Make your own Memo Pads!

This was SIMPLY to much FUN!

Recipe for Memo Pads

Ingredients

8 1/5 X 11 Bright White Paper (regular ol printer paper)
8 1/5 X 11 Chipboard (not to thick, for backs, can even use cereal boxes)
Paper Cutter
Glue
Wooden Shims
Clamps (even binder clamps work)

Design your paper!

You can use any “typing” program you have!  Here are the directions for Creative Memories Storybook 4.0.  Now, don’t worry.  The concept I have done for Storybook 4.0, is really, the same for pretty much any software…like word..or publisher for example.  I just love love love Storybook!  I have very expensive graphic draw programs….but…..after working in IT and coming home, the last thing I want to do, is learn another program…..these graphic programs, I found hard.  Not simple to us…..I did, however, find Storybook very very SIMPLE to use….kinda like a no brainer….and the link I gave you….you can try out for free for 30 days…what more can you ask for!

Printer your design!

I print 22, so that I have a pad with 40 in it!  I get 2 pads from this print job.  I usually make 2 of one design and two of another.

Cut your paper into quarters (4 1/4 X 5 1/5)

I have to tell you….I got out my Zutter Dreamcut machine!  because, it cuts papers evenly each time.  As you probably already know, using a paper cutter, doesn’t really do this, when you are going to stack 40 ish papers together….its very hard to cut them all the same.  My dreamcut machine does this soooooooooooo nicely.  I bought it for production type activities and this was certainly one of those events!
Stack, Clamp and Glue
Notice from the first photo, I took some pieces of wood (I used shims) for 1.57 all I did was lay one, one way, and the other, the other way….you know, so that it was squared up.
Stacked my paper as even as I could get it in this order:

• blank piece of paper
• chipboard
• 40 or so pieces of my very own designer paper
• blank piece of paper…marked where the top is, so I glue the correct side….

Clamped it so I could then glue.  Now, for clamps, you can just use something very heavy and put the edge of your papers right on the end of your table so you can glue the edge….or you can clamp like I am going….or you can clamp with those big binder clips you get in the office area of stores…  the point here, is stack your paper crisply and evently, hold down the paper stack tight so that the glue only goes on the edge….(use clamps, books, anything that will hold it tight)
Now for glue.  All over the internet they tell you to buy padding compound.  Well, I could not find it.  oh, I could on line for about $20.00 or so…enough to last 5 lifetimes….heck!  then I found you could make your own…
My inspiration came from Andrea Arch, however, when I seen the glycerin, I did not even try….Glycerine…I have shopped for in the past, hard thing to find…
so, I used good ol Elmers.  Now, don’t go out and buy this one….look in your stash, look for glue that is thick not runny.  When you find it, take brush, or a sponge brush and paint the edge.  After you paint the edge add some more clamps so that the edge stays straight.
Let it dry to the touch and remove only the clamps on the edge so that you can paint another coat, then clamp back down.  Dry and there you go!
I got the biggest kick out of that notepad you see above.  We were going to my brother-in-laws for dinner.  He is a retired butcher…so, I thought, he might like a notepad….I went to google and searched butcher silloute (notice I did not even spell silhouette correctly!) and found these…to dang cute, so, yeppers, I used the one of the pig chasing the butcher.  He loved it!

When looking for images I often go to google.com, then click on images (on the black ribbon, third one from the left), then type in my search words…in this case it was butcher silloute and STILL found some images…wonder what I would have found if I spelled it correctly!  HA!

WOYWW - 197

Notice the lattice panels! Yeah! Finally! if you are crazy, and want to lace up your own, I blogged some tips, on the blog just before this one. Actually, in several blogs prior to this one!

What you see there is one heck of a complicated project for me! I am gluing on the lattice panels in the above


I think I am going to use this for a diamond anniversary. Have to go shopping for some bling. I need a diamond brad not a star!

I am sooooooo close to finally finishing this! Just the fun part of decorating left! The hard part is over!
What you see is what is on my desk this morning! Stop over at Julia's to find out more about WOYWW!

Posted with Blogsy

Ribbon Lattice Work

Well, I gave up, trying to weave my new spellbinders die, Lattice Rectangles, S4-319, however, I did locate the die used in the project on ebay.  As you know from previous posts, the die used in the project is discontinued.

My inspiration came from two sources. 

Amazing Paper Grace
Tara’s Craft Studio

On Amazing Paper Grace, you will find a video.  It is just awesome to watch, she also has a weaving guide.  I had a hard time understanding the weaving guide, so I recreated another that makes since to me.

You will need 2 yards of ribbon for each panel.  If you are going to put the weave on all 4 sides of the box, you will need 8 yards of ribbon.  I have color coded my notes for you.  The blue notes use your first yard of ribbon.  Thread your ribbon up through the first hole and tape down your tail. Notice I say up and down.  That means, thread your ribbon up through the hole or down through the hole.  Also note I say OOUUOO as an example.  That means on your way over to the next hole, cross over, over, under, under, over, over any ribbon on the way

Please please, leave a comment if you give this a shot, I would love to know, if I made the weaving process simpler.  Please check out Amazing Paper Graces tutorial, Grace’s may be MUCH simpler than mine….we are all different and seem to learn, very differently from one to another.

I own a pazzles, but I am not so good at creating with it.  Hopefully, someone will recreate this die, so that those of us with machines can try this out as purchasing the die is a problem.  Here is a scan of the die, in the event you happen to be able to recreate this as a wpc file.

Cupcake Gift Card Holder

Gift Cards-----just hate them!

I hate Gift Cards! Don’t get me wrong here…I always feel like I did not spend time on the wonderful person who will be celebrating.

It seems so impersonal to me. It the way of the world I guess, instant gratification! I believe that the gift is in the giving, not the receiving. So I ask myself, what the heck do I get out of this gift card! NADA. Just nothing. Zip.

So, I have a beautiful grand niece, whom I dearly love celebrating today! Well, I have no idea what this young lady would love to have at 17…..that’s important to me…to get her something she would love….since I see her rarely, I have no idea. So, to satisfy both needs, here is what I did!

First I made a sticky pad for my notes! ha! off topic, but thought you might like to know how I make these….simple, cut your scrap paper, into squares, use repositionable glue stick at the top of one sheet, then cover, glue top then cover…get the idea! great use for those scraps!

 

I learned how to make the cupcake gift cards by searching the internet….actually, I traveled to a craft show that was held about 5 hours away from my home. There was only one class, I wanted to take. They wanted 40 dollars for the class….I wanted to spend my 40 on supplies, since I spent my money on gas, just to attend….and pay to get in….then I knew I was probably going to be buying some supplies to take back home. Kinda irritates me to pay for classes, well, back to the story, I found the exact same class, online! don’t you just love the internet! I found this wonderful youtube VISUAL direction by The Stamp Goddess from Fabulously Artsy, Called Hey, Cupcake! and of course…..spent way more than $40.00 on supplies on the craft show haul in fact, the ribbon I use later on I purchased from that craft show.

One of the first things you will do is to cut a 6” circle and a 2” circle out of chipboard. I used cardstock instead of the chipboard.

I used my EK Scissor Circle, which I love, but have ruined two craft mat! two I say…. one a long time ago, and one today…I used my scissor circle on top of it. Don’t do this.

Now to figure out what I can do with non-stick circles, 2 inches and 6 inches…oh boy…

I am not going to recreate her video or directions….hers is simply awesome. I will just tell you my tips along the way. When she tells you to cut 2X12 inch strips and accordion fold them every 1/4 inch…here is what I do. I score them every 1/2 inch, then flip the paper and score in between (notice on the scoreboard, these are all the places the that have a dot, well that’s in-between the 1/2 inch!

Easy-Peasy!

If you have a hand problem, like I do, pay someone to accordion fold those for you! ha!

No, I did not pay anyone to do that for me, but boy does that cramp my hands.

Scoring like I do, really helped that pain…and when I could not handle the pain any more, I just put a binder clip on it and drunk another glass of wine…

Notice my handy dandy post-it notes there….I am a keeping notes on what I am doing!

Ah life is good, don’t know if the binder clips or the wine is getting me through this part…

Now, when you are hot gluing….yikes! when I see the word, hot glue, I cringe…because I have burned myself so many times. Well no more! Thanks to Cathie at Hot Glue Gun Helpers on Etsy, no more burns! I use this EACH AND EVERY TIME the old glue gun comes out! if you own a glue gun, you should own this!

When you are gluing the accordion folded paper to your form, I used the rubber bands again….they helped me hold everything in place while I was gluing. Now it's time to fit your gift card inside the ball....

Don’t send hubby for gift card, or you might just have to deal with something you did not plan on…..

I used Melissa Frances Ribbon, two layer ribbon on the bottom (only about 9 inches) and then her Floppy blossom next (10 inches). I used her pleated satin for the icing. I have made this cupcake before, and the dern thing took yards and yards of ribbon. Using Melissa Frances Ribbon, because it is already gathered or pleated or in the blossom shape, it took, hardly any! whoopeeeee! And my hands did not cramp trying to gather up all that ribbon. I simply, physically, could not gather the ribbon. Thank goodness I ran across Melissa Frances Ribbon at the craft show, so I could make my second one without so much hand pain.

no time to buy another craft mat! I just had to be careful of the holes, or I would have painted my new ikea furniture! oh dear. I took a bamboo skewer, wooden ball and some baker’s twine…used liquid glass from Close to My Heart to glue all in place, painted red and sprayed with glitter. This took care of my cherry!

While that is drying…off to make the gift box. just a rough measure I know I need a box 4 X 4.

Select my paper...EDIT---as the photos show, selected the paper, screwed up, due to wine...select different paper, because that was the last of the pretty pink, paper. Add to notes, do not drink wine and create at the same time.

Follow the easy box rules. For the lid, I found a die cut that would fit inside the 4” Square. Once I die cut the "hole" just cover with acetate you have been hoarding. of course that means you will have to remember where you stored the acatate!

I forgot to tell you, I decided that I wanted my lid to only have 1" sides.

According to the "easy box rules" and my memory of 3rd grade math. I know I need a 4" lid, and 1" sides x2. Add 1/8 so it will fit on top of the 4" box...

4+1+1+1/8 = 6 1/8

So I just cut my paper to 6 1/8 square and scored 1 inch on all 4 sides, found a die that would fit in the middle of the 4" square, die cut, clip corners tape and took another sip of wine!

Here is the other cupcake I made! The first one took loads of ribbon, which I had to gather myself….this was very hard for a person that does not have any grip with hands….oh heck, let's be honest here. I don't have much grip on anything!

If you took the time to read this, please leave a comment! I love to read your comments! I would also love it, if you joined by blog site. If you do, each time I blog, you will be notified. Just click here to join.

Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW-196

It's Wednesday again! Boy does that day just roll around quick! A few weeks ago I was working on weaving a card. I told you all, I was not going to give up on it. Well I am telling you, I got out my scissors and cut it up to tiny little pieces, THAT FELT SO GOOD! I was humming Ya gotta know when to fold them. I feel better now that I got that off my chest.

So what's that up yonder! I grabbed my blocks my hubbie cut and sanded for me. Painted them last night and having dreams how to decorate them!

A gal by the name of Julia is having an open house! Go visit her blog and it will open up the world of craft rooms all over the world to you today! She calls it WOYWW. What's on your work desk -Wednesday.

 

Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW-195

A day late and a dollar short....this past week has been so busy for me. I am so excited my order for Graphic45 came in! I ordered from Pretty Papers, Pretty Ribbon, my first order, and was so surprised at how she shipped! Each item was wrapped in pretty tissue, tied with a different colored satin ribbon, along with extra papers and a rhinestone application, and a hand signed note. I thought it was my birthday, opening a special gift! My hat is off to Renee, for her style!

Can't wait to use this beautiful paper!
This week was spent in labeling chairs for work. Our conference room chairs, disappear, with broken chairs put in their place...so this is what we are trying!

yep, vinal! They really turned out cute! I ran out of the sparkly silver I was using, so until it comes in, At least I got the room number on them. I sent the cut through with my paper layed out 24x12 and of course my paper cuts the other direction of 12x24....this is the reason I ran out of vinal! Ruined a good part of it. I love vinal. While I was doing this, I also made a sign for the door. My daytime job is Working in the IT department. I made labels for 15 chairs!
LoJack is a software package that allows you to locate a stolen device, like a laptop, when stolen. it also allows you to wipe the drive, so that the perpetrator can't use your data...so "LoJack enabled" really put smiles on everyone's face!
Still working on my weaving project...not giving up..if you are wondering why I am telling you all this, stop over at Julia's place and find out!

Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW - 194

 

What do you get when you mix Tara's craft studio , Amazing Paper Grace AND a material list, that contains a discontinued item...

ONE CRAZY, FUSTERATED OLD WOMAN!

I seen that beautiful basket, I had to stop all projects I was in and do it right then!

Of course, I did not have the die....nor could I find one for sale...I could find a similar die that had 4 extra holes...hummm, then I thought, use your Pazzles and cut your own....well....I have been working on this since the 15th when I received my blog email....that's 5 days ago!

When you mix Tara and Grace with Amazing Paper Grace together, I think, I have entered craft Heaven...although...this time, presenting such a beautiful project and you can't buy the die (it's been discontinued) totally flustered me.

A challenge! I love puzzles....by day I work in an Computer Network and Engineering department that has the responsibility of over 100,000 devices to keep track of and keep working....talk about puzzles. What makes there good in that environment, is I won't quit until I master it....or at least until I think I have mastered it! LOL.

So, after trying to make my own failed...trying to get others to make it for me, failed...running to Michaels and buying the die you see above comes very close...it just might work...still working on the weaving pattern. I found the die on eBay in England! Cost me a bloody bid paying the difference in our monies and having it shipped to me, but, come hell or high water, I'm gonna make that basket.

So that's the green thing laying on my desk.....wonder why I am telling you this? It's Julia's Idea! Click on that last link, to find out why!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Liebster Award

 

Today, I had the best surprise ever!  Maisie at Maisie Moonshine’s awarded me the Liebster Award!  What an honor and pleasant surprise!  Make sure you pop over to her blog to find out all about this wonderful award!  While you are visiting Maisie, do take the time to check out her blog….it’s simply WONDERFUL!

ABOUT THE AWARD

This award was designed to be a blog award in the pay it forward fashion. Once you've been nominated, you award it to five blogs that you like that have fewer than 200 followers, to encourage new visitors to visit these blogs.

RULES FOR ACCEPTANCE

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog. Post the award onto your blog. Give the award to five bloggers who you appreciate that have fewer than 200 followers. Leave a comment on their blog letting them know that you have given them this awesome award!

PAY IT FORWARD

Here are five awesome blogs that I think you should check out:

Shaz of Silver Wolf Cards
Sandi at Eat Write Dream Stitch
Barb at King Designs
Riya at Yori 2 Yayie 
Maureen of Scraps of Live by Scrappymo

Please do take the time to visit these ladies, I am sure you will be blessed, as I was…I know you will enjoy there work!

WOWWW -193

And what a fun mess that is! I am almost done with my Valentines for my co-workers. I recently purchased a big shot off Facebook. I found some sell boards there and met a lovely lady who does what I do. Isn't that the biggest blessing! Meeting new folks who love to paper craft as much as you do! Anyway, I purchased a big shot from her along with a Sixxiz mini milk carton die. I am loving the big shot, as it takes fewer turns to crank the cut out than my grand caliber. My Grand Calibur has a larger platform, so it's still my favorite, however the big shots ability to cut thicker material like chipboard will enable me to do some fun altered art projects that I have been wanting to do.

See that big round wooden bowel....found that at a thrift shop. That was something I bought that never, ever had a home. I was about to toss it out when I tried it out in my craft room. I put a lazy Susan under it and toss things I am working with, in it. These are the things I need to put away, when the project is done. As you can see, it's has proven to be a good catch-all!

My favorite way of meeting new craft buddies, is through this blog. On Wednesdays, I plan to visit craft rooms all over the world. Pop over to Julia, at the Stamping Ground started this 193 Wednesdays ago! For a wonderful time exploring how other folks organize there craft rooms, you simply must visit! The photos you will see is, "what is on there desk on Wednesday morning". Usually messy, just as mine is. This is one time, you will never feel guilt for not cleaning up befor company!

 

Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW -191

My desk, as I woke up to it this Wednesday. Really! I discovered sell boards on Facebook this past week and have been busy selling items along with selling my last item on etsy! It's been a bit of time since I visited my own Etsy store, and LO and behold I did not have any items active but the one I sold.

I had run across some cassette holders at a thrift store and bought both for 10.00. I went to a Facebook crafting group and asked if anyone was interested prior to it going on ebay and was told to go to a sell board...HA, had no idea what they were talking about....a few questions later and I was a member of:

• The junk yard group
• Paper Scraps and more destash
• Scrapbook deals

I posted the cassette racks, and minutes later both were sold for 40.00 each and the buyer emailed me the shipping label, all I had to do was take it to the post office and put the label on it.

I went to put a new card in a clear bag envelope and what a mess! I had more clear jackets than carter has pills. Years ago I had purchased 3 packages of clear card jackets (100 jackets in each bag). Each time I would go get out a clear envelope I had to mess with those jackets...so heck I took a photo, and asked it anyone wanted them on one of those sell boards and poof, within minutes sold!

So, interesting week...found a place to sell things I don't use or need. Of course, this meant I bought a big shot and the new zutter bow maker with my new found money..

If they don't work out, I suppose they can be sold to another paper crafter....

If you are wondering why I am telling you this...pop over to Julia's blog and find out why!

 

Posted with Blogsy

WOYWW - 190

I look forward to What's on your work desk on Wednesdays! Julia over at the stamping ground started this weekly haunt, if you would like to know more about it, pay a visit to her blog.

If you want to know what happened with the clothes pins, I finished the project and have several blogs, you will need to go back and view them

Today, is my dear hubbies 70th Birthday, and the poor guy came down with the flu on Monday. He iis still not eating. Today, I joined him in his misery...I told him, it was his birthday present....misery loves company....right? I cancelled all the festivities, but did manage to take one photo of my desk top. My shipment of Heartfelt creations came in and I started to play with this last night. There it sits...until my family and I get back on out feet.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Crafting vs Football

HA, that's a no brainier for me!

I made sure lots of snacks were at arms reach, including my hubbies favorites, Deviled eggs and 7 layer dip and off I went to the craft room!

I finally finished all three gifts! Whooohooo! This has been a on-going for the last few posts, so if you want to know what's in the box, you will have to read the past two or three blogs.

This was my first bag topper, I really like how it turned out. I was a bit creative with the bow on the top. You can't see it, but the flower is an alternating mixture of the beige and blue ribbon. Well heck, I will run back and try and get a better photo of it. I took all my ribbon scraps I had left over from the three projects and threaded them on a needle, then hit it with my hot air gun. I glued a "diamond" down in the center of the Flower.

 

It looks like the football game is over, perfect timing! I am being told the Raven's and the 49er's are going to play in the 2013 Superbowl. Love it when football is on....I get uninterrupted craft time!

Oh, one more thing, that dear sweet husband of mine, made me another shelf!

I am loving this! No rod to take the ribbon off off. The following photo is the other shelf he made me for my wrapping paper. I had the bright idea to have him make it longer than the rolls so I could also use it for ribbon. Not one of my better ideas...

 

Posted with Blogsy