Handmade Christmas Gifts with Want2Scrap

Hi all! Come by the Want2Scrap blog to see what handmade Christmas gift are tucked inside this customized with gift wrap!

Christmas Gift Wrap ideas with Want2Scrap

Hey all! Join me today on the Want2Scrap blog so see how easy it is to create quick and easy, personalized gift wrap options for your Christmas gifts this year!

Keepsake Card in a Frame

Hello friends! I recently attended a baby shower for my son/daugher-in-law and soon to be grandson. I LOVE giving handmade cards. But I can't help but wonder what happens to the cards over time. Of course, I knew I would make a handmade card for the shower but I wanted it to be something they could treasure....and something that wouldn't be shoved in a box and forgotten. I had seen THIS CARD on Pinterest and it really caught my eye. I loved everything about it. So, using that as my inspiration, I began.

I started by removing the glass from a picture frame and adding cardstock I had embellished, being careful to leave room for the B card. Next, I created the base and layers for the B card using my Boss Kut Gazelle. After cutting and assembling, I set to work embellishing. I used stickers and elements from an OLD collection from Stampin Up! I tied off a bit of seam binding on the edge of the letter and finished it off with a Heart Charm with a Love Charm inside it. I think it worked perfectly, don't you?! After finishing up the outside of the B, I set to work on the inside.

First I added a layer in the center of the right hand side. This is where I had wrote out sentiments for the shower, but made it so that she can add the baby's first picture there to cover our writing after he is here. Adding the Swirls Finesse - LeCreme Pearls - on the left side as a "guide" for photo placement. On the left side, I added some stickers and Fancy Chipboard Word Boy, which was colored with ink then finished off with some Smooch Ink by Clearsnap. I finished it off by adding an element from the collection pack to the bottom where they can document the birth information. I really LOVE how this frame turned out! I know I will be using this concept again and again. I mean think of how great it will work for weddings, graduations and more! In this case, it worked out even better than I had planned because the baby's name will be Benjamin. His daddy's name is Brian and we call him "B", which began many years ago during his baseball days. So the B, originally meant to stand for baby, worked out to be for Baby "B". :D Here are a few close up views of some of the detail...

Stay tuned as later this week I will be back sharing the fun diaper cake I made to go along with the keepsake card in a frame.

Fall fun with Want2 Scrap

Hi friends, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Did you go out shopping for Black Friday?  Nope, not me!  I got ALL my shopping done online on Thanksgiving day.  Now I know that technically, it is still Fall but for me, the last day of November is my transition into Winter.  And at that time I start focusing on Christmas projects.  So here is one last Fall project from me this year.

 As a scrapbooker, I have to admit I struggle with journaling. I do not like my own handwriting and I often have a hard time thinking of what to say. But, knowing that one day my albums will be passed to my kids I know it is important. So, sometimes I like to add little pockets and such to hide my journaling.

This layout is super simple. I really wanted to photo of my daughter with the scarecrow to take center so I chose simple elements that would not overwhelm the photo. After matting the photo onto some brown cardstock, I added a piece of Silver Swirls Rhinestone bling. One of the main things I love about working with Want2Scrap bling is that you can cut it to fit your project and it is so easy to work with. This piece of bling was much larger, too large for my clean-and-simple layout, so I simply trimmed it down to make it work.

I added a little paper bag under the lower right hand corner of the photo to serve as my journaling pocket. I love how the kraft bag blended with my fall themed layout. I die cut the tag then added my journaling and some colored seam binding and tucked it in the pocket. I used my BossKut Gazelle to create all the die cut elements, including the mixed font title.

How do you feel about journaling? I would love for you to share any tips or tricks you use to add it to your projects.
 

Altered notbooks with Want2Scrap & DecoArt

Hey friends!! Remember the altered notebooks I sneaked to you last week? Well, today I am sharing full photos and details on the Want2Scrap Blog! Hop on over and check it out...

Want2Scrap & DecoArt

Hello and Happy Monday!  Our friends at DecoArt sent the entire Want2Scrap DT a fabulous package stuffed with paints and different mediums.  So we are teaming up to share some great projects using our DecoArt goodies.  Please hop on over to the Want2Scrap Blog so you can see what the design team has created for you!  And while you're there be sure to enter our giveaway too!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Here's a peek at my project...

 Full details will be available on the Want2Scrap Blog on October 20th.
 

Fun with Pocket Pages and Want2Scrap®

Hello friends! Today is my day on the Want2Scrap blog! Hop on over and check out what I created...

Mini Home Decor Canvas for Want2Scrap

Hello friends! I have a Mini Home Decor Canvas up on the Want2Scrap blog today! I would love it if you would hop on over and check it out...

 

 

Hey all! I have a layout up on the Want2Scrap blog today using one of the new fabulous overlays! I hope you check it out...

Button Farm Club August Kit

Hello and happy Monday to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  This past weekend I worked the Creating Keepsakes Tulsa, OK show.  It is rare that I get to work then return to my own bed.  :)  We had a great show and got to see some local friends!

This week, I am working on my Button Farm Club August kit.  I LOVE this month's kit.  Check it out...


Gosh, isn't that beautiful?  There are lots of soft, feminine touches in this month's kit.  Can't wait to see what September brings!

DIY Dry Erase Board for Want2Scrap

Today is my day on the Want2Scrap Blog! Hope on over and check out my DIY Dry Erase Board!

OSU Cowboys Necklace with Matching Bow set

Last month, I applied for a Crafter's License from Oklahoma State University. I started a little jewelry business last year and thought it would be great to offer custom OSU jewelry. I was thrilled when my application was accepted and went right to work!

I had purchased both the Square 25 and Round 25 tools from Epiphany Crafts a couple months ago and also grabbed some of their new rhinestone pendants. They make beautiful necklaces!!! Here's a cute kids necklace with matching hair bow...

I love using the Epiphany Crafts tools and epoxy caps because there is NO drying time! Just punch and GO! And I love that the epoxy caps fit into the punch so that I have perfect placement EVERY. SINGLE. TIME! You will definitely be seeing more projects from me using these products!

Be sure to check out the Epiphany Crafts blog for some more inspiration!

Custom Blingy Necklace Pendant

Hey all! Happy Friday! Want2Scrap is having a Linky Party on their blog today so I thought I would share a Bling Pendant I created to wear with one of my beaded necklaces.

These awesome pendants were purchased at a Bead Store in Dallas, TX called Bead on Beads (please note I have not seen them on their website, I purchased them while on a recent trip).  They have a magnetic bail on them so they can be removed and interchanged easily!  I created the image using Inkscape and printed it onto photo paper.  Next, I placed the rhinestones then covered the entire image with a layer of Diamond Glaze.  I used heat set rhinestones, but next time I am going to try using Want2Scraps Bitty Bling!  They are self adhesive so there will be no heat setting...just line 'em up and go!  Oh, imagine the possibilities!!!

Hop on over, check out what everyone is creating and link yourself up!! It is a great way to show off your blog and projects!

Back to School Journal with Want2Scrap

Hello! It is back to school time here in Prue, OK. Can you believe it?! I am sharing a fun journal on the Want2Scrap Blog today. Hope you'll check it out. Here's a sneek peek fo the cover...

Happy Birthday Michele!!!

I have met many wonderful people during my years in the scrapbook industry. Michele Parrish, founder of Want2Scrap is TOP on that list! I met Michele a few years ago just after the release her Nestabling line. We clicked instantly and have been great friends ever since. There aren't enough hours in the day for me to tell you about Michele. She has a kind heart and truly loves what she does. Michele fought and overcame breast cancer and uses that same determination in her business to bring quality products to those who share her passion for crafting. She is beautiful inside and out!!!

Here's one of my favorite pics of the two of us together...

When I heard there was going to be a secret blog hop celebrating her 50th birthday I couldn't wait! It was hard keeping that not-so-little secret too! Michele's favorite colors are pink and black and of course, she LOVES bling. Here's the card I created for her...

I love to make pocket cards and thought it would be fun to make one for Michele. I die cut and assembled my mini paper bag then stamped the focal image using JustRite's Kindness Cling Stamp Set,die cut it using Spellbinders Labels Twenty and added the Want2Scrap Labels Twenty Nestabling in silver. Next I cut a piece of white cardstock using my Spellbinders Fancy Tags Two die templates then added the Nestabling Fancy Tags Two Pink Pearls. I stamped the sentiment on a piece of coordinating patterned paper then added that to the center of the tag. To finish off the front, I added a mixture of pre-made flowers and some I cut using my Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms die templates. The Bitty Blossoms are topped off with a 72 Count White Pearl. Next, I created the pull-out for the inside...

I used my Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics A to creat the base then trimmed a piece of coordinating patterned paper into a little banner piece. After stamping the sentiment I cut it out using Spellbinders Labels Fourteen die templates and added the matching Labels Fourteen Nestabling in Silver. To finish it off, I sprinkled a few 72 Count Hot Pink Rhinestones and added a tab using Spellbinders Creative Page Tabs die templates.  

Please be sure to visit the Want2Scrap Blog to see what all the other hop participants have created for Michele! There is also a giveaway happening so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to enter!

Want2Scrap Products:
Labels Twenty Nestabling in Silver 
Fancy Tags Two Nestabling Pink Pearl
Labels Fourteen Nestabling in Silver
72 Count White PearlLabels
72 Count Hot Pink Rhinestones 

Preferred Partner Products:
Labels Twenty Spellbinders® Nestabilities® 
Fancy Tags Two Spellbinders® Nestabilities® 
Labels Fourteen Spellbinders® Nestabilities® 
Creative Page Tabs Spellbinders® Shapeabilities®
Spellbinders® Grand Calibur Machine 

 

Playing with vinyl

I am super excited to be have a guest post for Boss Kut this week! Hop on over to the Boss Kut Blog for details on how I created this fun outfit!

And these custom cuff bracelets!

Fun for Kids with Crafty Bands

Kids wait all year for summertime to roll around. And usually within a few weeks parents start hearing "I'm bored", "there's nothing to do." My kids got the crafty gene from their momma and are always asking for something to do or make. Just before school was out I was at the Mega Meet in Novi and I stopped by the Epiphany Crafts booth. If you are not familiar with them, I urge you to take a look. Epiphany Crafts has created a punch tool that cuts and applies the coordinating epoxy sticker to your die cut for you all at the same time, eliminating the daunting task of lining up edges. And they have different shapes and sizes too!

Epiphany Crafts also has a line called Crafty Bands. Crafty Bands are bracelets designed for kids. They use the punch tool to create their epoxy covered stickers and adhere them into snaps with double-sided adhesive then snap them onto the bracelet. IT is VERY easy to do! To get started, simply pick up a starter kit like this...

It comes with the punch, 4 different colored bracelets with coordinating snaps, epoxy stickers and the adhesive to add the images to the snaps. The tool for the Crafty Bands is not sold separately. However, once you purchase the starter kit then you have the punch and only need to purchase additional bracelets when you need them. Here's Shelby working on her first one...

She had a blast! And it is super easy to do. My kids had no problem doing it on their own. Here was Shelby's finished project...

She used some of my scraps to create this but you could easily print your own images to work with! I held a class for the neighborhood kids and they all created a Crafty Band bracelet and matching necklace. They really enjoyed it! Check 'em out, the starter kits make excellent birthday or Christmas gifts!

Creative Space

In 2011, we converted our 2 car, detached garage into my creative space. It was the BEST present Rocky could have given us. I say us because before, ALL of my craft stuff was crammed into every little nook and cranny of our bedroom. And it was a chore just to get it out to begin a project. It has taken time to get it where it is today, but we continue to improve on the space and make it just right for my needs.

I was lucky to have found some super nice, solid wood cabinets that had been custom made for a law firm. They were renovating their office again and had listed the cabinets on Craigslist. I JUMPED on them and bought 6 of them. I LOVE that each of them has at least 1 file drawer in it. I used 4 of the 6 along with a kitchen counter top to create a 10 foot crafty workspace. Yes, it is wonderful! Here's a peek at what it looks like...

The far left side is where I keep my sewing machine. I will admit I do not sew nearly as much as I thought I would...especially since I have a dedicated space to do it...but I like having it out in the open view anyway. In the middle I have a pretty good sized parts organizer. Rocky's work was cleaning out and they allowed him to bring them home and he was kind enough to share with me. ;) I have my extensive washi tape collection and small parts like mini paper clips, clothes pins, etc. stored in there. Then the right side is my work space. I have my Making Memories Tool Turnabout with all my favorite go-to tools as well as my Scor-Pal and my paper trimmer right there within reach at all times. The drawers are organized with ink pads, Stampin' Up! cardstock, Spellbinders/Quickutz dies, etc. All things I use OFTEN. I am thinking of purchasing some small Expedit cases to hang above each side of my work space for more storage.

Last year I saw where crafters were buying the Bygel rail systems from Ikea and using them for punch storage. I don't have a LOT of punches, but I had enough to need a place for them. And anytime I am in Dallas or Chicago a trip to Ikea is a MUST! See my pink chairs, yep, Ikea. LOVE them! Anyway, I hit Ikea and stocked up on Bygel rails and some little baskets for them as well. We really didn't want to install them directly onto the sheetrock so we were thinking maybe we would create a little rolling storage system for them. But, again, I didn't need anything huge as I don't have that many punches. So, we decided to install them on the end of my work space.

They fit perfectly there and I love that my punches are out in the open. Maybe that will encourage me to use them more. While I continually change and re-organize, I really feel like my space is just about perfect. Thanks for stopping by today! If you have any organization tips I'd love to hear them...simply leave me a comment with a link if you have one!

DIY 4th of July Home Decor, Part I

If you are anything like me, you can't resist glitter. And any opportunity you have to use it, you do. I decided it was time to get my entryway decorated for 4th of July! And what better way to do that than to create it myself?! Here's what I did...

I grabbed my candles and star candle holders (from Ikea), Scor-Tape and American Crafts Zing embossing powders and set to work. The first, and probably most obvious thing to do is to cover your candles with the adhesive.

That is honestly, the trickiest part of this project. Once you have the candles covered in adhesive, you simply remove the coating and add glitter. After you have them covered, lightly press the glitter onto the adhesive to help it grab then clean up any extra glitter that was left behind when you tapped it off. A small paintbrush would be helpful to remove excess glitter from the candle when you are done. *Now I did use American Crafts Zing Glitter Embossing Powder, but since I was putting it on a candle (wax!) I chose to NOT heat set it. ;) I used a clear spray finish on mine to keep the glitter from rubbing off.

And here's what they looked like when they were done...

How bout that? Grand Old Flag Glitter Candles! LOVE! I finished them off with some We R Memory Keepers twine and a star charm from Teresa Collins.

Now, this post is Part I so that means there is more to come...stay tuned!

Plans for the week!

Hello friends! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I got some crafting done....well, I got some crafting started. :) I have a little announcement later this week. I know, sorry, but you will have to wait just a few more days.

I thought it might help me to keep up with my plans if I shared them here. So on Monday's I will share with you my crafty plans for the week.

I have been on Pinterest for quite some time now, but honestly didn't utilize it to its full potential. Sad, I know. But I am getting better and this weekend I pinned a few cards I liked and thought I might try to create, with my own twist. Here's number one...



I LOVE the simplicity of this card from the crafty side, however, it the complete card doesn't feel simple. Of course, I don't have those splatter stamps so I will be contacting my SU!rep asap! So this card itself won't be on this week's plate, however ordering the stamps will be. LOL!

Here's another one I pinned...



I LOVE the layers and the dimensional card front. This could easily be worked into a masculine card too by using chevrons and blue or green hues. Can't wait to try it.
Okay, well there you go. It may not seem like much, one card and a SU! order. ;) I know, one card isn't much. But I gotta start somewhere, right?

Craft for Dad

It had been a while since I was able to play in my craft room. My travel schedule had gotten a little out of hand for a while.  Thankfully, I have had some time off recently and managed to whip up something for Rocky for Father's Day.

I had some inexpensive display frames from Ikea that I had picked up during my last trip and couldn't wait to do something with them.  I pulled out my My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Hattie collection I had snagged from ScrapAce.com and set to work. 

The frame has two plastic inserts that you can sandwich your pictures in between.  Since the My Mind's Eye papers were double-sided, I only had to use one base page then simply create a mini layout on both sides.  Here's side one...

After cutting the background page, I added a layer then cut a tag using a retired Quickutz Revolution Tag die then simply cropped and added the photo.  Then I began side two...

Since my base page was already started all I had to do was add some layers and my photo and I was done.  After sandwiching my mini layout in the plastic protectors and sliding it into the frame I began to embellish. 

On the "Dad" side of the frame, I added a trio of button in the lower left hand corner.  For the title, I die cut the banner from the LaLa Land Crafts Folding Banner Die then added Dad using some Thickers.

For side two, again I added the button trio in the lower corner.  This time, I die cut the LaLa Land Crafts Die Heart Banner, cutting it twice so that I could make the hearts a different color.  And lastly, I die cut the LaLa Land Stitched Tabs and added it to the lower right hand corner, finishing it off with the word 'family' with some Making Memories alpha stickers.

The original intention was to send it to work with him so he would have something for his desk but we decided to add it to our "family" decor instead.  I love how it turned out so much that I am thinking of making myself one for my office.  :)

Now I am hoping to steal some time for some 4th of July crafts soon!