Clothes Pins

The theme for our last crop, the one last April, was based on things that hang. We did the whole "come hang with us" as our little catch phrase. Our mini album we made in class was titled "I'm hanging on to you." We had our goodie bags hanging, etc... you get the point. Why am I telling you this? Well, one reason is because I'm finalizing details for our next crop so the last crop has been on my mind. And, also because I was packing lunches today and was wishing I had one of those decorative clothes pins on hand that we used to hang the layouts for the layout contest. If you weren't there, they looked like this.


As I was packing up snacks I was wishing I had some on hand. Because these were such a hit Judys has made up several packages of them and has them for sell in the store. They work great for all sorts of things. You can even add a magnet to the back and keep them on your fridge to hold important notes. And, if you want to make your own but want them bigger, she also sells these....

They are larger and can stand on their end so they make a cute way to display your favorite photos on a desk or coffee table. Next time your in the store check them out.

Work It Wednesday - ID Tags

Your Work It Wednesday idea is an oldie but a goldie.

I was in need of some I.D. tags for my kids back packs and so I quickly whipped out my stash of scraps and extras and went to work.

I made backpack tags but this idea could be adapted for luggage or anything else you'd like to put your name on.

Here's what you do:

1- Gather supplies
2- cut cardstock scrap down to size needed
3- Decorate one side with left over paper scraps or stickers. (Both of my backgrounds are made out of stickers I had left over. I then added my daughter's initials with black alphabet stickers.)
4- Write personal details like teachers name, grade and bus number on back. (As a safety rule I never put my kids full name on things like this. Only enough information so that in case the bag gets lost, it could be returned to the teacher.)
5- After you've got it how you want it, use self laminating sheets on both sides and trim to the size you'd like.
6- Punch a hole on the top, add ribbon and attach to bag.

Like I said, very easy. It uses up scraps, looks cute, and is practical! Gotta love that. So, even if you don't have kids in school, you could very easily try this for your lunch bag at work or you luggage for an upcoming trip. Give it a try!
Amy

The State of Maine

We live in a beautiful state! Seriously, if you haven't noticed, Maine is one heck of a pretty place. When was the last time you scrapbooked something about living Maine? Maybe about a road trip or simple picnic on the beach? As summer wraps up I encourage you to make a layout, or two, about our beautiful state. And, if you need some embellishments to decorate your page with be sure to check out Judy's stash of goods. She carries all kinds of travel stickers and even has a little section just for Maine items. Plus, if you are looking for a Maine themed gift, she's got those too. Below are some of the different styles of notepad sets she carries. Enjoy!

An old favorite

I've been getting things ready for our upcoming crop, ordering supplies, planning class kits and goodies bags - it's so much fun to plan for these things. But my point, in browsing product I was reminded how much I personally like certain things. I know my scrapping style pretty well and will return to a favored product over and over. I was reminded at how much I love to use brads. Those clever little things are one of my favorites and these photos just show three of the cool and funky designs that Judy carries. What are your favorite, use all the time, items? I'd love to know.

Work It Wednesday - August 20th

Wednesdays seem to be coming quicker and quicker these days. Today is the last Wednesday of the summer before school starts. What that means for me is today is the last full Wednesday I get to spend playing and enjoying the day with these three little ladies. So, I hope you'll forgive me, but I'm skipping out on Work it Wednesday and heading out for a day with my girls.

I will leave you with one little Work It Wednesday reminder though - take pictures! Seriously! Too often we only pull the camera out for birthdays, holidays or vacations. Today, commit to taking more pictures. Pictures of your everyday life. The people you share it with. The places you go on a daily basis. Your house, your car, your favorite books. Just take pictures and document your everyday, ordinary life.

I briefly caught a show on photography last night and it showed photos taken of everyday life during World War II. They weren't works of art, they didn't have amazing composition, but they documented life. It was emotional, breathe taking, and it was beautiful. So go! Take pictures of your own beautiful life!

Enjoy your day.
Amy

Unique Item

If you have a few spare moments you should pop into Judy's and just walk around. I think you'll be surprised at the variety of items she carries. Of course there are my personal favorites - the paper crafting items, but in the gift section I'm always surprised at what I find. Today's featured items are Cribbage Boards.

I've never played the game myself but I think these boards are beautiful and I know a few people who'd love to receive one of these as a gift. (I'm thinking it might be wise to start Christmas shopping early). These boards are hand crafted and really nice. Next time you're in the store check them out.

Red Sox

So, apparently I have a flaw. Ok, sure, I know what you are thinking. Yes, I do have more than one, however, recently it's been pointed out that not being a sports fan, or more importantly a Red Sox fax, is a major flaw. Good thing Judy knows her stuff and keeps me informed on if they are doing good or not. And I hear they are doing great right now. So, for you Red Sox fans, this one is for you.


Awhile back Judy and I were talking about these bottle caps. We both really like them. They are undeniably cool. However, they are bulky and some people (me) don't really like their layouts bulky. So, in our conversations we talked about what else could be done with them and we decided turning them in to magnets was a good idea.

Seriously, how cute would it be to have Red Sox bottle caps magnets on your fridge? They would be easy to make too, just add a magnet to the bottom of them.

So there's the product pick of the day. And, just because I'm curious, what would you do with these bottle caps?

Amy

Work It Wednesday - Scraps

It's Wednesday! Nothing ground breaking today, just another idea for using up small scraps. You all know that I love calendars. I've made a few different variations over the years and this is just another countdown calendar idea. We have grandparents coming in September and one of my dearest friends is coming to visit and attend our crop in October. So, to help keep track of the days I've made them each their own countdown calendar.

You could very easily tweak this idea and turn it into a countdown for birthdays, Christmas, back to school, or whatever you want. To start you'll need some chipboard and a bunch of small pieces of paper, this is where I used up my scraps.


1- cover your chipboard with paper
2- wrap up your candies in scraps of paper
3- label them and attach them to the chipboard (glue dots work great to stick them in place)
4- decorate the rest of the countdown calendar.

Seriously, how easy is that?! Here's the one I made for my in-laws. I wrapped up two pieces of candy since there are two of them sharing the calendar.

And this one I made for my friend Utah Judy. I have to call her Utah Judy because my family gets confused that I have two friends who are both named Judy. Utah Judy lives in Utah and Scrapbook store Judy is well, the Judy you all know and love. Anyway, here's the other calendar...


So there you have it. Go gather your scraps and make yourself a sweet little countdown calendar.

Amy

Did you know....

I usually do some sort of product pick on Tuesday and in a sense, today is no different. However, I wanted to show you something that you can get at Judy's that maybe you didn't know about. Plus, I've been channeling my inner artist and have been doing some painting myself and wanted to share what I've learned. Did you know you can use scrapbook paper right on top of, or as an accent, on your painting? You just need to brush a little Gesso or Modpodge to glue it in place - how cool is that?! So, next time you are in the store pick up a brush or two, some paper and paint a master piece. Maybe someday I'll share my work, but for now just enjoy the lovely photo of paintbrushes and think about doing a little painting yourself. It's fun!

Amy

See you tomorrow for Work It Wednesday, I've got another idea for using up scraps.

A new record

I know you've seen this image before but I want to put it back up at the top as just a reminder that our crop is coming up. We've had a new record for our crop sign ups. Within one week of announcing it we've already reached the maximum number from our last crop. The good news though is that since we've switched locations we still have room for more attendees. However, with that said, if you've got friends that want to come, remind them to sign up soon. We are thrilled about the great response and are getting really excited for our crop!

And remember, if I can answer any questions for you, please drop me a quick email.

Smiles,
Amy

New papers

Have you scrapped your 4th of July pictures yet? Me neither! Here's some fun, new patriotic papers that might help us both out. (I like the red polka dots!)

Work It Wednesday - quick and easy

Here's a quickie. If you have some scraps of paper and some left over rubons you can make this project in a snap. Not only will it make a great little gift for an office worker or a friend but you will be using up some of your paper crafting supplies in the process. And as you well know by now, that is what Work It Wednesday is all about, finding new ways to work our craft.

Besides a paper scrap and rub-ons you will also need a freestanding acrylic frame size 4x6 or smaller like the one shown above.

To start simply cut your paper to fit inside the frame. I used a 4x6 frame so my paper was cut to that size.

Then, add rub-ons or even leave the paper blank if you want. I added the word "notes" to the top of my paper.

Next you simply insert the paper into the frame. The frame will no longer be a standing frame so remember to add your paper the right way. (See photo)

Then on top of frame add a little note pad of paper. You can leave it like that or add on other items like a bow and other rub-ons. When finished add a cute matching pen and there you have it - you're done! An instant gift or a cute little item for yourself.

Have a good Wednesday!
Amy

Today's Product Pick

I think this little mini albums are awesome. Personally I award them with the product pick of the day award. Not really sure there is such an award but if there was... anyway, these are the accordion mini albums that I mentioned in the last store email. You can use them for a variety of different things and the best part? You just add photos and decorate. There is no constructing needed. Here's a few more photos for you ...


P.S. - Thank you for all the response about the crop! We are filling up quickly and are really excited for this upcoming event.

Crop Photos

Hey there! Sorry for the delay. Blogger had a bit of a problem and temporarily blocked our blog. Turns out it was happening to lots of other blogs too and they have now fixed the problem. Yeah!!! So without any further delays, here they are, the photos from our last crop get-together in April.

We had such a good time and are looking forward
to our next crop in October.
We really like to spoil our croppers and do our best to give you a day of fun and pampering. We hope you'll join us.

-Amy