Work It Wednesday

It's yet another Work It Wednesday. Today I will be working my way up to the store to spend some time with Judy. I love the vibe of being in the store and sense of possibility and creativity that I always get when I'm there. I always walk out with something I'm certain I didn't need but it was just too yummy to pass up on. Speaking of yummy, I think I've talked about this before, but for a very long time I'd describe products and papers as "yummy" if I liked them. Have you done that yourself?

Well I was wondering what to post today for Work It Wednesday and came across some photos and layouts I did that are, well, yummy. (They are yummy because of the photo subject not because of my talents or lack there of.) These reminded me of something I've done that just extends my hobby one step further and applies it to real life. I've worked scrapbooking into another area in my home and that just makes me happy. So, if you haven't ever made a cook book, maybe it is time.



Next time you do some cooking or baking simply take a photo of your yummy creation before it is consumed. Then when you have a few photos ready to go, print them out, determine your cook book size, add the photos to one side and the recipe to other. And, there you go! A simple, yummy, practical use for your hobby. Plus, if you make a few extra copies of your photos you can make a few copies of your cookbook and share them with friends or give them as gifts.

Enjoy!

p.s. - Keep in mind you can put your recipes in a book or album or you can keep them on individual pages and store them in a recipe box. And if you want to add cooking theme product to your yummy project we've got items in stock for you to check out.

Tuesday

Here's your product shot of the day:

Colored
Pencil

Do you have some of these pretty colors in your stash?

Use them to doodle in your own page borders, color in stamped images, and in some cases even color on black and white photos for a hand tinted look.

If you don't have any, you might want some...

Monday

Hey there! This week is going to be a busy one for me and Judy. Our crop is this weekend and we are EXCITED!!! A lot of the stuff is already done but there is still a lot to do. So this week, I will still be updating the blog but it will be of product picks from the store. I will show a variety of stuff; some old, some new, some paper crafts related, some not. All of which have one thing in common, they are all worth having so stop by and check them out. So, without further delay, here's my first one - Stickles!

Did you know you can use Stickles in a variety of different ways? One of my favorite ways is to trace the patterns on pattern paper. It gives the paper a little dimension and whole lot of pop. Try it! it's cool!

Amy

Just a quick product update for you all. Remember Vellum? It's coming back. We've got some different styles and prints in stock as well as Vellum Spray to go with it.

Work It Wednesday - Perfection part 2

So last week I shared a little something that helps me out and creates a small sense of perfection on my pages. I asked you all to share your most used or favorite item that does the same for you and you know what, only one person responded so MONA - YOU WIN!!!

You can read Mona's comment on the post below but she said it was her shaped punches and I do agree with her. Punches really are a great invention. I mean, trying to trace a circle from an upside bowl or lid and then cut it out perfectly is a thing of the past - so happy about that.

So, what did Mona win? She won a collection pack of the new Basic Grey papers we just started carrying. The pack comes with 18 papers, one sheet coordinating alphabet stickers and one sheet coordinating cardstock stickers.

Her prize is actually another way to achieve perfection in your designs. There are so many products and papers out there that come with coordinating items that it really does make it easier to scrapbook. If you find a paper you like, chances are good their are stickers to match.

I used to teach classes on how to match up paper and now I don't have to because papers are coming out in coordinated sets - how awesome and easy is that! Perfect if you ask me. So, if you are one that looks at pattern papers and is overwhelmed by your options and confused by your choices, then today's Work it Wednesday is for you. Go through your stash and look for papers made by the same company and then create a layout using items from that coordinated paper line. If nothing else, you've got one more layout done and it will be perfectly matched as the papers will automatically go together. Here's a project I did using a coordinated line from Fancy Pants, it was easy and it's perfect in my book because the papers all coordinate and match.


Enjoy.
Amy

P.S. - all the supplies used in the photo can be bought at the store. I used a folding accordion book by Kaiser, Fancy pants papers, some monogram letters and black rub-ons. Oh and a brad or two.

Yummy New Papers!

New Basic Grey Papers!

We are happy to report new paper has arrived and is now available for purchase. It's from the Sugared line of Basic Grey - and frankly, there's nothing basic about it - it's simply adorable!

Enjoy!

Perfectly imperfect with some pizazz

So yesterday's Work It Wednesday was about having a little perfection in your craft. I admitted that I'm not as picky as I used to be and sometimes a little imperfection is ok. Sometimes we are just too worried about making it "just right" that we don't let ourselves explore or enjoy the process. So, while I like my lines cut straight and my bows perfect (see previous post), most other things I let go. Don't believe me? Here's a good example:


Do you see it? Can you find the flaw? (I'm sure there's more than one) When I stamped on the layout I rocked the stamp a little too much and I didn't get a crisp image. But ya know what - I let it go. I love this layout for what it is. It's my daughter to a T. She's not going to care about the stamp but she is going to be glad I took the time to document something special about her.

And, as an added bonus for myself, I tried something new. I branched out. I stamped on glitter paper - did you know you can do that? If not, try it, it's pretty cool. You can buy it at Judy's and it really does add a nice touch and a sense of pizazz. Look for it and many other cool surfaced papers at the store.

I hope you'll always remember why you started scrapbooking and not worry so much about getting it perfect. And remember, if you comment on the post below about a scrapbook tool or item that you love, you just might win a prize.

Enjoy,
Amy

Work It Wednesday - perfection!

Aaah, bow tying Perfection....

I learned a long time ago that scrapbooking and paper crafting weren't about perfection. However it wasn't always this way and I admit I've come a long way by coming to terms with imperfections in my crafting, I embrace them, well.... kinda! I still have to have straight cuts and I need perfect bows. For the cutting I rely heavily on my trimmer and now, thanks to Judy, for my bow tying I have a handy-dandy little gadget to help me out there too. So for Work It Wednesday I ask you what tool is it that you rely on for creating a little perfection in your crafting? Post a comment and let me know - maybe I'll feature your favorite next week. And maybe I'll even have a little prize for you. In the meantime though, here is a photo collage of a step by step for making perfect bows with the Bow Maker. You can pick one up for yourself, the Bow Maker, not the collage, at the store. And, as an added bonus, I've included a card idea that uses a bow and it's perfect - the bow that is!

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!
Enjoy!
Amy

A tisket A tasket....

...it's a cute paper BASKET!

Would you like to make one? Judy made these and I was going to save this idea for a Work it Wednesday but it's just too cute. Plus, since Easter is tomorrow I thought maybe you might be looking for a quick, last minute paper craft idea. Now, don't just classify this project as an Easter thing, Mother's day is coming up. And, if you pop into the store you can see other paper baskets Judy has made plus see how she stuffed them with gift items for things like baby showers and such - she is so clever. So here's how you do it....

1 - Grab a 12x12 piece of paper.
2 - Score the paper according to the directions on the diagram below with the pattern face down.

3- Once the paper is scored crease your paper in the following ways:
a) corner pieces which where scored on a diagnol should be creased up like a Mountain fold (mountain folds go up like a mountain) When creased you should have the pattern sides touching.
b) all other scored lines will be creased inward so that when folded in the back sides of the paper touch. Crease each line and then open them before creasing your next line.

4- At the point of each creased corner you can add an eyelet or punch a hole . (This gives you a place to add ribbon or other item to make the handle)

5- fold basket together as shown in picture here and above. Add ribbon through eyelets or holes to tie basket together.

There you have it.
Enjoy!
Amy

P.S. - thanks Judy for this awesome project! I can see all kinds of future gift ideas because of this paper craft creation.

Easter's coming

It's hard to believe that Easter is this coming Sunday. If you are looking for a little something special for someone special be sure to pop into the store. We have lots of cute things, like these bunnies pictured above, in stock. And, I'll leave you with a visual of another cute Easter item I love; these little ducks are just too cute. Happy Thursday everyone!

Work It Wednesday - Address book

Work It Wednesday - Address Book

As you all know I love to use my supply stash for more than just layouts. So today I wanted to share an idea with you on how you can make your own address book. Now, some would argue that address books are out of date, I however, disagree. Yes I have phone numbers stored in my cell phone and I have address info on my computer but it's just not the same.

So, if you are like me and still like having an address book in hand here's what you need to make this:




Supplies:
2 - 7in x 10in chipboard pieces
14 to 16 white or natural cardstock
pattern paper you love
2 binder rings
1 full sheet of giant alpha stickers (I used a full sheet but you could use up various leftovers from a bunch of different sticker sheets you have on hand - that's a good way to use up what you have)

1- Cover your two chipboard pieces with your pattern paper. I used mod podge to adhere mine in place but you could use a glue stick or sticky tabs and just wrap your paper around the edges.

2- Open the pdf (see note below) I've designed for you and print it out. The pdf is two pages, the first is the page that will hold the alphabet letters with an empty space in the upper left corner. The second page is similar only it is filled all the way up and there is no empty space. I printed them double sided with one on each side.

*I used a hosting site called mediafire to hold the pdf so that the download would be easier and safer. However, please note it is for hosting purposes only and I'm not personally supporting nor is the store linked to any of their advertisers. Again, I'm only linking you to them as a way for you to access pdf I have created.

3- trim printed pages down to measure 7in x 9.5in.

4- add alphabet stickers to upper left corner of the pages and add tabs to the end of the pages.

5- Punch two holes in all the pages and in the cover and assemble book using binder rings.

There you have it, that's the basics. You could add anything else you want to it.

Enjoy!
Amy

St. Patrick's Day!

I see green

Hey, just a quick reminder that Monday is St. Patrick's day. Don't forget to wear a little green that day. And, if you don't have anything to wear, we've got you covered, stop in for a little bracelet, lucky pin, or fancy little jewels. We've got other things too but you'll have to come into the store to see them.


Smiles,
Amy
p.s. - thanks to everyone who left well wishes at the store, on the blog, and through email for me. I'm happy to report that we are on the mend and doing much better.

Work It Wednesday - Not!

Hey all! I'm still under the weather and fighting the flu so I'm officially putting off today's Work it Wednesday post. I hope to be back to regular posts soon.

Amy

Anyone else confused?

Is anyone else having a hard time keeping track of the dates and events this year? I am! A week or so ago we had an extra day because of leap year. Two days ago we had daylight savings - which now comes earlier in the spring than it used to. In less than a week it will be St. Patrick's day. And then, less than a week later it's Easter. Whoa! That's a lot of things happening in a three week time period, don't ya think? So, if you are as confused about things as I am you might want to check out the calendar items shown here. You can complete them anyway you'd like and I'm certain they will help you keep track of things.

Perfect Pets

First of all, my deepest apologies for abandoning the blog this week. Judy is on vacation and my family and I have been down with the flu. This week as I laid on the couch all cuddled up with my kids there was a theme that was repeated and it reminded me of something we sell at Judy's. Something that you might not know we carry. Every time we'd see an animal on t.v. my girls would start talking about wanting a pet. Now, as much as I'd love a dog myself, we can't have pets. Nor are we up for the commitment right now. So, here's where Judy's comes in. Wouldn't you love one of these...
Judy's has started carrying Perfect Petzz. These are little animals that look real, sound real and feel real. She carries all different kinds. Different breeds of dogs and different cats and they are all so cute. The best part? Other than changing their batteries every once in awhile there is no upkeep. No walking and no changing litter boxes. Here is the carrier they come in and if you are so inclined to get a family pet today, be sure to check out the pet themed stickers to match. You may want to scrapbook your new addition.

Enjoy your weekend, and look for more fun blog posts next week.
-Amy

Work It Wednesday - Cheaters

It's Work it Wednesday and today's feature is all about cheaters. You know that old adage "cheaters never prosper."? Well, I say they do when it comes to scrapbooking. Kinda, sorta, and with in reason of course. Here's what I mean:

When you are scrapbooking and you can use a pre-made item that you can buy, then do. Use it! Enjoy it! Celebrate the time you just saved.

We just recently started carrying these adorable Disney items. They are pocket pages that you hook right to your page and it holds all your ticket stubs, itinerary forms, and misc. items you want to save from your trip.

It's a huge time saver, it's a pre-made pocket page. You unwrap the package adhere it to your page and Viola! your done. Some might call it cheating, I call it working your craft so you can move on to your next masterpiece. Why make your own pocket page when someone's already made a cute one for you?

So, for Work it Wednesday I ask you, what pre-made items do you have in your stash that you can take out and use today.? Go look.
Enjoy,
Amy

It's here!!!

Guess what we
have in stock?

Ok, Ok! I know!
The photo gave it away.

We have a limited number
of Big Bites in stock.

If you are a fan of the crop-a-dile, you know this is it's cool big sister. It's an awesome tool to have and it's "bite" is a long reach bite so you can punch holes deep into an item, not just around the outer edge. Plus, it does all those other cool things too, like set eyelets and snaps and such.

If you've been waiting for these to come in, get to the store quick! They will go fast.

Paper Wall

It took almost a full day but there is a new order to the paper wall. Next time you're in the store you will find it much easier to find patterns and designs that go together as they are now grouped according to manufacture and theme.

Wednesday!

Despite last night's storm and the fact that it is currently raining at my house, I'm still very much in the mood for spring. It always seems that as we near the end of February that there is an awakening of sorts. If I looked out my window right now, my view would be the same that I saw in the middle of January; snow covered roads, ice on the sidewalk, people bundled up as they pass. Yet, it's different. Spring is coming, I can sense it. And because of that, today's Work It Wednesday is about flowers. Sticker flowers to be exact. I can't think spring without thinking flowers.

If you've got flower stickers in your stash, pull them out and decide to use them. You could put them on a card or a layout. You could use just one or a whole bunch. Speaking of bunch, one way to keep your design centered is to take several flower stickers and create a bouquet. It's quick, it's easy, and it will produce a nice touch to your project. Give it a try.

If you don't have stickers in your stash, here are just a few sets that we have recently stocked. (daffodils are one of my most favorite flowers ever - aren't the daffodil stickers amazing?!)
Enjoy! And think Spring!
Amy

CROP!!!

It is with mixed emotions that I type this - We are thrilled at the huge response we've had to our crop but we are saddened that we must announce that it is now full!

We are putting names on a waiting list so if you are interested please still let us know just in case we have cancellations.



We are so excited to be hosting another crop. We hope you will plan to hang out and crop the day away with us, here's all the details:

Date: April 12th
Time: 9 am to 5pm
Place: Orono Senior Citizen Community Center
Price: $35
Included: Goodie bag, Mini album and card class (class kits included), lunch, snacks, drinks, giveaways, and a layout contest.

Registrations is open and space is limited to allow for ample scrapping room. Register and pay by March 22nd and your name will be entered into a special drawing.

Email judysscrappin@yahoo.com or call the store 207-889-8000 for further details.

House Mouse

Looky-looky!

House Mouse stuff is back!

We are so thrilled to have them back in stock. There are so many different items that we now have in stock, stickers, planners, books, and cards of all sorts. They are a must see.

Come check them out!

(We have more stickers than are shown& they are all so cute!)

Work It Wednesday - Photo Albums

It's Work It Wednesday! There are so many different ways you can scrapbook. You can do 12x12 or 8.5x11. You can create mini albums or scrapbook wall decor. Really, when it comes to creativity and scrapbooking there are very few limitations. I love to do all the above mentioned and then some, however sometimes I feel the need to scrapbook fast. That's were today's tip comes in - photo album scrapbooking is our Work It Wednesday feature.

In order to get you started you should pick some papers you love and trim them down to 4x6. Grab some embellishments that match and then get your photos. You will also need a photo album like the one shown above. (We sell these in the store)

To turn these albums into scrapbooks you will be taking those 4x6 papers you trimmed and will turn them into little mini layouts or journaling accents. Here's a few samples of some I've done. I also took a larger piece of paper and turned it into a bigger layout that I adhered right on top of the plastic sleeves - it worked great and made the album look more like a scrapbook.

This is a great way to scrapbook fast and I love the end result. Next time you are in the store check out our supply of photo albums and give this idea a try. It's quick and easy - two of my favorite things.

Enjoy!