Scraptastic Saturday

Happy Saturday!  It's a rainy day here in the mid-west so I decided to hit my craft room to whip up a couple of cards just for fun.  No challenges, no tutorials, no special occasions.  Just working to the beat of my own drum today and so I decided to make it easy.   I pulled out the scrap bin! 

Now, my scrap bin is my catch all basket for all of the little things I stamp, color and diecut that doesn't make it onto my projects.  It's a collection of all the things that I take time creating and I feel would be wasteful if I were to throw it away.  One by one they get thrown into this bin and I tell myself  I'll use it on another project someday.  My niece loves this basket of goodies.  When she comes over one of her favorite things is to search through these treasures to make her own cards.  And now today is my "someday".   Time to go on a treasure hunt of my own.  

I also pulled  out a smaller basket where I keep my scrap card fronts.  I have a lot of technique pieces and stamped card fronts in this basket, just waiting for the perfect project.

Going through both baskets I pulled out these supplies.  A tone on tone card front that I made a while back using the negative pieces from a cover up die by Lil' Inker Designs.  I also had a lot of leftover flowers from my Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes release projects earlier this month.  Some of them are stamped a little off center so that is probably why they landed in the scrap bin but they are going to work great for this card.  The vase is actually cut from the Candy Jars Die-Namics set by My Favorite Things.  I probably set it aside because the coloring wasn't right for my last project.  But for this project it will be perfect.  I thought I'd double up the "thanks" dies to make this diecut a little thicker.

This card came together so quick and easy.  With all of the stamping and diecutting already done it took me less than 10 minutes to make.  Yes!

Sometimes it pays to be a hoarder.  Let's try it again......

Super quick and easy!  This time I grabbed a pre-cut and pre-stamped tag and used up a few more of those Lovely Notes flowers and little bird.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great weekend!

Building your own ink pad storage unit.

Hi everyone!  A while back I posted photos of an ink pad storage unit that I made out of foam board to fit into my  Expedit shelving from IKEA.  A lot of you asked me to post details on how it was made.  Well, I was finally in need of another one so as promised, I snapped a few pictures (ok...a LOT of pictures) of the process and jotted down some measurements for you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

As you can see this fits perfectly into my shelving unit.  It houses 32 standard sized ink pads such as ones from Hero Arts, Simon Says Stamp, My Favorite Things, The Ton, etc.

Tools needed for cutting:  

t-square ruler

craft knife or utility knife

measuring tape

pencil.

Tools needed for assembly:

glue gun

glue sticks

2 sheets of Foam Board:

20 x 30 x 3/16 in 

First I cut all of my pieces out.  I have to say  my t-square ruler was the key tool to making this task quick and easy.  I don't think I would attempt this without one. There is a lot of cutting involved but it only took me a little over an hour to complete this task.  Here are my measurements:

1 back piece:  13 x 12 1/2"

2 sides and 1 middle piece:  4 1/2 x 12 1/2"

1 top and 1 bottom piece:  13 x 4 5/8"

16 shelves:  4 x 6 1/8"

32 shelf glides:  4 x 1 1/4"

front moulding piece:  13 x 1 1/16"  

First thing to do is fire up that glue gun and get it nice and hot.  Then, start with laying out your pieces where they're going to go, starting with the back, the bottom, the two sides and the middle piece.

Begin by gluing the back piece to the top of the bottom piece.  This is the tricky part that can throw off your whole project so make sure you put the glue on the side of the back piece and then butt the bottom piece up to it.  DO NOT put the bottom piece on top of the back piece.  I hope that makes sense.  But if you look closely at this picture you'll see that the side piece is sitting on top of the back piece and the bottom piece is not..

I then measured and marked the center of the back piece and glued the middle piece in following the marked guide.  Then the other side piece was glued on.  This picture shows better that both side pieces and the middle piece are glued to the top of the back piece and also to the bottom piece.

Now to start building the shelves you start with a shelf glide.

Start by gluing two in place

Then I just set the shelf in next to the glides but DO NOT GLUE!  None of the shelves will be glued into this shelf.  They will all be removable.  This makes it adjustable but also makes it a lot easier to assemble.  Now glue in two more glides.

See how easy it slides in and out of place?

Keep gluing on the glides until all of the shelving is in place.

Standing the shelf upright, you'll be amazed at how sturdy it is.  I needed to make this unit fit into my shelving cubby so there will be a small area at the top that will be empty space.  You could totally make adjustments to the sizes to fit your own needs though.  I just chose to cover up the space and call it a day.

Now you can glue the top onto the shelf.  To cover up the small gap at the top I added a piece to act as moulding.  I actually kind of like the finished look that the moulding piece gives it.  Check out those sliding shelves!

And here are my matching ink pad storage units side by side.  I slide mine to the back of my shelf to leave areas to display my cards and other things.  This shelf was really an easy project that took about 2 hours to make and cost under $20.

I hope this tutorial was helpful and that I've assisted in a lot of little ink pads finding a new home.

I have another free tutorial up over at StampNation this week.  If you're a member stop on over and check it out.  If you're not a member yet......what the heck are you waiting for?  Come on over and join the fun ---->HERE<-----.  Things are heating up over there at StampNation with our summer Heat It Up event.  There will be tutorials up all through July and part of August on different, unique ways to heat emboss.  Hope to see you there!

I also wanted to let you know that winners from the Stamp of Approval Blog hop have been chosen and listed over on ---->Catherine Pooler's blog<----  .  Congratulations ladies!!  If you haven't ordered your 

Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection yet there's still time!  Go ----->HERE<----- to place your order now!

Have a great day!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge - Tic, Tac, Toe

Happy Friday!  It's time for another CAS-ual Fridays, The Challenge and this week we're playing a little
tic-tac-toe!

For this card I used the following stamps and dies from CAS-ual Fridays:

Casual Comfort         Casual Trees             Mwah               Zigs & Zags 

   

For my card I decided to work straight up the middle with, working no patterned paper, mono-chromatic and twine.

I also used the following supplies:

Ink: catkin (Simon Says Stamp), onyx black (Versafine), brushed pewter spray (Ranger Distress Stain), heirloom gold mist spray (Pearfect Pearls)

Paper: white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah)

Accessories: Oval Tags/retired (CAS-ual Fridays), natural twine.

I stamped and diecut lots of branches for beautiful spray of greenery.

I hope you'll play along with us for your chance to win!

All you have to do is make a card using a row from the tic tac toe chart above and link it up over on the CAS-ual Fridays The Challenge blog by July 26th.----------->HERE<--------------

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Friday and happy Stamping!

SOA Lovely Notes on sale today!

Hi everyone!  I'm just popping in to give you the heads up

Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection

is available NOW to everyone that signed up for the wait list. Check your email for your link!!

If you're not on the email list stick around because the Lovely Notes Collection will be open to the public for purchase tomorrow (Thursday) while supplies last.

Now, for one more peek into the Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection. I went chevron happy on this card and added a bright floral spray on top.  Amazingly Amazing!

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Lovely Flowers (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection).

Ink: butter bar, pale tomato, green hills (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine).

Paper: white 140 lb cardstock.

Accessories: Lovely Flowers & Banners dies (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection), clear embossing powder (WOW!), clear sequins, dimensional tape (3M).

What I like most about the Lovely Flowers stamp set is the stems of leaves and florals.  They are so easy to die cut and tuck back behind the flowers to make a beautiful bouquet.  

I hope you all start your day out today with a Lovely Note and a smile!

Have a great day!

Another peek at Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection.

Hi everyone!   My blog hop day for Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection was yesterday and what a great day that was.  I was happy to see so many of you stop by and leave a comment here on my blog.  The designers are still hard at work today with day 3 of the blog hop.  I just wanted to remind you all to go hop along because there's another box to win!  

Catherine Pooler is giving away one box for every day of the blog hop.  Yep, that's a free box for THREE lucky winners!!  The comments will be closing on Thursday at 9AM so get your comments in soon!  Don't worry, if you purchase a box on Wednesday and you find out you're a winner on Thursday, your money will be refunded and your prize box will already be on it's way!

Here are links for more information and to follow along on all three days of the 

Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection blog hop!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Before you go, here's a look at another card I made from the Lovely Notes Collection.

Yessiree, there's that awesome chevron banner again.  One of my personal favorites!  I also stamped the polkadot mini border and the whimsical little birds from the Wonderful Wreath stamp set.  So cute!

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Wonderful Wreath, Lovely Flowers (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection).

Ink: rose quartz (The Ton), ultra pink (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), onyx black (Versafine).

Paper: black (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Lovely Flowers & Banners dies (Stampof Approval Lovely Notes Collection), clear embossing powder (WOW!), Wink of Stella glitter pen (ZIG), bakers twine, fun foam.

The Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection goes on sale tomorrow, 

Wednesday, July 13th!  Are you on the Email notification list yet? Stamp of Approval boxes sell out fast my friends so you have to get on the list so you don't miss out.  Here's how it will go down on Wednesday morning:

1.  9AM eastern StampNation Members will get their link to purchase this collection first.

(It's one of the perks of being a member.)  You can join now if you go --->HERE<--- .

2.  At 10AM the general wait list customers will receive their link to purchase via email.

3.  If they're not all sold out by Thursday then the link will open up to the public at 9AM.

Good luck everyone!  I hope you all will be playing with your Stamp of Approval goodies by next week!

Have a great day!

Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection Blog Hop!

Yay!  Welcome to day two of Stamp of Approval's blog hop where we are featuring the amazing new 

Lovely Notes Collection!

 On sale Wednesday July 13th!!

This Stamp of Approval box is full of amazing NEW  exclusive stamps and dies that were hand chosen by Catherine Pooler to coordinate perfectly for this collection!  These items will not be available for individual purchase for many months to come and there are limited boxes available so be sure that your name is on the mailing list ------>HERE!<------ so you get your email notice as soon as it goes on sale.  

 This collection offers any serious stamper (and beginners too!) the ability to create card, after card, after wonderful card, for many occasions.  Check out this birthday card!  The Fill in The Blanks stamp set is a wonderful, large birthday sentiment that has the ability to be personalized for any person on your birthday calendar. Daughter, father, in-laws, aunt, teacher.....you name it!   Here I embossed it in white and added a little simple water coloring using distress inks over the top.  My niece is going to LOVE this card!

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Fill in The Blanks (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection)

Ink: Festive Berries, Wild Honey, Mustard Seed, Picked Raspberry (Ranger Distress Inks), Black Soot (Ranger Distress Spray), clear embossing (Versamark).

Paper: Doll Pink cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), Silver Sparkle cardstock (My Favorite Things), 140 lb watercolor (Canson), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Concentric Circles dies, Lovely Flowers & Banners dies (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection), white embossing powder (WOW!), dimensional tape (3M).

I also have to give a shout out to these awesome dies!  I think that chevron arrow banner die from the
  Lovely Flowers & Banners die set has made it onto most of my card designs.  I love that you can just hook it on to the side for an additional splash of color and interest.

Here I used three of the chevron arrow banner dies to accent the side of  this hand stamped butterfly design.

  The Butterfly Notes stamp set is a wonderfully detailed set of 6 butterflies and 8 thank you sentiments. You'll be able to make dozens of one of a kind thank you cards.

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Butterfly Notes, Lovely Flowers (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection).

Ink:  Rose Quartz, Soft Garnet (The Ton), Onyx Black (Versafine)

Paper: Black cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Concentric Circles dies, Lovely Flowers & Banners dies (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection), diamond jewels (unknown), fun foam.

Just look at the beautiful details!!

Speaking of details....OMGeeee!  Check out the details on this gorgeous, intricate Concentric Circles die!  This is an absolute favorite of mine. There are so many fun ways to use this die.  It die cuts as a one piece but for my card I wanted to spread that beauty from top to bottom, so I cut it in half.  I also used this sweet sentiment and flowers from the Lovely Flowers stamp set.  This set is so whimsical and fun to stamp.  The little leaf branch makes a lovely backdrop stamped directly onto my white cardstock.  

For this card I used the following supplies:

Stamps: Lovely Flowers, Butterfly Notes (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection).

Ink:  Catkin, Hollyhock, Teeny Bikini, Duckling (Simon Says Stamp), Orange Soda (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), Onyx Black (Versafine)

Paper: Audrey Blue cardstock (Simon Says Stamp), white 140 lb cardstock (Neenah).

Accessories: Lovely Flowers & Banners dies, Concentric Circles die (Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection), Nuvo Morning Dew Crystal Drops (Tonic Studios), dimensional tape (3M).

The flowers were cut with coordinating dies from the Lovely Flowers & Banners die set and popped up with dimensional adhesive.  This die set has a die for every flower and little stamp in the Lovely Flowers stamp set, plus it comes with a few extra for more diecutting fun!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little peek into the Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection.  I tried to showcase as many of the sets that are included in this box as I could but just couldn't squeeze them all in.  Lucky for you there are three days of blog hopping and a lot more designers just waiting to show you the rest!

That also means you have THREE chances to win this collection for FREE!!!  Seriously, Catherine Pooler is giving away one box every day!  All you have to do is hop along each day and leave a comment with with each designer for more chances to  WIN!

I'm so honored and thrilled to be hopping today with these amazing designers!  I'm pinching myself right now, LOL!  Before you head over to see Deepti Stephens, be sure to leave a comment here.  I'd love to hear what your favorite part of this collection is so far.

Catherine Pooler

Laura Bassen

Maureen Merritt

Miriam Prantner

Lisa Harrolle <-----You are here.

Deepti Stephens <-----Go Here Next!

Laurel Beard

If you missed day one of the blog hop you can get started right ----->HERE<-----

Have a great day!

A little fun outside the craft room.

Hi everyone!  I know this is a card happy blog most of the time but sometimes I like to share some of the other projects I've been working on.  I'm always happy when I can pull my crafty self out of the craft room to work on something that's just a little outside the box.

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to get crafty with the least craftiest person I know....my husband Tony.  For the most part, he keeps a safe distance from my crafty space.  He likes what I do and occasionally requests a card....or a cake for one of his friends.  But when it comes to getting his hands into the glue well....that's a NOT!

On Sunday I loaded up my poor, neglected little Cricut, some adhesive backed vinyl, some of that fabulous press and seal and off we went to work at his hangar.  In case you didn't know, my husband is a pilot and his hangar is his equivalent of....well....my craft room.  Probably not quite as costly....but we won't tell him that.  ;)

The project he had for me Sunday was an old golf cart that he and his buddies worked, painted and recovered.   It was a special project for a nice lady who spends all her spare time beautifying the airport by planting flowers.  This was to be her new "flower" cart.

Unfortunately I didn't get any before pictures of the old rustbucket, but here is all painted with a new seat. My husband wanted me to make it fun and tone down the white a little.

Well......I can do fun, but toning it down.....not so much.

While I worked on adding tons of colorful flowers to the front, my husband worked on the sides. 

(I do not see that crooked 8.....I do not!)

Encouraging their friend to bring her dog along for the ride, my husband added a dog on the other side. He was disappointed that my Cricut didn't have a fire hydrant......smelling flowers would have to do.

This smile says it all!

Have yourself a gorgeous weekend!

Something old, something new....an SOA Lovely Notes sneak peek!

Hello, just checking in from a long weekend of socializing and celebrating with family and friends.  I wanted to share a card today that I made to help welcome my nephew's beautiful new bride into the family.  Luke and Erica got married on Saturday so we headed out of town to join in the festivities.  There were so many beautiful faces there that I hadn't seen in so long.  A family reunion at it's best and we had a blast!

Something old....something new.......I broke out some brand new products and some old stash to make the bride and groom this card.   And shhhhhhh.....don't tell Catherine but I just had to sneak in a little touch of the new

  Stamp of Approval Lovely Notes Collection that is due to release on July 13th.  What do you think?  Can you spy SOA? 

Something blue.......a shout out to this gorgeous couture color Lofty Mint by The Ton!  I love the soft minty/icy blue tones of this ink.  My favorite color!

Are you getting excited about the new Stamp of Approval Collection?   Remember, they sell out super fast so be sure to click on the picture below for more information and  to add your name to the email notification list.  

Catherine Pooler will email you when the sale starts so you don't miss out. 

I also want to remind all you StampNation members that there is an awesome free event going on right now over at  StampNation that is focusing on the art of heat embossing.  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday thru the month of July,  the Dream Team and our guest designers are posting some great tutorials and challenging our members to 

Heat It Up!!  If you're not a member yet, what the heck are you waiting for?  Click on the picture to below to sign up and get started today!!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have an awesome day!