so my basement is FINALLY done, and I can get to putting together my studio. of course, the new challenge is the lack of funds! so i hope you will join me on my journey to put together a working space on a VERY limited budget. no custom cabinets, well appointed fixtures…etc. But i do believe that I can still have a very nice space that will be inspiring and productive.
to start, i have been using Wendy’s book The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker. It has lot’s of great ideas for getting started in organizing my stuff. It has really helped me to identify what my working style is. [and what storage style will work for me]
step 1. has been sorting. i will admit, not my favorite part of the journey. as i have been sorting, i have also been purging. making a little pile for my kids [a free for all box] and another box to pass to someone else.
i found this seedling tray at Ikea, and i put all my oft used brads etc in here.
but my favorite and most proud find so far…are these Microfiche Files. They are steel case and weigh a ton! and i got 4 of them for only $1!!! [Government Surplus] for my foam stamps, i cut the name of the stamps from the original packaging and slipped it into the label holders.
and the shallow drawers are perfect for laying out my foam stamps. it make finding the letters and symbols I want to use so much easier. on of the the other files holds my acrylic stamps. i am not sure what i am going to do with the other ones yet, but i am sure i will think of something!
here’s a little card i whipped together. it has some of my favorite elements. Hambly, bling (real crystal of course) and white Staz on.. all on Kraft cardstock.
the jewels are set behind the overlay on the inside of the card.
Tutorial by request!
you will need…
Fold kraft cardstock in half to create a card. Cut the window out out fo the front of the card, this is about 5" sq. Honestly, I just eyeballed it, but you do what you have to!
Trim overlay to about 5.5" sq. Make sure that you have the part you want to be visible cropped the way you like it. Adhere to inside of card so it shows through the window. To adhere, I used my ATG 700 and then covered the "seam" with decorative tape.
Stamp front of card as shown using Staz on. I like the way it looks to have the stamp run onto both the cardstock and the overlay.
Finally… open card and adhere black cardstock to inside of card. Adhere jewels and rub on so they are visible through the window in the circle! [if you prefer, you can place the jewels and sentiment BEFORE stamping]
If this is your post… please email me your addy! YOU WIN. If this isn’t you.. you still have a chace to win. I will announce the winner on Monday 3/31 in the newsletter. So sign up today…
And all you crazy insomniacs, Join me tonight for a little MIDNIGHT MADNESS. See you then! [sorry east coasters, midnight MST]
Paper Vase
I just love this little project. This vase is about 11" tall. And is super easy to make!
you will need..
- foam core [the kind that has adhesive on it makes this project uber fast if not, just Xyron your paper or go old school and just glue it down]
- patterned paper [the base took 4 sheets of the same paper, and I just used scraps for the rest]
- liquid glue
- glitter [i prefer glass, use what you like]
- a very sharp craft knife and cutting mat
simply cut out the shape of the vase you like.*
cut a 1/4" slit through the top… to about halfway down the vase on one piece of the foam core. And then, do the same, but from the bottom of the second foam core vase.
adhere the papers to both sides of each foam core vase.
assemble: you will make an "X" with the whole thing. [slide the 1/4" slits together]
glitter the ball on top. this will not only add shine, but help keep the whole thing from shifting!
*looking at this, I should have made a little template, but honestly… I got stuck on playing Wii Tennis last night. But you have to understand, my little brother kicked my butt all over the Wii court and I have to hone my skills for the rematch! I will post a pattern by tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding..hehe.
here is what it looks like from the top. if you like, you can glitter the edges to hide the foam. i happen to like the look of the foam peeking on the sides.
patterned papers: Making Memories and Hambly, Glitter is from Meyer Imports.
Ok, I have to say, I LOVE to make stuff. THAT is obvious, and this month I am so happy to be a part of "Gifts from the Heart" a special issue by Paper Crafts magazine. This is a great issue… LOTS of fun ideas. This is a great go to reference for any occasion. And yes, I have some work in it! In fact, I have three Four fun projects in there!
Let’s give a little prize shall we! In this issue I created a fun shadowbox… I will choose one winner from all the comments on THIS POST. You will get a copy of this issue AND a blank little shadow box house so you can create the project yourself! And for a bonus, I will pick a lucky winner from my newsletter list to win a copy of the issue as well! If you already signed up.. you are already entered!
So post a little comment between now, and let’s say MIDNIGHT on 3/27 and I will announce the winner on Friday! Good luck.
My little divas all dressed in Easter best!
from our family to yours… Happy Easter! I will be back Tuesday with another fun project. Until then.. have a safe and wonderful weekend.
my little Sedona.. enjoying some candy Easter grass!
