A MINI...

Although it is a Christmas mini I am still going to share it.

Front Cover

Pages 1 & 2

Pages 3 & 4

Pages 5 & 6

Back Cover

All of the envelopes open & can or do hold something.

Some Close ups: There are actually tiny bells hanging off the stocking to the right of the bells on the die cut. The stocking is popped up a bit allowing for you to tuck a photo on that page.

Oops...sorry about the sideways view but you can see how the gold ball chain hangs off the gifts were given tag pretty well that way.

The insert in the green envelope is actually an acetate with the word hope on it & some scroll work. It's quite pretty.

That is actually a Webster's Pages fabric ribbon piece along the bottom edge adhered to be used as a pocket which is housing the envelope & tag.

Here's the insert pocket within the pocket on page 5. As you can see there is plenty of space for some photos of smaller sizes or journaling.

The vellum pocket opens up to allow you to store memorabilia, sentiments, tickets, a photo or a journaling spot.

Close up of the embellishment tucked inside the back cover vellum envelope. I made it using a stick pin & some die cut pieces.

I think I can adapt much of the format for other holidays, birthdays or special occasions. And yes, that is actually an antique faucet handle I purchased @ an antique store on the cover. It was originally that green color. I had to clean it up a bit but otherwise I did nothing more to it than add that gold button in the center.

So what do you think?

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-Westcott Scissor Mouse

Yes blog buddies...a scissor shaped like a computer mouse.

You have to see it to believe it-check it out:

The paper is grabbed by a little tab under the tool that cuts the paper. The front of the tool has a measuring guide that is very accurate. Just line your measurement up with the edge of the paper and push straight. You do not need a cutting mat. It's easy to handle and comes in 5 colors.

It was recently featured at the Winter CHA (Crafty & Hobby Association) Trade Show 2012 in California.

I was unable to find a video of them in action at the time of this posting or a price point but I imagine like everything else it will only be a matter of time before it gets out there.

Hope you enjoyed the tool this week.

Stay tuned for Friday's find.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#129)Hot Stuff...Hot Stuff...

Hey bloggers...bet you're wondering what I am referring too.

I will tell you! You know how often times when we work with HOT GLUE GUNS they can get too hot to handle as soon as we sometimes need to?

Well, I stumbled upon something in my Joann's sewing section that may help with that very issue.

They are called Thermal Thimbles & look like this:

They are made by Dritz and are under $5 for a package of 3 heat resistant thimbles. It comes with varied sizes.

You simply place these over your exposed crafty fingers when using your glue gun & you will get a layer of protection to keep from burning your fingertips.

Hope this one is a helper!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND- A DATE & PHRASE STAMPER

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today's find is brought to us by Dear Lizzy of American Crafts.

It is the Date/Phrase Stamper from the new Neapolitan line & looks like this:

Super cute right?

Really this pretty little thing needs no explanation. You simply select your phrase, set the date, ink it up & stamp away.

It is soon to be released so we should be able to find it online after its' debut at the Winter CHA Trade Show.

I thought it was such a fab find and I hope you do too!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY-The Tim Holtz Stamp 2 Cut

Hey Crafters!

So today's tool is brought to you by Tim Holtz & works in conjunction with a tool I featured last week called - the Eclips.

The tool is called STAMP 2 CUT & it cuts out your stamped Tim Holtz shapes & images. There is a little more to it so you should check out the video below where Tim takes us through the product step by step:

It is going to be released at the Winter CHA Show this month.

Since it is so new I have no idea about the price point or availability but I just wanted to put it on the radar.

Looks super cool, don't you think?

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#128) Reinvent your office supplies!

Hey crafters!
Ever see an office supply that you have on hand or think you need but don't ever really do anything with or about because it is drab.
For instance, a ROLODEX.
It's a functional office supply but with all things going digital or getting computerized you may not have any use for it. You may think it too bulky or an eye sore on your work surface.You know the kind...they look like this:

But...you can turn it into something like this:

Just because something is functional doesn't mean it can't have flair. The altered rolodex above was actually done by a fellow crafter, Hoolie & I saw it on the Craftster.org forum. I admit I have been wanting to make one of my own for quite some time but just haven't gotten around to it.

Seeing hers makes me want to make one even more. It is just so cute.

Here are a few ideas what to use it for:

1-To catalog your ink inventory (ranger ink pads, memento, colorbox, etc...)

2- As a holder for sample swatches of paints & fabrics

3-Monthly reminder of special occasions such as birthdays & anniversaries

4-As a prayer a day or bible verse a day keeper

5-As an BLOG buddy keeper where you can jot down information about blogs you follow, participate in design teams with, order products from or exchange raks with, etc...

I am sure you can come up with many other ideas on how to use them.

If you have a rolodex that just isn't getting any use, I hope you see it in a different light.

But, if I know you, my crafty friends-you've already thought of something!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND- MAYA ROAD TRIM

Happy Friday!

Today's find is brought to you by MAYA ROAD!

It was hard for me to chose just one thing because there are so many products but I thought I would start with her Vintage Tape Measure Trim.

Doesn't it look like a fun element to add to any project?

It is a new release for the Winter CHA 2012 show so it should be coming soon to a craft store near you or online.

I can't wait to get my hands on some.

I will be featuring more of her goodies in the next few Fridays to come. She has some spectacular stuff! As do many other wonderful companies. I will definitely try to share as much of it as possible.

Hope you tune in.

Have a wonderful weekend!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY- Eclips by Sizzix

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY CRAFTERS!

Today's tool is brought to you by Sizzix & it is the ECLIPS die cutting tool.

The Eclips Electronic shape-cutting machine and handheld remote control create completely customizable shapes and letters to adorn almost anything.

Machine functions:

• Auto selection of speed and pressure for material to be cut
• 2-speed blade movement for fast and accurate positioning
• Adjustable blade depth
• Laser image preview for less paper waste
• Cut sizes to nearest 1/100 of an inch
• Cut vellum, paper, cardstock and chipboard in preset and custom sizes
• Convenient handle to take machine anywhere

Handheld Remote Control:

• Performs all functions remotely
• High-resolution 3.6" LCD for larger image preview
• Easy on-screen navigation
• Sliding screen reveals full keypad
• Ergonomic cradle allows tabletop use
• Multi-language user interface (English, French, Spanish, German)

Cartridge capabilities:

• Remove and replace cartridges with power on
• Decorative borders for 6", 12", 18" and 24" projects
• Search command for all shapes
• Create a "favorites" folder for designs you like
• Picture-in-picture and mirror functions
• Designs available in several styles: Original, Border, Outline, Shadow, Solid
• Extra embellishments and add-ons to accompany select shapes

As you can read, it has a lot of great features including a handle that lets you tote this baby around easily. It is also compatible with the Sure Cuts A Lot Software.

It has a varied price point from$299.99- $499.99 & can be found mostly via online retailers.

Check out the video made by Christie of Creations by Christie: (It's a little long as far as videos go but thorough) Enjoy!

It's like having a Gypsy & Cricut in one.

As you can see it boasts a lot of great features but perhaps one thing more can sweeten this configuration.

Two Words...Tim Holtz!

Yes, he is collaborating with Sizzix & has something to be used with the ECLIPS.

Come back on Friday for the Fabulous Find to find out what it is!

Ya'll come back now, ya hear!

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#127) Die Cutter Cleaning?

Say what?

I know...sounds odd but I wanted to share a little tip about how I clean my die cutting machine.

By cleaning, I mean mostly removing dust, lint, paper pulp, residue & debris that may get stuck in my die cutting machine, computer & other crafty tools.

On the surface, I use a damp microfiber cloth. Those look like this:

In the crevices, I use compressed air. You know, the cans of air used to remove dust & lint off of keyboards & computers. It works well for your die cutting machines too. In fact, you can use it on any of your machines that may collect dust & lint or where paper pulp & pieces may get trapped.

In case you're wondering, they look like this:

You can find them in stores like Wal-mart, Target, Office Max, Staples, Big Lots & more.

Hope you give this a try if you find you are having trouble with dust, lint, paper residue on your tools or work surfaces.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND- Distress Markers

Since this week has been about distressing, I thought I would share the Tim Holtz latest, DISTRESS MARKERS!
Can you believe it?


These fabulous markers are dual-tipped with a fine detail tip as well as a brush tip, and they come in all 36 Distress colors PLUS White Picket Fence! They are the perfect choice for doodling, journaling, coloring, stamping, shading and more. You will be able to purchase these open-stock to grow your collection over time, or as a canister set containing all 37 colors. Amazing or what?!

They were set to be released for sale after the Winter CHA Show so they should start hitting local scrapbooking stores & online retailers soon if they are not out already.

At the time of this post, I was not able to find the cost per marker or the set but just keep an eye for them if you want them.

Imagine the possibilities!

Have a wonderful weekend!

TOOL TIME TUESDAY- Prima Distress Tool

The PRIMA DISTRESS TOOL is the only multi-distressing tool currently on the market. It lets you distress any surface such as paper, cardstock, textiles, plastic and wood.

This tool features an ergonomic handle and includes a rub-on accessory tip, fine and rough rasp surface, metal distressing brush, edge scraper and bone folder fixture.

Check out the video:

Click on my title above & it will take you over to the Scrapbook.com online store to purchase this fantastic multi-tasking tool.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#126) Take the Stress out of Distressing!

Hey crafty friends!

If you find you don't have a distress tool in your stash & want to get the look without having to buy one, why not try using a nail file or pumice stone you may already have at home?

There are many different kinds. Here are a few just to give you an idea:

If you happen to have an electric all in one device that looks like this:

You're in luck! That has several ways to antique, distress & age your pages and projects.

The idea here is that you can use what you have @ home.

But if you are in the market for a multi-tasking distress tool, tune in for tomorrow's tool time segment. You will love it.

Have a good one!

A Saturday Special

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today I am sharing my Saturday Special which is a set of 4 tile coasters.

These music inspired coasters are 4"x4" in size & they are made of ivory travertine tiles. All 4 have scotch clear rubber feet on the base for easy, non slip placement.

I think they would make a great gift, don't you?

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Fabric Paper

Yes indeed crafters!

Fabric Paper from our friends at DCWV.

Check it out:

It's pretty, right?

You can find it at Joann Fabrics Stores & it costs $19.99 for 12 sheets of 12"x12" paper. It is acid free & lignen free as well. Great to use in conjunction with your photo projects. I imagine you can use it in your electronic die cutting machines but I have not tried it yet.

If any of you have tried it feel free to leave a comment. I would be curious to get your feedback.

Hope you enjoyed this find.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Another "B" Stand - Just what you need for all your bits!

I found the top plate portion of the stand at an old barn that was converted into an antique co-op. The bottom was a clear candle base I spray painted & epoxy'd to the plate to create the stand.

I really like the vintage feel of it and how it lends itself to so many uses.
It would look good on a end table as a candy dish or great in your craft room holding some vintage buttons.

I look forward to making more & sharing them with you.