Thursday, August 28, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

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

Monday, August 25, 2008

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!

Friday, August 22, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

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

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

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