut. A time-saving technique I enjoy using.

Another Idea for the 8"x8" Canvas..... how about a clock

I think this is a GREAT idea!

(found these on www.scrapjazz.com)