Getting Organized

I don't know about you but I am not always the best at staying organized. Especially when I finish a project. I was browsing Pinterest a while back and found THIS post about organizing scraps.  Here is what my scrap bin looked like at the time...

And yes that is a layout WITH pics on it inside.  Sigh.  I am not a slob, I promise.  lol  It is just that sometimes, in the midst of work and kids and travel I just don't keep up with my scrap room the way I should!  I immediately unloaded this bin and went to trimming, just like in the article.  I trimmed all larger pieces to 6x6.  And everything smaller than that went in the trash.  Yes, the trash.  I know, I could have saved it to make cards or die cut or whatever, but that is what got me in this situation to begin with.  I happened to have a basket on hand like the ones she used in the post.  So I pulled it out, cut down chipboard pieces for my dividers then used the SCRAPS and punches to cut tabs and color dots.  Here's the finished product...

Isn't it beautiful?!  You might be shocked to learn that this was done back in like April 2014 and as of today (November 30, 2014) it is still in tact and being used, properly!  I have pulled some pieces out and used them, and I have added to it too.  I have caved and kept smaller scraps of papers I really, really liked so that I can use them to make some cards.  And I tucked all my Thickers and alpha stickers in the very back.  This sits right on top of my embellishment drawers at my work space for easy access.  Here's a closer view...

Everytime I cut a piece of 12x12 paper, I trim the scraps and add them to the basket.  I have been guilty of leaving a pile and trimming after multiple projects.  But, for now, I am happy that I have managed to keep this going for almost a year.  My plan is to take a day and work through the scraps and make a bunch of cards up at once...basics like Thank You, Get Well, etc.

Do you have a special way to store your scraps?

 

Altered Printers Tray

I had seen an awesome altered Printers Tray WAY back in like 2010 and I knew I wanted to make one for our oldest's baseball pics from through the years. I finally picked up a Printers Tray and dug out all the pics and would you believe that the pics sat in the tray on a shelf in my scrap room for TWO years before I actually completed the project?! I could make all kids of excuses for why it took so long, but I'll spare you that. I am happy to say that it IS now complete and I LOVE how it turned out! Way better than what I thought or maybe expected.

   























I had some patterned paper I purchased WAY back at Hobby Lobby.  I cut them into 3x4 rectangles and decided placement of the paper and photos.  Next, I gathered my embellishments.  My sweet friend, Susie  is on the design team for Paper House Productions.  She introduced me to their products and sent me home with some to play with too!  I absolutely LOVE their Canvas Stickers.  In addition to having those to play with Susie also gave me a sheet of their Baseball Cardstock Stickers.  I cut the Home Run, 28 and batter silhouette with my Making Memories Slice Machine and the Sports Design Card.  I added a few of the Prima Sports Flair Badges that I had picked up from Nicole Petersen Designs at one of the shows I worked and a few Dress It Up Buttons I am sure I have had like forever!  Here are a few closeups of the embellishments...

I did add some dimensional adhesive under the cardstock stickers in the center photo, but as you can see, the Canvas Stickers are very dimensional on their own.  And here's one last peek...

From this view you can also see that I added dimensional adhesive under the 28.  I think this is my favorite project of 2014.

Final Mail Art Project

Here is my final mail art project. It was really fun to receive the projects each month. You never knew exactly when they would arrive and it never failed to put a smile on my face when I opened the mailbox.

My last mail art project went to my dear friend Joyce. I wanted to make something special for her that she could hang or display in her craft room.

I started out with a chipboard shape from my stash, but you could easily use a page from one of Want2Scrap’s Chipboard albums…the Grand Album Series would work especially well for this project.  I covered the chipboard piece with the polka dot side of Quick Quotes Dream Big patterned paper then I cut a 3.5″ wide strip of the striped side of Sheer Joy and adhered it to the center.  Once the adhesive was set I trimmed the edges of the paper around the chipboard.  Next, I chose my quote from the Sentiments Quote Bundle Pack and adhered it at a slight angle on the left side, leaving just enough room to add my Want2Scrap Frilly Flourish Swirl on the right.  I added a mixture of green and pink Mulberry Paper Flowersto finish it off.  Here’s a close-up view of the embellishments…

The edge of all the papers were inked with new chalk inks by Quick Quotes…Orange Slice and Caribbean Blue.  After it was all assembled, I covered the entire piece with two coats of Mod Podge so that it would be easy to dust off and keep clean.

Joyce notified me that even though this was mailed by itself with NO envelope that it arrived safely to her in GA!

Katie 

July Mail Art Project

I had this grand idea of creating something patriotic for the July project. I envisioned am American Flag and perhaps even an eagle. Each month as we receive our projects, we would email the group to show them off. Well, I received an email and the beautiful project being shared was strikingly similar to the one I had planned. I didn't want to send a project that was too similar...even though just the basic idea was the same...so I thought and thought. Then, I decided to pay a little homage to my home state of Texas. Anyone who knows me knows that even though I left the great state at the of 19, and I am much older than that now ;), I still consider myself a Texan. Yes, I realize that everyone except fellow Texans think that is irrational, but that is besides the point. Anyway, on to the Mail Art...

As I did with all of the other folders, I began by covering the entire piece with Gesso by DecoArt and allowing it to completely dry.  Then I pained the front of the folder with red, white and blue acrylic paint.  I printed out the sheet music I found online and adhered it with Mod Podge.  The little Texas stamp in the lower right corner was something I purchased over 2 years ago at a stamp show in Grapevine, TX.  I was soooooo excited to have found it and still had not used it.  So after stamping the image, I colored it with my Copics then fussy cut around the image and adhered it.  Do you see the little bluebonnets?  Those are the Texas State flower.  They were created with Flower Soft and wire, a technique I learned at the stamp show when I purchased the stamps.  The wagon wheel, boots and hat were cut with my Making Memories Slice machine...that 'ole thing is still kickin' and is one of my favorite tools to use still.  Then I wrapped some twine into a lasso and looped it around the boots and added a twine bow to the Bluebonnets.  I just painted the inside top of the folder white then stamped it with the barbed wire stamp (all the folders are sealed shut on the sides to create a pocket so we only needed to finish off the top visible section).  Here's a peek at the back...

For the back, I used my DecoArt acrylic paints and simply painted the Lone Star Flag.  I used my Spellbinders Stars Nestabilities to cut the star.  I thought it would be fun to cut out our current states for the address labels.  Please excuse the black spots, I snapped this pic after I had them addressed.

I absolutely LOVE the way this folder turned out.  Even though it was extremely simple, it was one of my favorites that I made...was difficult to let go of.  Come by on Friday to see the final Mail Art project...it is NOT a folder!!!  ;)

Katie

June Mail Art ProJuneject

It was May and it was already getting HOT.  With May comes the end of the school year, summer, and with summer comes vacation! While we don't have a real beach here in OK I couldn't help but think of the beach when I was conjuring up designs for June's project.

This mail art swap really brought out my desire to try new techniques and experiment with mixed media.  This time, I started by painting my sky.  I was trying to capture the sunset over the ocean.  After getting the sky to an acceptable point, I moved onto the water.  Before I painted, I added some DecoArt dimensional paste.  After adding the blue paint, I added some white to the tops of some of the "waves" created with the paste to give a whitecap effect.  For the sand, I adhered some Canvas Corp cork paper.  I used an old Heidi Swapp stamp for the destination and the summertime and June are rubons.  The sail boat, crab, sandcastle, umbrella and sandpail were all cut with my Making Memories Slice and the shells were leftover from a Button Farm sample kit.  Here's a peek at the waves created with the dimensional paste...

You can see all the added texture and detail using the past added!  And here's a peek at the back...

I used Mod Podge to adhere all the papers then added two coats all over both the front and back to project the elements.

May's Mail Art Project

So far we have all enjoyed the Mail Art Swap and ALL pieces have arrived in tact!!

The first thing I did was coat the entire outside of the file folder withDecoArt Gesso and allowed it to dry.  I added some blue paint then some DecoArt Pink Glamour Dust.  The pink glitter paint is very sheer so it adds a touch of color and a touch of glimmer!  This time, I added patterned papers instead of painting the entire folder.  So I chose my papers then tore them and using Mod Podge, I adhered them to the folder, then trimmed off the excess.  Next, I picked bits and pieces of embellishments and fussy cut them from the paper.  After adding the banner in the upper left corner I added a Beautiful Bling Strip WhitePearl/Black Rhinestones across the top.  Using my Spellbinders Carnation Creations dies and my Grand Calibur, I die cut hot pink tissue paper and adhered multiple layers to create the flowers.  Before adding the little banner strip on the journal piece, I tucked it through the smallest circle of the Nestabling Heart Circles Hot Pink Rhinestonecircle.   My friend, Kay, taught me a fun little trick….I used bubble wrap and white paint to create the polka dots!  So fun, right?!  I finished the front of the folder off with some rub-ons for the word blossoms and May.

Here’s a peek at the back…

For the back, I decided to use all patterned paper.  After I had them all adhered and trimmed, I finished it off with a large journal block, which I will use as my address label.  A few small tissue paper flowers and theFrilly Flourish Swirl-White Pearl were added to complete the project.  Both sides received a heavy dose of Mod Podge before it was ready to go.  I learned that if you Mod Podge before you add the mailing labels and postage, that the recipient can easily remove them without damaging the project.

Even if you didn't actually mail them, altered file folders would make a beautiful addition to your office or even your scrapbooks!

Katie

April Mail Art Swap Project

 Have you heard of the new mail art trend?  Some of my friends introduced me to it this year when I visited Indiana for a stamp show. Basically, you can mail almost anything.  So, you take something different…like other than a card or envelope…alter it and mail it.  Pretty simple.  A group of us have joined together for a fun mail art swap and here is what my April recipient will find in her mail box…

 

I started with a plain old manilla file folder, covered it with someDecoArt Gesso then painted it very abstractly.  I have to admit, my CAS brain has a hard time being this free, but it is also kinda fun.  ;)  While my Gesso and paint dried (don’t paint ’til your Gesso is completely dry!) I cut out my Easter eggs and the cute little bunny.  I used my new Graphic 45 Sweet Sentiments 8×8 paper pad for the eggs, the added some Baby Bling pearls in White to the pink egg.  After assembling the bunny and positioning my grass, I added theFrilly Flourish Swirl in White, then tucked a few of the eggs behind the one layer of grass.  After adding the rubons, I used my white Wink of Stella glitter brush pen with the Arrow Stencil and added some white arrows above the bunny.  Here’s a closer view of the eggs and swirl…

Since it was going through the mail, I covered all surfaces with two layers of Mod Podge to seal it off. 

Pretty cool, huh?!  Over the next few weeks I will share all the projects I created for our fun swap!

Katie 

Spellbinders Holiday Blog Hop

I am so excited to be one of two designers representing Want2Scrap in Spellbinders Holiday Blog Hop this year!

Be sure to visit the Spellbinders Blog for the official rules and to begin the hop!  And here's the link for the Want2Scrap blog where my projects and full details can be found.  Don't forget to hop all three days for a chance to win some fabulous prizes!

 Here's a peek at my two projects...

#Selfies

Selfies. It is crazy how popular selfies have become. I have to admit, I take selfies fairly often. My daughter loves to photo bomb me when she catches me. But, as often as I take them it is rare that I share them on social media. My hubby and I will text selfies back and forth sharing a simple smile or funny face but then they just sit in my camera roll. The #Selfies Overlay from Want2Scrap was a perfect way for me to document some of my favorite selfies.

I love the blue hues of the Quick Quotes Dream Big paper collection so I trimmed my overlay slightly so that I could mount it on a full sheet of 12×12 patterned paper.  Next I trimmed the ombre paper to fit and added it under the #Selfies title.  After trimming and adhering my photos I added embellishments from the Dream Big and Sheer Joy chipboard die cuts.  I colored my Always Fancy Chipboard Word with the clear Wink of Stella glitter brush pen and added the Love You sticker from the Quick Quotes Sheer Joy die cut sticker sheet.  A sprinkle of Silver Baby Bling finished off the page.

Here are a few close-ups of the embellishments…

Do you scrapbook your selfies?  Are you inspired to try?

Katie 

Quick & Easy Masculine Card

You probably know that when it comes to card making, I prefer quick and easy!!  I am also a CAS kinda girl. This particular card was hubby's Father's Day card this year...yes, I am that far behind on blogging!!

Anyway, here's the card...

After creating the simple, white card base I added a layer of teal grid patterned paper from the FarmHouse Paper Company 302 6×6 Paper Pad.   Next, I trimmed a piece of white cardstock and embossed it using my Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine and adhered it to the teal layer then cut a coordinating piece of patterned paper and added that to the bottom.  To help distract from the seam where the papers meet, I tied a bit of cord around the layers and closed it with a knot.  Since the patterened paper has some neutral stripes, I decided to leave my chipboard Dad Fancy Chipboard raw, adhering it to the lower right corner.  To finish the card off, I sprinkled some LeCreme 100 Count Baby Pearls around the chipboard and added a string of 3 along the top left hand corner.

What I love most about this card is that not only did it take about 10 minutes to create, you could easily adapt this layout to ANY theme.  And, this is a great design to use when creating multiples!

Katie

Me-Ology and Want2Scrap!!

I don’t often scrap pics of myself but when I received the new Me-Ology line from Fancy Pants Designs, I knew I wanted to!

I started with a piece of Fancy Pants Designs white corrugated card stock for my background.  Then I took the patterned paper with all the strips and cut them all apart and rearranged them on my background, leaving just a little space between each one.  I printed two of the same pic, one 4×6 and one smaller then mounted them both on the black paper that coordinates with the line.  I was careful with the photo placement to ensure that the one quote would become the layout title.  I added one of the mini file folders(because I am a sucker for office supplies!!) to the right of the photos.  Using a combination of stickers and a pin tin and achipboard Speech Bubble, I added a sub-title for my layout.  I added a white baby clothespin to help keep the folder closed.  This is where I will journal.  I added the Dream Fancy Chipboard Word, colored with my black Wink of Stella pen, to the left of my larger photo.  I randomly chose two of the smaller paper strips and addedChevron bling border all the way across the layout.  After tucking a sticker tab to the lower right hand corner and adding the year with stickers, I finished the layout off by sprinkling a few silver Baby Blingall around.  Here’s a closer view of the embellishments…

I don’t know about you, but it was easier to scrapbook pics of myself that I guess I thought it would be!  I am definitely inspired to do it again!

Katie

Quick & Easy cards with Want2Scrap and Fancy Pants Designs

During the month of October, Want2Scrap teamed up with Fancy Pants Designs. I love Fancy Pants and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their products along with Want2Scrap.

Here's a peek at the two cards I made...

I love the added texture of the Corrugated Cardstock background!  And here's a closer view...

Card number two also has a CAS design...

I think using black as the card base really helped make the colors of the patterned paper POP!  Here's the close-up...

For full details please visit my post on the Want2Scrap blog HERE..

Katie

Easter Cards with Graphic 45 and Want2Scrap

Graphic 45 is a Cross-Promotional partner with Want2Scrap and they sent a wonderful package of goodies to our design team for us to create with. I have a set of quick and easy Easter cards up on the Want2Scrap blog today. Here's a peek at one of the cards...

For a complete description and full product details, visit the Want2Scrap blog HERE.

Hexagon Thank You

Hexagons are a trendy little shape this year...well, they were last year too. I received the Hexagon Spellbinders dies and couldn't wait to make this card with them.

After creating my card base, I cut the white layer using my Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics.  Then, I simply cut a dozen or so hexagons from double-sided patterned paper, inked them and adhered them down the left side of card.  A simple stamped thank you finished the card off.  This would be a great card to make multiples of since they come together so quickly.

So, do you love the hexagon trend too?

Getting it done with Overlays from Want2Scrap

I recently shared that one of my goals for 2014 was to get more scrapbooking done. And let me stay it again, it is sooooo easy to do with the help of Want2Scrap's Overlays! Here's a sneak peek of one I am sharing today on the Want2Scrap blog...

For full details please visit the Want2Scrap Blog.

 

Trick or Treat...Overlay from Want2Scrap

I am well on my way, already this year, to completing more layouts that I did last year. And with Overlays from Want2Scrap, it is not only easy but fun! Here is my most recent one...still need to add the pics, but I couldn't wait to share. :D

The Trick or Treat Overlay comes with a white background so I grabbed my Charcoal and Orange Glimmer Mist and created a subtle, misted background. Next, I grabbed some Halloween papers, die cuts and embellishments from my stash and set to work. To finish it off, I added some swirls from Donna Salazar's Build Your Own Bling and sprinkled a few Black Baby Bling Rhinestones around the page. Here's a closer view of the embellies...

So, I am curious...do you have a scrappin' goal each year?
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Heartfelt Thanks

I had seen a card similar to this on Pinterest couldn't wait to try it out. I loved that it was clean and simple and I loved the random circles. So I pinned it to my want to make board and I made it. ;)

This card was so very easy to make! I simply created my card base, cut a layer using my Card Creator A2 dies by Spellbinders then cut random circles from that layer. Next, I cut the same size and quantity of circles from some patterned paper and adhered them to the card base. For the sentiment, I stamped then cut it out using a set of JustRite dies that is now retired. I trimmed a little piece and dovetail cut both ends and layered the sentiment on top of it. To finish the card off, I sprinkled some 72 Count Pink Rhinestones all over.

CAS is definitely my style and I love it even more when it turns out like I pictured it in my head. LOL

One Little Word 2014

I realize that I may be a little bit late to the OLW party. I typically don't do journals or books for myself, like, at all. But, 2013 was a very difficult year for me personally and I decided that not only would I pick a word for 2014 but that I would keep a journal, or scrapbook type journal, or Smash book...whatever you want to call it.

Last year I purchased this Memory File Spiral Bound album by Heidi Swapp from Nicole Petersen Designs. I had no idea at the time what I was going to do with it, but I had to have it. ;) All of the pages are different sizes and media types. The first page is a little banner with a polaroid printed on it and the center is open. That made the perfect intro page for my OLW journal.

I wanted to make the window a pocket page and fill it will some Want2Scrap bling and sequins but I didn't have any vellum. So I grabbed the next best thing...wax paper. Yep, I did, and as you can see it worked! I cut a rectangle strip of the wax paper then folded it in half and filled it with Pink 72 Count Pearls and some sequin from American Crafts. Then I used some Washi Tape from my stash to seal the edges and adhered it to the back side of the frame. I really love how the pocket turned out too. And, as you can see my OLW for 2014 is me. Throughout the year I will share the stories of last year that led up to that choice. I used my trusty Thickers for the 'me' and added a cute little flair button from {a flair for buttons} to finish it off.

My friend, Mary-Ann, is on the design team for {a flair for buttons} and if you haven't seen Shelley's flair you MUST check it out. Super cute stuff. Anyway, after drooling over many of Mary-Ann's projects I HAD to buy some flair. Had to. I purchased a mix and was able to choose a number of designs from different sets so that I could make them fit in my book all year. You can, however, purchase coordinating sets as well.

Do you keep a journal or have a OLW each year?

I Ruff You

I never thought I would "love" a dog. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like dogs...especially little dogs. ;) I have always wanted a Yorkie and my hubby's aunt breeds them. He ran into her a while back and she graciously gave me a new little baby Yorkie from her latest littler. Now, I am one of "those" dog lovers. I just love him to pieces. So, naturally, I couldn't resist the new I Ruff You Overlay by Want2Scrap. :D

I used papers from the new Bo Bunny Happy Tails collection! I just adore this line. After placing my papers and photo mats where I wanted them, I went to work embellishing. First, I cut down Nestabling Pennants Black Rhinestones to fit the little printed banner on the lower left photo mat. Next, I added a Designer Embellies Corrugated ATC card to use as a mini photo mat. It just so happened that the Bo Bunny Happy Tails License paper has tags and names on it and I found my dog's name! So I fussy cut the tag and added it to the bottom of the ATC then added 2 large pearls from the 72 Count Black Pearls pack, one on either side of the tag.

Here are a few close up shots...

Unfortunately, before my new printer arrived, I had to ship this Overlay off to be used as a product sample. But, my new printer is here and when this Overlay returns, I will be adding pics of this adorable little guy to it...

See what I mean?! How could you NOT love this little guy?! :D