"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" A Different Kind of Embossing Tool

Hi There!
Thanks for visiting.

Today's tool is brought to you by: Ten Seconds Studio. They carry a variety of embossing tools but today I am showcasing the:

Wheels Set A- Embossing Tools

They look a little something like this:

Quite simply these hand held embossing tools allow you to add texture & dimension to your projects with a roll of the wheel.

You can find them HERE.

Check out a cool video from the Ten Seconds Studio Girls HERE showing these & all their other tools in action.

Hope you enjoyed this week's tool.
Have a great day.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK-Organizational (#91) & A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE

Hello All & Happy Memorial Day to you (if you celebrate it)!

If you are the kind of crafter that I am where you find yourself organizing your space or your crafty items a lot then maybe today's tip can be helpful.
It is this: ORGANIZE TO SUIT THE WAY YOU CRAFT.


It may seem like a simple tip but I think sometimes we stress on how to best organize items even after we have moved them 3 times in one month. For me, what has worked was to simplify. Organize by color for certain crafty items like paper, buttons, brads, scraps, flowers and ribbon.

Then subdivide according to what you use most often. For instance, I know I use bling and pearls often so I actually have containers that hold my bling & pearls and it is close by my work station for easy access.

I could probably go on about organization but I won't. I think it is as much a matter of preference as it is necessity. My only hope was to offer up a couple of my personal tips that I thought might best help you. As crafters, I think we are open to suggestions, advice and always evolving. I sure do hope this little tip helps someone out there who find themselves in an organizational rut.

AS FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE...

I wanted to take a moment to say to all those courageous men & women, past & present who have fought to protect our freedoms, our nation and our way of life...THANK YOU KINDLY! This includes my dear husband!

Also, to the families left behind as well. It is a life of sacrifice, honor & true commitment to a cause greater then one's self.

***Check out this amazing video tribute***




Have a great week & a wonderful holiday!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Zazzle

Happy Friday!
You made it to the end of the week that is fabulous in of itself.
Now for today's find...

They are Postage Stamps with a personal touch from ZAZZLE.COM.


They carry this wonderful product which allows you to customize your own postage stamp with photos of your loved ones.

Isn't that great?

For one sheet of 20 customized postage stamps the price begins at $18.30. Prices do vary and depend on style selected and quantity. If you order in bulk the price goes down.

With wedding season coming soon I can totally see these on the wedding invites.

Hope you enjoyed this week's find.

AN AWARD & PAYING IT FORWARD...yes again!

Can you believe it?
I know what you must be thinking but these things cannot be helped.
I feel honored that my fellow crafters would think me worthy of any award. This one is no different.
Cindy Lou from Scrappin C bestowed this honor upon me this time around and I am thankful.

It is the Cricut-Tastic Award!


After receiving it I was to list 5 Cricut related things about myself & share it with 5 friends.

My 5 Cricut related things:
1-I have owned my expression for 4 years.
2-I only own 10 cartridges.
3-I am still discovering its' features every time I play with it.
4-I really would like to upgrade to an E2.
5-I have used my Cricut to make wedding favor boxes & other wedding related items for my cousin's wedding.

My 5 Friends:

1-Tracey @ Garden of Grace
2-Gina @ Gigi's Creative Designs
3-Viv @ Crafting Haven
4-Charlotte @ A Little Bit of Detail
5-Kim @ Scrapin Mom of One Inspiring Little Boy

Go check them out!
They are super crafty chicks with class and lots of Cricut style.

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG *

Hi & Welcome to Whimsical Wednesday!

Today I get to share with you what I created for our challenge.

The challenge: Create a tag & incorporate bling.

So ...one blinged tag...coming right up!

(Sorry for the poor quality of the photos)








* Supplies Used *
Solid Red & Turquoise Cardstock-Bazzill
Music Sheet Stamp-Prima
All Bling-Queen & Co.
Black Ink-Staz ON
Fleur de Lis & Sun Burst Fabric Appliques-Michael's
Brad-In my stash
Black Flower-Fabric Fancies by Recollections
Black & White Ribbon-Michael's Dollar Bin
Tiny Alphas-Making Memories
Tag Shape cut using the Sentimentals Cricut Cartridge -frame shape on page 28

Now let us see what you can creatively cook up for this challenge and link up your blinged out tag over at the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog.

I do believe the challenge will be posted by noon today so if you get there a little early and don't see it yet, stay a while. Browse the blog, check out the other challenges & get inspired. It is a fun blog to be a part of-see for yourself.

AN AWARD & PAYING IT FORWARD

Hi again bloggers.
I was not expecting to post again today but I just had to.
I received a blog award & in keeping with the tradition of them decided to post while I have some time.

Jessica over at Chick-n-Scrap bestowed this lovely honor upon me.



You must share 5 things about yourself, 1 of which should be crafting related then pay it forward to 5 fabulous bloggers.

My 5 Things:
1-My craft room serves as my business office as well.
2-I am bilingual & tried to teach myself Chinese too but that did not last too long.
3-I am an Air Force wife & so proud of my soldier's sacrifices.
4-I was lucky enough to meet Melissa Frances last year at the Creating Keepsakes Convention I attended with my BFF.
5-I once performed singing solos in 4 different bands/choirs on the same day at a church function. Sort of like a band-a-thon of praise. To think, I was extremely shy then & still am now. Don't know if I would sing in public at this point in my life.

My 5 Blog Friends:
1-Nikki at Bond Girl Creations
2-Stephanie at Always Crafting
3-Janet at Life Full of Sunflowers
4-Kimmy at Kim's Kreations
5-Shelly at My Paper Love

THESE CRAFTERS ARE ALL SPECIAL, TALENTED & MOTIVATIONAL. You have got to stop by & see them-you will definitely know in an instant why they are a thing of beauty!

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Pom Pom Maker

Happy Tuesday!

Today's tool is brought to you by: Clover. It is a POM POM MAKER.
It simply helps you make pom poms by using yarn.
They come in different sizes & varieties like this:





HERE'S A VIDEO OF THE POM POM MAKER IN ACTION:


As crafters, I figured we would definitely find many uses for pom poms in our projects.

These pom-pom makers can be found at Michael's, Joanns & A.C. Moore in the sewing tools/accessories section.

They vary in price from $2.99-$5.99. You can use a coupon too whenever they are not already on sale.

Hope you enjoyed this week's tool.

Have a good one.
Hope to have you back tomorrow.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#90) Working With Felt

Hi!

Quick tip today.

Do you like using felt on projects but find it a little challenging to work with?

Sometimes it can be hard to cut. If you find that to be the case when you are working with it, try gluing your felt to a piece of cardstock. Let it dry completely before proceeding to cut it.

One thing I found helpful was to trace my design or desired shape (intended for the felt) on the back of the cardstock I adhered the felt to. I also have used templates or stencils for this. Then I just cut it freehand with a good pair of sharp scissors.

Hope this helps someone out there!

Have a great week.

HAPPY ARMED FORCES DAY!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Liquid Scrap Dots

Hello There!

I am glad you stopped by.

Now some may argue that this can be a tool or just a fab find, I think it can be both.
I decided to post it under the Fabulous Find Friday category because I really wanted to share the news about this product.

I am sharing news about a seemingly wonderful product called: Liquid Scrap Dots by Helmar.





Check out the video below to get the scoop in full detail:



You can buy it HERE.

I have seen prices ranging on other online retailers from $4 & Up.

I really have to got to get my hands on this stuff!
Let me know if you have already & what you think of it.

Have a great weekend.

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG *

Hello & Happy Hump Day!

It's time to head over to the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog for this week's challenge.
You will find all the details you need as well as sneak peeks & prize info.
So click on my title bar & it will take you right over.
Hope you join in on the fun!
Have a great day.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Clear & Simple Stamp APP

Happy Friday Bloggers!

Today's find is the CLEAR AND SIMPLE STAMPS APP.
We can now add stamping to the list of cool Apps for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad!



Clear and Simple Stamps knows all too well the desire that paper crafters have to find inspiration. So they have found a way to provide you a "daily boost of creativity" by using the CSS Daily App.

Some of the features of this cool new App include:

* Daily projects using Clear and Simple Stamps
* Full color photos
* A complete supply list
* Step-by-step instructions

The CSS Daily App publishes a project every day and includes a full list of supplies with links to their store to make your purchases easily and immediately. Each project includes step-by-step instructions with details and close up elements.

Download it HERE for only $4.99!

Hope you found this find interesting.
Have a great weekend!

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Pixie Plus Sewing Machine

Hello there & thanks for stopping!

Today's tool is: the Pixie Plus Sewing Machine.



The Pixie-Plus is a small sewing machine by SINGER great to use for all your paper crafting, hemming and mending projects. Small and portable, the Pixie-Plus runs on either AC power or 4 AA batteries. With 8 stitch patterns including straight, zig-zag, blind hem and rampart, this little machine can tackle basic sewing and crafting needs. It has a storage compartment, sewing light, high and low sewing speed, and reverse sewing. It comes with an instruction manual, power cord, foot control, mini scissors, thimbles, measuring tape, spool cap, hand needles, pins, needle threader, seam ripper, snaps and buttons, thread, and pre-wound bobbins.

HERE'S A GREAT REVIEW & TUTORIAL VIDEO BY SCRAPOLOGY:



I have seen it @ my Big Lots for around $30 & think it may be worth it to run out & grab it for my lightweight sewing projects especially on my layouts & cards.

There are online retailers of course & the prices vary. You may find it at Joanns & might be able to use your coupon as well.

If you are considering light sewing this seems like it could be a great addition to your tool stash.

Have a great day.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#89) Crepe Paper

Hello there!

This week I encourage you try Crepe Paper on your crafts with some ideas on how to go about it.

It is an inexpensive way to get wonderful looks especially those who are fans of vintage, shabby chic, heritage & retro designs. Although, you can make them whimsical & easily add them to pages for girls, boys, school pages & special events pages too.

Here are a few of my ideas & photos of the results to get your juices flowing:

1- Make lovely flowers and bunting.




2- Make adorable rosette styled embellishments.




3- Make dimensional fringe by threading a needle & sewing a straight stitch down the center of a few layers of your crepe paper then snip it on each side of the thread halfway-toward the center of the thread, fan apart & you have a gorgeous embellishment.



4-You can make ruffles to add to existing ribbon giving more texture to your projects.


5-You can use decorative edged scissors to cut strips to use as borders.

I hope you give Crepe Paper a try.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Teresa Collins Blingage

Happy Friday!

Today's find is some FABULOUS BLINGAGE from the wonderfully talented Theresa Collins.

Need I say more?

Take a look at this line of beauties:




They vary in price from $1.99-$5.99 depending on your place of purchase and can be found on online retailers like:
BLUE MOON SCRAPBOOKING.COM
SCRAPBOOK.COM
SCRAPBOOKS N STICKERS.COM

There are probably more retailers out there to or maybe they have finally hit your local scrapbooking stores. Wherever you decide, you can't go wrong with these absolutely glamorous details on your pages and/or projects.

Until next time!

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG * A Tea Cup Card

Hello there fellow bloggers!

Today is Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Day!

The theme for this challenge is to make a shaped card.

I love this challenge and knew immediately what I wanted to do.
Take a look & tell me what you think.Then head over to the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog for details and sneek peeks of the other design team members. They are all so fabulous & fun. You are going to love it!

It is a tea cup card. I free handed the cup on cardstock, cut it out, embossed it, added stickles to the swiss dots and then used foam dots to pop up the one layer on top of the other. I needed the space to be able to insert the tea bag. I used the Cricut Sentimentals cartridge for the door knob cut @ 5".



Here's a close up of the slit where I inserted the tea bag that is attached to the sentimentals door knob. You actually can pull the tea bag right out. The sentiment reads: You're my cup of tea. I printed that off my computer on to the green cardstock.

Kind of difficult to see the stickles on the cup here in the photos but in person you can & it adds such nice dimension.


I totally need another camera! These pics didn't turn out the best but you get a feel for the card nonetheless.




***Supplies Used***
Cream, Green & Black Cardstock Recollections
Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Door Know Cut from Sentimentals Cricut Cartridge
Stickles
EK Success scallop edge punch
Pearls-Queen & Co.
Green Lace Trim-Webster's Pages
Black Sequin Trim-Recollections
Stick Pin- In my stash (I think it is old stuff from Creating Keepsakes-it's about time I use it up!)
Black Ribbon-Offray
Tiny Button-In my stash

Tea Bag (From Home)

Now it's your turn to take the challenge on.
Don't be shy...create, enter your creation & see if you win the wonderful candy just waiting to be won.
You have 2 weeks from the time the challenge is announced.

Thank you for stopping by.

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Copic Airbrush System

Hey there!

Today's tool is the: COPIC AIRBRUSH SYSTEM!





This fantastic system uses your favorite Copic markers to integrate airbrush effects into layouts, illustrations, craft projects, scrapbooking, stamping, and more.

Just insert the broad or medium-broad end of a Copic Original Marker or Sketch Marker (sold separately) into the air grip and hook it up to an air compressor or compressed air can. Changing colors is as easy as switching markers.

The Copic system is environmentally friendly, too; the air can's propellant gas is chlorine-free and non-combustible.

You can find it: HERE .

I have to say this looks pretty cool but don't take my word for it. Check it out in action:

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#88) Crimp it!

Hello Everyone & thanks for tuning in today.

Have you got a paper crimper in your tool arsenal?

Do you use it much?

In today's tip I want to share a few ways you can put your paper crimper to use.

One thing I discovered off the bat is that kraft cardstock & your paper crimper can go together like peanut butter & jelly. I know...it may seem odd but there is something about the combo that when you see it together, it makes you go hmmm- me likes!
The combo brings kitsch & vintage together beautifully so that is certainly one thing to do.

2- is to use it to crimp your lightweight chipboard letters & numbers.
3- Use it in your masculine projects.
4- Use it to make textural mats for your photos.
5- Use it when assembling pages for flip books where accordian folds are required. You get a perfect peak & valley with the crimper.

Those are my top 5, now it's your turn to think of some more options for this often underutilized tool.

Have a great week!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Vintage Ticket Holder

Hi All!

Today's find is brought to you by the wonderful folks @ 7 Gypsies.

It's the VINTAGE TICKET HOLDER.

Check it out:

Isn't it cool?
What a great piece to display important photos, memorabilia or ATC cards. It's your call but whatever you decide will look just beautiful in it.

The average price I found online was $19.99 which I thought was quite reasonable.

Hope you enjoyed the find for today.
Have a fantastic weekend!

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG *

Happy Wednesday!

It's that time again for you to join us for a Whimsical Wednesday Challenge. The new one will be posted about noon Eastern Standard Time today. It would sure be great to have you participate.

Click HERE to go there!

Have a wonderful day.

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Misting Mat

Hi there!

Today's tool is a must have for the crafter who loves getting messy!

It's the: MISTING MAT by Tattered Angels.


The one above measures 24"x36" but they also offer one that measures 15"x30".

Its'size is a revelation, no matter which one you get because of how large an area it covers providing you with quite a bit of work surface for inking, chalking, painting, embossing & other crafts requiring a mat. It is also heat resistant and easy to clean.



If interested in purchasing one, click HERE to go to CUSTOM CROPS .