This is what I have been up to in between water damage restoration and cleanup.
Happy Halloween Crafters!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween Treat Holders
This is what I have been up to in between water damage restoration and cleanup.
Happy Halloween Crafters!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tip of the Week (#9) Got Makeup?...or a case that is
I discovered that cosmetic cases or makeup compartment trays work wonders for organizing your crafting tools and/or supplies.
I found a clear acrylic cosmetic tray with compartments for lots of items. This one had a slot wide enough for a 12x12 paper trimmer, a smaller paper trimmer, slots for adhesives, paint, glitter bottles, scissors, rulers, pokey pix, and more.
This thing had about 7 storage slots! The look was sleek and it could sit flat on a hard surface and provide quite a few storage options giving you the ability to have those most used crafting tools right at your finger tips. The best thing about this storage solution was the price. I found it at Big Lots for just $5.99. There aren’t many products out at the moment for desktop craft supply/tool storage that can boast that price point. You could either purchase a cosmetic case with the lid and hide everything away when you’re done with it, or you could purchase a cosmetic tray providing you the open concept, quick access option. Either way, practical and efficient storage will be readily available if you dare purchase a cosmetic case.
So next time you are out and about, keep your eyes open! Just because a product is marketed for one use doesn’t mean we can’t give it another. Always remember to check your local discount and warehouse stores. They may very well surprise you.
Happy Crafting!
I found a clear acrylic cosmetic tray with compartments for lots of items. This one had a slot wide enough for a 12x12 paper trimmer, a smaller paper trimmer, slots for adhesives, paint, glitter bottles, scissors, rulers, pokey pix, and more.
This thing had about 7 storage slots! The look was sleek and it could sit flat on a hard surface and provide quite a few storage options giving you the ability to have those most used crafting tools right at your finger tips. The best thing about this storage solution was the price. I found it at Big Lots for just $5.99. There aren’t many products out at the moment for desktop craft supply/tool storage that can boast that price point. You could either purchase a cosmetic case with the lid and hide everything away when you’re done with it, or you could purchase a cosmetic tray providing you the open concept, quick access option. Either way, practical and efficient storage will be readily available if you dare purchase a cosmetic case.
So next time you are out and about, keep your eyes open! Just because a product is marketed for one use doesn’t mean we can’t give it another. Always remember to check your local discount and warehouse stores. They may very well surprise you.
Happy Crafting!
Surrogate Blogging
Yes, there is such a thing and it's how you're able to read this and the previous post. My lovely daughter has agreed to post my words (word for word) while I wait for my computer to be restored. I realize it is unconventional, and perhaps even unheard of, but this blog has come to mean a lot to me. I really feel like I'm missing an opportunity if I don't blog. It is incredible how one can become attached to the computer! My daughter lives in another state, so I faxed her my written blogs and she posted them. She is SO sweet to help her mom.
When I am able to post pics of my shopping excursion to the craft store in Germany, I will tell you all about it. I will preface that story by alerting you now-the craft stores are better stocked in the US. That being said, I did still manage to find some terrific treats, and on sale too! Things are pricey there and the conversion from dollar to euro wasn't great. Still, leave it to me to find the deals. I am so glad to be home but miss my honey bunny greatly! (Yes, now would be a good time to pity my child who is blogging this).
Okay everyone-stay tuned! I will have a storage tip following this post!
Happy crafting!
When I am able to post pics of my shopping excursion to the craft store in Germany, I will tell you all about it. I will preface that story by alerting you now-the craft stores are better stocked in the US. That being said, I did still manage to find some terrific treats, and on sale too! Things are pricey there and the conversion from dollar to euro wasn't great. Still, leave it to me to find the deals. I am so glad to be home but miss my honey bunny greatly! (Yes, now would be a good time to pity my child who is blogging this).
Okay everyone-stay tuned! I will have a storage tip following this post!
Happy crafting!
No I did not fall of the face of the Earth, but...
Hello All! I'm back in the good ol' USA. A lot has happened since my return. While my trip was indeed a wonderful experience that I will treasure always, the return home was somewhat eventful in its own right.
I came home to a flood in my basement, a ton of water damage, and lots of collateral damage. This includes some much beloved photos. As the self-appointed family archivist, you can well imagine what this has done to me on an emotional scale. As if that wasn't enough, my computer is completely inoperable. I have had contractors in and out of the house from sun-up to sun-down. Also, my dog ran away then decided to come back. I had no hot water for over a week, and as I write this, I still have none. This has been quite the ordeal. One thing this whole crisis has done for me is restore my faith in humanity. All the people involved in assisting me and bringing our basement back to pre-loss condition have been truly AMAZING! I would love to post more pictures of my Germany trip but at the moment it will have to wait due to the current state of my computer. I hope all is well for everyone.
Happy Crafting!
I came home to a flood in my basement, a ton of water damage, and lots of collateral damage. This includes some much beloved photos. As the self-appointed family archivist, you can well imagine what this has done to me on an emotional scale. As if that wasn't enough, my computer is completely inoperable. I have had contractors in and out of the house from sun-up to sun-down. Also, my dog ran away then decided to come back. I had no hot water for over a week, and as I write this, I still have none. This has been quite the ordeal. One thing this whole crisis has done for me is restore my faith in humanity. All the people involved in assisting me and bringing our basement back to pre-loss condition have been truly AMAZING! I would love to post more pictures of my Germany trip but at the moment it will have to wait due to the current state of my computer. I hope all is well for everyone.
Happy Crafting!
Friday, October 16, 2009
*Crafting Tip* (#8) Got Broken Jewelry?
Re-purpose old, broken, mismatched or lone pieces of jewelry that you may have in your jewelry box just desperately waiting to be worn or fixed.
If you find you have some you can use them as dangles by threading ribbon through the piece for your mini books. Or by just adding a strong adhesive to part of a jewel piece and placing it on your cards as an interactive piece. It can also act as a pull of sorts or just fill some space in a window card or shadow box.
I am certain that all you crafty chicas & chicos will find a way to make them work.
Happy Crafting!
If you find you have some you can use them as dangles by threading ribbon through the piece for your mini books. Or by just adding a strong adhesive to part of a jewel piece and placing it on your cards as an interactive piece. It can also act as a pull of sorts or just fill some space in a window card or shadow box.
I am certain that all you crafty chicas & chicos will find a way to make them work.
Happy Crafting!
ANOTHER PARTICRAFT BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY
Just wanted you all to know that the folks over at the particraft blog are doing it again.
Go check out their blog for your chance to win. Included in this post is a pic of what you can win. For specifics go to:
HTTP://PARTICRAFT.BLOGSPOT.COM
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
ENJOY THE PICS BELOW OF SOME OF THE SITES IN DEUTSCHLAND
I am overwhelmed by all its castles, cathedrals and architecture.
It is incredibly beautiful!
It is incredibly beautiful!
Hello from Germany
Just a quick note to say hello from GERMANY fellow crafters.
I have been invigorated and inspired by some of the amazing sites here in Germany. I am still here & had the opportunity to get to a computer and check on my humble blog.
A special THANKS to all those who have stopped by and to Samantha for her kind comment.
I hope to go to a scrap store I found online but since it is about an hour away we are trying to find a way to work it into the schedule. There aren't as many scrap or craft stores surprisingly.
If there are any German followers or peekers as I like to call those that occasionally peek into the blog, please feel free to leave a comment with any info you may have re: scrapbooking stores near Ramstein.
Alright everyone, it is getting late so I am heading off to bed that way I am well rested for tomorrow's adventures.
Keep crafting.
I have been invigorated and inspired by some of the amazing sites here in Germany. I am still here & had the opportunity to get to a computer and check on my humble blog.
A special THANKS to all those who have stopped by and to Samantha for her kind comment.
I hope to go to a scrap store I found online but since it is about an hour away we are trying to find a way to work it into the schedule. There aren't as many scrap or craft stores surprisingly.
If there are any German followers or peekers as I like to call those that occasionally peek into the blog, please feel free to leave a comment with any info you may have re: scrapbooking stores near Ramstein.
Alright everyone, it is getting late so I am heading off to bed that way I am well rested for tomorrow's adventures.
Keep crafting.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Xtra Crafting Tip of the Week (#7) PUNCH IT!
What do scraps of paper & punches have in common?
You can use both to make 3-D embellishments!
If you are lucky enough to have a few punches in your stash take advantage of it.
Punch the shapes using up some of the scraps of cardstock & patterned paper I just know us crafters can't seem to part with.
Paper punching can even be a family activity. While you, the hubster & short ones are taking in a t.v. show or two you can delegate punching duties to your troops. Give each family member a punch, a couple of scrap sheets of paper and let the paper punching begin.
Once they have punched their hearts out, take your punch outs to your work area and contemplate the possibilities. You can use rub-ons, glitter, emboss or depending on the size of them even place photos on them. Punch outs are very versatile but in numbers they can really make something pop by layering them. Just use foam squares or pop dots to layer them on top of each other to create a 3-D effect. It's a great way to get them involved in your beloved addiction to paper crafting & scrapbooking.
Happy Crafting!
You can use both to make 3-D embellishments!
If you are lucky enough to have a few punches in your stash take advantage of it.
Punch the shapes using up some of the scraps of cardstock & patterned paper I just know us crafters can't seem to part with.
Paper punching can even be a family activity. While you, the hubster & short ones are taking in a t.v. show or two you can delegate punching duties to your troops. Give each family member a punch, a couple of scrap sheets of paper and let the paper punching begin.
Once they have punched their hearts out, take your punch outs to your work area and contemplate the possibilities. You can use rub-ons, glitter, emboss or depending on the size of them even place photos on them. Punch outs are very versatile but in numbers they can really make something pop by layering them. Just use foam squares or pop dots to layer them on top of each other to create a 3-D effect. It's a great way to get them involved in your beloved addiction to paper crafting & scrapbooking.
Happy Crafting!
Germany Bound
Hello out there in blog-land!
Great news, we are getting the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Germany.
That means I won't be blogging for about a week or so.
I hope you still will follow my blog & stay tuned. I expect to come back with some inspiration, new tips, techniques & ideas to share with you all.
There is something invigorating about visiting distant lands or so they say.
I get to find out first hand this upcoming week and I couldn't be more thrilled.
It will be my first time traveling outside of North America and for me that is big.
I will be posting an extra tip since I won't be here to leave one for next week.
I also will be posting a few more cards I had the opportunity to make.
I have been working on gift tags & more cards to complete an order placed by one of my customers. It has been fulfilling to work on these projects for me. They are more than just an order.
Okay all have a terrific week and I will blog when I get back.
AUF WEIDERSEIN...FOR NOW
Happy Crafting!
Great news, we are getting the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Germany.
That means I won't be blogging for about a week or so.
I hope you still will follow my blog & stay tuned. I expect to come back with some inspiration, new tips, techniques & ideas to share with you all.
There is something invigorating about visiting distant lands or so they say.
I get to find out first hand this upcoming week and I couldn't be more thrilled.
It will be my first time traveling outside of North America and for me that is big.
I will be posting an extra tip since I won't be here to leave one for next week.
I also will be posting a few more cards I had the opportunity to make.
I have been working on gift tags & more cards to complete an order placed by one of my customers. It has been fulfilling to work on these projects for me. They are more than just an order.
Okay all have a terrific week and I will blog when I get back.
AUF WEIDERSEIN...FOR NOW
Happy Crafting!
Monday, October 5, 2009
CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#6) INCORPORATING MUSIC IN YOUR PAPERCRAFTING-YES, IT CAN BE DONE!
Have you ever had a moment where you heard a song and it just took you back in time? You know, like the the tune Happy Birthday or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
In that spirit I have found an inexpensive way to add songs...YES...music to my layouts or cards. I know there is currently a device out in the scrap market which offers this unique & clever dimension to our paper crafting but my idea is a little more affordable.
You know those Hallmark music cards that offer a variety of songs for all occasions? Yes, those very cards are the ticket. It is less expensive to buy one of those and add it to your pages then it is to go out & get the device currently being marketed.
You would simply have to remove the device buy cutting it out of the card & use a strong adhesive to adhere it to your project (Glue Dots come to mind).
Now if you are concerned about the acid-free, archival aspect just do not adhere the device directly on to your photos.
Just think of the possibilities. If any of you decide to try it, leave me a comment on my blog about how you made this idea into reality on your paper crafting project.
Happy Crafting!
In that spirit I have found an inexpensive way to add songs...YES...music to my layouts or cards. I know there is currently a device out in the scrap market which offers this unique & clever dimension to our paper crafting but my idea is a little more affordable.
You know those Hallmark music cards that offer a variety of songs for all occasions? Yes, those very cards are the ticket. It is less expensive to buy one of those and add it to your pages then it is to go out & get the device currently being marketed.
You would simply have to remove the device buy cutting it out of the card & use a strong adhesive to adhere it to your project (Glue Dots come to mind).
Now if you are concerned about the acid-free, archival aspect just do not adhere the device directly on to your photos.
Just think of the possibilities. If any of you decide to try it, leave me a comment on my blog about how you made this idea into reality on your paper crafting project.
Happy Crafting!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
PEACHY KEEN STAMPS CHALLENGE BLOG CANDY
You have got to check out the selection of fresh & adorable stamps they put out.
They are currently posting info on their blog for a chance to win some super sweet blog candy. Head on over & see what all the "fuzz" is about!
They are currently posting info on their blog for a chance to win some super sweet blog candy. Head on over & see what all the "fuzz" is about!
Friday, October 2, 2009
BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY AT PARTICRAFT.BLOGSPOT.COM
Hey there- while you are wandering the world wide web indulging in all things crafty, head on over to the Particraft blogspot for some great inspiration & a chance at winning some blog candy.
I WON!
Hello & A Double Happy Friday & October.
As the title would suggest, I actually won something. What you might ask?
Well, I won scrapping goodies from EK Success. I am not sure what they will be but I can expect to receive them sometime within the next couple of weeks.
I am so over the moon excited because I don't usually win online scrappy goodness.
I did however one time win a $250 shopping spree at a local scrapbooking store & that was a hoot.
I just thought I would share the good news.
I am in the process of charging my camera battery so I can share with you all an assortment of cards I have been busy making.
I hope you will stay tuned.
Have a terrific Friday & thanks for checking out my blog.
Happy Crafting :)
As the title would suggest, I actually won something. What you might ask?
Well, I won scrapping goodies from EK Success. I am not sure what they will be but I can expect to receive them sometime within the next couple of weeks.
I am so over the moon excited because I don't usually win online scrappy goodness.
I did however one time win a $250 shopping spree at a local scrapbooking store & that was a hoot.
I just thought I would share the good news.
I am in the process of charging my camera battery so I can share with you all an assortment of cards I have been busy making.
I hope you will stay tuned.
Have a terrific Friday & thanks for checking out my blog.
Happy Crafting :)