5 Easy Ideas for Storing Your Stickers
Click the link and check it out. You can even win on the site!
Monday, April 26, 2010
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!
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.....
How about some other uses for those scraps.....
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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!!!!
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!
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!
- 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 - 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. - 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!
- 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!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
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!!!
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!!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Today's Tip! - Create Your Own Scrapbooking Space
How to create your very own Scrapbooking Space in 3 Steps
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!
- 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.
- Once you've established your space, paint it your favorite color - something that inspires you and makes you feel happy!!!
- 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.
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!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
