FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Art Parts by Studio 490

Happy Friday!

Today's find is the cool ART PARTS by Wendy Vecchi of Studio 490.

Art Parts are blank kraft-colored, pre-cut pieces made from a superior quality composite material that is ready to alter. They can be layered, inked, sanded, covered in paper, Tissue Tape, Colorwash Inks, stamped, painted...and more! They work with Tim Holtz's Alterations Texture Fades. They are much thicker than chipboard. These parts can be used to make art to keep or give away and the art will last a lifetime. The surface holds ink like a dream.

These strong, sturdy components measure 1/8" thick.

Here are a few different kits:

These would make such fantastic gifts.

There are many more designs to chose from & prices do vary.

You can find them HERE .

Hope you enjoyed this find.

Have a wonderful weekend!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-Imaginisce Mini Iron

Hello Crafty Friends!

Today's tool is brought to you by Imaginisce & it is the I-ROCK MINI IRON.

It looks like this:

Isn't it just the cutest?

Don't let its' little size fool ya. It is great for use with our fabric crafts, ribbon & other crafty adventures. Like with all other irons you should be careful what you use it on. Turn fabric painted, studded or glittered items inside out or on the flip side to make sure the heat from the iron doesn't undo all the pretties on your item. You can also place a lightweight cotton dish towel or old t-shirt over your item prior to pressing with the iron to give it an extra layer of protection.

You can find it HERE.

Imaginisce also carries MOTIFS which is their jeweled designs made specifically to be used in conjunction with this iron.

They look like this:

Aren't they hot? Imagine those on a cute t-shirt, purse or canvas!

Super fab!
Hope you liked this week's tool.

Thanks for tuning in.

Hope you come back again.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#120) GAME TIME

Well for us crafty chicas & chicos isn't it always?

For today's tip I wanted to share that you should save any stray game pieces you find & use them in your crafting.

Game pieces are so fun, whimsical & interactive. I know most of you have seen crafters who have taken Scrabble letters to spell out their blog names & creative things of that nature. It sure looks great!

Well, why not do that & more with other game pieces like the ones from playing cards, Life, Monopoly...I mean who doesn't love that car or the thimble? How about Dominoes or bingo chips. We have definitely seen the bingo numbers replicated & sold as a crafty embellishment and it works.

So next time you are out in yard sales, antique shops, second hand stores or just cleaning up your little ones' messes. If you find stray game pieces-KEEP THEM.

Then find unique ways to incorporate them into your fabulous projects.

Until next time...

A SPECIAL WISH FOR YOU

May the warmth
and love of the season
fill your hearts and home.
Best Wishes for a
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-GICKR.COM

Yes my crafty friends...GICKR IS A WORD...of sorts. It's a thing.

A wonderful, magical, free fun thing!

It is a website that makes your pictures dance. At the time of this pre-post it was a free service. I hope it still is when you go try it out.

It is so cool.

I personally have not tried it yet. I spend a lot of time researching cool & interesting things to share with you. But I hope to give it a whirl soon.

Click on my title bar to go to Gickr.com. There is a little more detail on the site as well.

Hope you enjoyed this find!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-MARTHA STEWART UTILITY BONE FOLDER

Hello Crafty Friends!

Today's tool is the versatile & covertly,compact utility bone folder from Martha Stewart.

This is 5 tools in 1! Bone folder, embosser, tweezer, trimmer & piercer.

Check out this video demonstrating all of its amazing capabilities.

If you click on my title bar it will take you to Scrapbook.com where you can purchase it online. OR...you can use a coupon at Michaels, Joann's or Hobby Lobby to purchase this multifunctional tool.

I have seen it run anywhere from $9.99-$12.99.

It is great tool to keep in your to go tote when you craft outside of your designated space but equally as wonderful to keep at your crafting table all the time.

Hope you enjoyed this tool!

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#119) SPOOLS OF THREAD

Hi Bloggers!

The tip for today is to save your spools of thread. Spools make interesting additions to your crafty projects.

A few things you can do with them:

1-Wrap twine, jute, ribbon or other trim around it that coordinates with the project for which it is being used & tuck a stick pin or mini pennant flag through the spool and adhere it to your project.

2-Wrap some pretty patterned paper ribbons to the spool & adhere an embellishment on top. So the spool ends up serving as a table of sorts to display a mini object of importance.

3-Paint the spool with your acrylic paint and use it as a scroll by adhering a secret message or journaling on the scroll, then rolling it around the spool. Make sure to add a little tab to say pull here so the person enjoying the 3-d embellishment can roll out the scrolled paper to read/reveal its' message.

Spools make great additions to shadow boxes, canvases, covers for mini albums or layouts that you display openly. I am sure you crafty bloggers can come up with more ideas. These were just a few to get your juices flowing.

So remember... don't throw away those spools of thread. They can & will come in handy in due time.

All the best & crafty goodness,

Sonia

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-INSTAGRAM!

Happy Friday my fellow blog friends!

Today's find is: INSTAGRAM!

It is a FREE (@ the moment) iPhone APP that allows you to share your pics with friends & family on the go in a unique way. Although I do not own an iphone so that I can acquire this fun APP, this post is for those that do.

You basically
- take a photo with your iPhone
-choose a filter to transform the look and feel of that photo-really fun part (or so I hear)
-then you can send the photo or photos to Facebook, Twitter , Flickr or put them on your blog –

Go to the APP store to grab the app for FREE!

Again, who does not love free & fun?

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-CRICUT TOOL KIT

Hi Crafty Friends!

I realized yesterday that maybe, just maybe not everyone may even know about or own the Cricut Tool Kit.

So then I figured I should just highlight it for this week's tool time segment.

Here it is again:

Now these tools are helpful for so much more than your Cricut use if you are wondering or on the fence about owning this.

It contains the following:

1- A 6 inch clear ruler

2- A craft knife

3-A hook

4- A scoop

5- A bone folder

6- Scissors

7- A scraper

You can most definitely use any of those items for all craft related situations. Working with paper, fabric, felt & more.

You can find it anywhere Cricut products are sold.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#118) CRICUT TOOL HANG UPS?

Hello Crafty Friends!

Ever get tired of pulling out your Cricut tools out of their case to use them?

The ones that look like this:

If you use your cricut tools often and want to have quick easy access to your tools then set them free from their case.

Now before you think I am saying get rid of the case, think again. Hold on to it so you can take your tools on the go. But...while at home, why not take your tools & fasten them with velcro on to your cricut machine?

Use some hook & loop/velcro tape & simply adhere them to a place on your cricut machine where they won't be in the way, like the left or right side. It would definitely make it easy to always know where to find that spatula or picking tool to lift off those cricut cuts in a hurry.

Just a thought...

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND- A TABLETOP ORGANIZER

Hi bloggers!

Today's find is a tabletop organizer by Mackinac Moon.

Check it out:

This pretty, clear & petite organizer measures approximately 9"L x 6.5"H x 6"D. Giving you space to store magazines in the center compartment as well as paper, large sticker sheets & other items. It also has 3 front pockets to store things like ink pads, acrylic blocks, mists or any items for current projects you may be working on. I love the idea of pre-selecting my items for a project & placing them all in this one contained space and setting it on my work space. If I don't get to finish my project, I can easily place all the items for the designated project into this organizer for the next day. Then you don't have to leave all your crafty items scattered all over your work surface.

Click on my title bar to see where you can purchase it.

Have a great weekend!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-ENVELOBOX CREATOR

Hello Crafty Bloggers!

Today's tool is brought to you by the crafty folks @ Crafter's Companion. It is the ENVELOBOX CREATOR.

This wonderful tool lets you make many envelopes of varying sizes & depths.

It's great to have a tool like this for those of us who use our cardstock & don't have matching envelopes. We can then use coordinating cardstock or complimentary colored cardstock to add a more personalized touch to our cards by making custom envelopes with this tool.

Click on my title bar & it will take you where you can purchase this handy tool for $12.95.

Hope you found this insightful.
Until next time...

A Paper Flower from Me to You

It measures 3 1/2" & I used graduated sizes of cardstock. I inked the edges with Tim Holtz-Fired Brick Distress Ink & used some of my corner punches to punch the squares of cardstock prior to folding & assembling the flower.

I will be making more of these. Just thought I would share the one since I liked it so much. It looks so much better in person.

Have a great day!

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#117) Got Twine?

Hi Bloggers~ How about ideas for using twine?

Here are a few for incorporating them into your project:

1-Make twine flowers by placing glue on a circle cutout & adhering twine from the center of the circle wrapping around. Keep going outward til it's as large as you want it or covering your punched circle. All done.

2-Wrap the twine around other embellishments like chipboard pieces, grunge paper & coils.

3- Use it as an accent to border mats, photos or border strips.

I am sure you savvy crafters can think up more ways to put this fun element to use.

Hope these few jump start your creative process.

A Great Tutorial on how to Use the MY MEMORIES DIGITAL SOFTWARE to Make Holiday Cards

If you own the MY MEMORIES SUITE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING SOFTWARE YOU WILL WANT TO CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR A DEMONSTRATION ON HOW TO USE YOUR SOFTWARE TO CREATE CHRISTMAS CARDS. YOU WILL SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT OF HOW THE CARDS TURNED OUT ON THE TUTORIAL AS WELL.

Come on ...you know you want to see them.

Click on the tutorial below now...

Quick and Easy Card Making Using MyMemories Suite v3

You can easily spend $30 on just 5 or more Christmas cards.

If you don't have the software, you may want to consider purchasing this software using my SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE ....STMMMS38452. You will get $10 OFF doing so. You enter the code during the checkout process & it will automatically deduct the $10 from the total purchase price.

Click on the MY MEMORIES SUITE SIDEBAR HERE ON MY BLOG TO GO THERE, GET DETAILS & PURCHASE.

Not only can you make cards for Christmas but you will be able to make them for ALL occasions, seasons & reasons! This software is a money saver as well as an incredible tool.

This software would make a great Christmas gift too!

Barbara's tutorial above shows just how easy the software is to use and how customizable and personal you can get with your project.

Try it for yourself! Treat yourself!

From scrapbook pages, mini albums, personalized cards & more you can really make great use of this fantastic software.

It's truly the gift that keeps on giving!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-PLUSH POSSUM STUDIO

Happy Friday Bloggers!

Today's find is a blog called: PLUSH POSSUM STUDIO on blogspot.com.

The unique thing about this fabulous blog is that its' author offers AWESOME FREE GRAPHICS.

She has many vintage and unique graphics that you can incorporate into your projects of all kinds.

Just click on my title bar above which includes the link to take you right over. You will not be disappointed.

Check out lots of posts because almost all of them have downloads included.

If you do make your way over, let her know I sent you!

Have fun getting some freebies!

WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS BLOG OWNER IS RELEASING A STAMP LINE...

It is my pleasure to share with you all that Stephanie of Whimsical-Designs is releasing her NEW STAMP LINE.

In celebration of the release she's having a sneek peek reveal & blog hop. On Thursday, December 1st & Friday, Blog hop day- December 2nd, at 7:00 am EST each day. You will see sneek peeks then...

Stephanie along with her design team will be sharing their projects with the stamp sets & the reveal of her entire four stamp sets on Friday night, December 2nd at 7:00 pm EST during the Whimsical Designs Blog Hop!

Please show her your support & give her a visit. You will be glad you did.

She will have a giveaway as well!

Hope you join her in her new crafting adventure.

If you click on my title bar it will take you right over to Stephanie's FANTASTIC blog.

Crafty best wishes,

Sonia

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-KANZASHI FLOWER MAKER TEMPLATES

Yes bloggers...that is a mouthful!

These little templates are quite the tool! If you love flowers as the flower craze would suggest these tiny tools can help you make many of the pretties we crafters are craving.

They look like this:

Check out the video below showing how these templates are used:

These templates range in price from $2.99-$4.99 & are made by CLOVER.

You can find them on Create for Less.com.

If you search online there are other retailers as well.

Hope you enjoyed this week's segment.

Thanks for stopping by.

All the best & crafty goodness!

Sonia

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#116)Stamp Solutions

Whether it's clear acrylic, rubber unmounted or wood stamps we could all benefit from a good tip here & there about stamp storage, cataloging & labeling.

Today I just wanted to share something in reference to identifying your stamps.

If you do the binder reference system or CD case system, it is inevitable that you will want to see an image of all the stamps to a collection at a glance. So, this tip is for you.

If you don't want to worry about inking up all the stamps in each collection to create a cover demo sheet for your binder, this is for you.

If you lost your demo sheet, it became torn or worn or if in your excitement in opening your stamp packaging you discarded the demo sheet, this tip is for you.

***Simply look up the stamp set online, there will usually be a photo which includes all the images to any & all sets. In addition, there is always identifying information as well. This way you will be able to capture not only the image but the manufacturer/brand and name of the stamp line.
Copy & paste the information along with the photo in a word document & print it out on white cardstock. OR if you can capture it all when you find what you are looking for simply print it right off your printer.***

The ability to create a demo catalog for your stamps using your computer system is so beneficial.
Here are some uses for printing out demo sheets of your stamps:

1. By printing them off on cardstock in multiples you can use them as duplicates. You can test out techniques with the duplicates, figure out placement without worrying about smudging ink, you can try out different color schemes to see which you would like best for a project.
2. You can cut them out.
3. Punch them out.
4. Use watercolor pencils or Copic markers.
5. You can layer the image easily
   

You can treat the image just as if you stamped it.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-PHOTOBOOTHER.COM

Hello Bloggers!

Today's find is a unique one guaranteed!

It is called : PHOTOBOOTHER.COM.

It simply allows you to create photobooth strips from your own digital photos from home. You can download them to your computer, e-mail them or order them to be sent to your home.

Check out the tutorial on their website by clicking on my title bar.

It looks so fun you have to see for yourself.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hello Dearest Bloggers!

Hope your Thanksgiving day is filled with peace, gratitude & love.

I am thankful for you all, my special blog friends
Who take the time to visit & leave comments,
Blogging can be a lonely place
When those you blog for don't visit your space,
With all the fullness in a day
It's great to know you stopped my way!

Thank you so very much!

Hugs ,
Sonia

A SISTERS DIGITAL LAYOUT USING MY MEMORIES.COM SOFTWARE

If you haven't tried this software yet you may want to reconsider. Amazon voted it the #1 digital scrapbooking software for a reason.

Use my code STMMMS38452 to get $10 off the price of the software & try it out for yourself. You will enjoy more than you thought you could. The options are many allowing for endless combinations & creations that are sure to be treasured for years to come.

If you click on the title of my post it will take you right over to My Memories.com.

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-MAKING MEMORIES SCORER TRIMMER

Hello Bloggers!

This week's tool is the : Making Memories Scorer Trimmer all in one tool!

Looks like this:

This tool allows you to trim, score and create envelopes and rosettes. Each package contains: an all-in-one scoring tool and 12x12 paper trimmer, bone folder, envelope making accessory & step-by-step instructions.

It retails for $39.99 & can currently be found @ Hobby Lobby & some online vendors.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#115) TISSUE PLEASE...

Tissue paper for gift wrapping that is... It's not just for stuffing gift bags anymore. Or was it ever only just for that?








You can totally use it in your paper crafting adventures.
It's light weight makes it a delicate but lovely accent to add to anything you would want to create. From flowers to mini accordion fans.
You can also Mod Podge it to some shaped chipboard, add some embellishments & presto you have a customized wall hanging. You can stamp these & mist them as well, which gives you yet another way to customize it even further.

Although, there are gift wrapping tissue papers that already come printed with cool designs - so if you are feeling like you want to simplify you can always buy a pre-decorated stash.

It's all up to you!

Most dollar stores carry gift wrapping tissue paper and just one package would give you a lot of crafty mileage. It's worth at least investing in white since it is easily alterable.

Oh the possibilities!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-FELTABLES

Hello Fellow Crafters & Bloggers!Today's fabulous find is : FELTABLES.

They are FELT embellishment shapes of all sorts & sizes that can be used in your crafting of any kind. You can use them for home decor, hair pins & accessories, party favors & paper crafting .

Here are just a few of their adorable, versatile items:
At the time of this post I was able to find out that HOBBY LOBBY currently carries quite a selection of these fun, versatile & stylish felt shapes.

You can click on my title bar & it will take you to their website which shows you more of this fabulous product.

Oh the possibilities!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-LED TWEEZERS

Hi Blog Friends!

This week's tool is from IMAGINISE & it's their LED lit i-ROCK TWEEZERS!

They look like this:

Aren't they so cool looking? But more then that they will be ever so helpful in the craft room.

Now you can easily pick up small craft items like gems, beads, pearls while shedding a sometimes much needed light on the matter.

You can buy them HERE for $9.99 .

I do believe they will come in handy.

Hope you enjoyed today's tool.

Til' next time!

All the best & Crafty Goodness,

Sonia

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#114)Lovin' from your Oven?

Or more to the point, something designed for your oven.A NON-Stick OVEN LINER that is. Or you can also get a non-stick SILICONE BAKING SHEET.



Hey Crafty Friends!

Did you know that you could use a non-stick OVEN LINER OR SILICONE BAKING SHEET as a misting/crafting mat?

Their properties are conducive to crafting.

They are heat resistant up to 500 degrees allowing for usage with our heat & glue guns.

They clean off well and cover a good size surface area so you can paint, ink, stamp, mist & heat emboss til' your heart's content. The oven liners are usually larger so they give you more coverage.

The price point for the oven liners are far better than the one for crafting mats. The silicone baking sheets can be a little pricier depending on where you purchase them.

You can find oven liners & silicone baking sheets in a variety of places like Wal-mart, Target, Big Lots, K-Mart & online retailers. You can find the Betty Crocker version HERE.

If you find you need a craft sheet & don't want to spend a lot of money the non-stick oven liner or silicone baking sheet would be a great choice.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Bird on a Wire!

Hey Crafters!

Anybody out there looking for a creative & fun way to display your photos?

Check out this cute little number:
It's the Birds on a Wire Photo Display.
It includes eight blackbird clips strung on a 36" clothesline cord. You can easily hang & display your pictures or tickets, memos, and scrap pages of various sizes & keepsakes.

You can find it HERE for $12.95 .

Hope you like it! Looks useful & cute!