For Love of Paper

Thrifty Thursday: Washer Pendant

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

Take a washer from the hardware department and turn it into a couture piece of jewlery. This project is so simple I almost feel silly featuring it but sometimes the most simple ideas are the best.

In the past I had seen and made myself washer necklaces by stamping or adding rub-ons to the washer but this time I just added a little designer series paper. It couldn't be easier.

How To

• Purchase large washers in the hardware department. Mine were 1 1/2" in diameter with a 1/2" center hole. It will tell you these two measurements right on the package.
• Choose your paper.
• Punch the smaller, center hole first. I used the 1/2" Circle Punch.
• Punch the larger outer hole. I used the 1 3/8" Circle Punch.
• Adhere the paper to the washer using Crystal Effects as a glue.
• Cover the paper covered washer with a layer of Crytal Effects. Let dry. I let mine dry over night.
• Add your cord.

I was also thinking I would repeat the process for the other side that way when my necklace flips over like it always does it won't be blank.

If you prefer not to have the metal edge showing choose punches and washers the same size.

Adding a necklace like this to a pretty box would be a perfect gift for a friend or co-worker anytime.

Total Cost

Less than $1

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Chocolate Chip Classic Ink (for sponging edges of paper)

Papers: Love Letters Designer Series Paper

Other: Crytal Effects, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Metal Washer and Black Jewlery Cord

Wolf Box for National Boy Scout Day

In honor of National Boy Scout Day I have the perfect treat bag to share with you. This adorable little wolf is perfect for use with young scouts because at that age their packs are called wolf packs.

Would you believe his face is made using a couple of Sizzix Dies? The Top Note and Scallop Oval dies.

I created this box and a host of others using the same basic pattern and demonstrated them last weekend at the Lone Star Stampers Sale-a-bration Extravaganza. Everyone fell in love with them just like I did. They created such a stir I've decided to make them my class of the month for February. This class will be released on February 15th so stay tuned.

Thrifty Thursday: Coordinating Desk Set

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

This week I promised to show you a coordinating pen cup and pens to go with last weeks desk caddy. This started out as a frosting container. With the addition of a little designer series paper and cardstock it is now part of a matching desk set. 

How To

Pen Cup

First you need to make a delicsious desert that requires frosting. Then peel the label and wash thoroughly.

• Cut a strip of cardstock 11" x 3 1/4"
• Cut a strip fo coordinating designer series paper 11" x 3"
• Place Sticky Strip along the short sides of both pieces and then a strip 3" to 4" down the middle.
• Wrap the cardstock piece around the container.
• Repeat with the designer series paper

From here you can add any emblishments you like.

Altered Pen

• Start with RSVP Pens
• Cut a piece of designer series paper (cardstock is too thick) 3 1/2" x 7/8"
• Unscrew the end of the pen (the non writing end), the ink part will come out with the end
• Roll the paper, insert into the pen and screw back together

The most expensive part of today's project are the pens. If your frugle you should be able to find them onsale from time to time especially right before school starts in the fall.

Remember it's Sale-a-bration which means it's a great time to stock up on your favorite products.

For every $50 you purchase you'll receive FREE product from the Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog. Click here to see what you can get for FREE!

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: Chocolate Chip (for sponging)

Papers: Basic Black Cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and Love Letters Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: Sticky Strip and Stampin' Dimensionals (to adhere the flower)

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Fun Flowers Die, Victoria Crochet Trim, Antique Brads, Stamping Sponge, empty frosting container and RSVP Pens

Thrifty Thursday: Trash to Treasure Desk Caddy Part 2

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

If you tuned in last week for Thrifty Thursday you saw me take a thrift store find that looked like this . . .

and turn it into this . . .

Once I got this far the elementary school lined paper I used on the front panel immediately made me think of the school children in the Greeting Card Kids stamp set. So with a little more effort it turned into what you see today.

I was really having a tough time deciding if I should give this to my son's classroom teacher or the principal. I've already made a few things for his classroom teacher so I thought I'd give this one to the principal. She is so cheery and just a delight to be around. I think she deserves something special too.

All told this project cost me about $3 to $4.

Not bad for a chic boutique look!

Stop back next Thursday and I'll show you a few coordinating accessories to go with this gift.

Supplies

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids

Inks: Jet Black Stazon, Chocolate Chip Classic Ink, Bashful Blue Classic Ink, Crumb Cake Classic Ink, Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, Sahara Sand Classic Ink, Soft Suede Classic Ink and Stampin' Write Marker, So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker and Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Water Color Paper, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock, Basic Black Cardstock and Love Letters Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets

Other: Sizzix Big Shot, Naturally Serif Alphabet, Fun Flowers Die,, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Antique Brad and Stampin' Sponge

 

Learn one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking!

How to scrapbook on canvas.

If you’re one of those people that keep on top of what’s new in paper crafting I’m sure you’ve heard the term “scrapbook your walls”. This just means taking your scrapbook pages out of the album and displaying them on the wall. One of the coolest ways to display scrapbook pages on the wall is by creating them on canvas rather than cardstock or paper. While this may sound tricky, it's surprisingly quick and easy. To make it even easier, I'd like to take you through the process, step-by-step, in my new Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class

The Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class will take you through the process of creating a scrapbook canvas step by step. You’ll go from how to choose a canvas to putting it all together. As an online class you’ll be taken to a private webpage where you’ll find two high definition videos and a printable Quick Reference Sheet listing all of the supplies as well as the measurements and a full color photo of the project.

In addition to learning one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking you’ll also learn two bonus techniques along the way. These are techniques you’ll surely want to add to your own projects down the road.

1. Stenciling with inks.
2. How to make three dimensional cardstock roses.

 

To gain INSTANT access to the Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class for only $12.95 click the Buy Now button below.

Once your payment is processed you will immediately be taken to the private webpage. You can watch the videos immediately or bookmark the page to view any time in the future.

 

If you aren't familar with online classes please check out the FAQ below.

Online Class FAQ

What is an online class?

Taking an online class is just like taking a regular class, but rather than traveling to a specific location at a specific time you attend class virtually. 

What should I expect?

Each online class will consist of one large project or a few smaller projects that go together. You will learn how to make each project through a series of video tutorials. Once you sign up/pay for a class you will immediately be taken to a web page where you can watch the videos right away.

Do online classes include tools and supplies?

No. Online classes are instruction only. You will need to use your own tools and supplies to make the projects.

Click the link below to purchase the Roses of Love Scrapbook Canvas Online Class for only $12.95.

Thrifty Thursday: Trash to Tresure Desk Caddy

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

I grew up a garage sale shopper and still love to hit the sales on a Saturday morning or drop by one of our local Goodwill Thrift Shops anyday of the week. I always find little wooden boxes of one sort or another. With a coat of paint or the addition of a little paper here and there many of these finds can truely go from trash to treasure.

Here is what today's piece started as.

For only $2.99 it has really nice lines and I love that it's already painted black. But the roosters had to go and the heart cut out makes the piece a little dated.

So far all I've done is add a little paper from the Love Letters Designer Series Paper package. While I was choosing which patterns to use from the paper pack I came across the design with the lines that look like elementary school writing paper and thought how perfect it would be to use that one on the front. This gives the perfect place to add a label or a name. I'm not certain if I'm going to give this to my son's teacher or principal.

Stop back next week to see this project evolve a little further and who the lucky educator will be.

Watch It Wednesday: Lollipop Valentine

A week or two ago I showed you a few examples using the Sweetheart Stamp Set and coordinating Heart Treat Cups. I thought I would share with you a way to use the treat cups without the stamp set. This is a way to still get a great look but be able to save a little moola.

Supplies

Stamps: none

Inks: none

Papers: Real Red Cardstock, Basic Gray Cardstock and Love Impressions Designer Series Paper

Adhesives: SNAIL and Sticky Strip

Other: Full Heart Punch, Heart Treat Cup, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Sizzix Big Shot with Scallop Square Duo and  6" Lollipop Stick

Cutting: 2 Real Red Scallop Square (the larger one on the die), 2 1/2" square of Basic Gray and 2 3/8" square of DSP

Thrifty Thursday: Top Note Valentine's Treat Bags

What is Thrifty Thursday?

With the economy still on the rebound we all need to get as much bang for our buck as possible. So each Thursday I'll show you inexpensive ways to use your paper crafting supplies.

This weeks project.

With only half a sheet of cardstock and a small cello bag you can make Valentine's like this for pennies.

How To:

• Cut a Top Note from the cardstock color of your choice
• Score the Top Note Shape down the middle, from point to point
• Decorate Top Note as desired
• Place candy in Small Cello Bag , fold the top down and staple
• Add Sticky Strip to the front and back side of the cello bag near the staple
• Remove Sticky Strip backing and adhere the Top Note to front and back of cello bag

What did today's project cost?

1/2 Sheet Cardstock       $ .15

Small Cello Bag               $ .08

Total                               $ .23 (plus candy)

Looking for more savings on Valentine's supplies?

Check out the Filled with Love Bundle.

Supplies

Stamps: Love You Much

Inks: Early Espresso Classic Ink and Pretty In Pink Stampin' Write Marker

Papers: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler and Pink Pirouette Cardstocks

Adhesives: SNAIL, Sticky Strip and Stampin' Dimensionals (optional)

Other: Sizzix Big Shot with Top Note Die, Small Cello Bag, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, White Signo Gel Pen and Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

Football Candy Bar perfect for Super Bowl Parties

If you'll be attending a Super Bowl Party or plan to host one yourself this project is perfect. Just wrap a chocolate bar with Chocolate Chip Cardstock and then use small strips of Whisper White to add the laces. Voila! A football.

How to:

1. Tape the ends of the candy bar wrapper to the bar to keep them out of the way.
2. Cut a 5 1/2" x 5 1/4" piece of Chocolate Chip Cardstock. Wrap around the bar and hold in place with Sticky Strip. (The bar is 5 1/2" long)
3. Cut a 1/4" wide strip of Whisper White Cardstock, then cut into one 5" strip and five 1" strips. Adhere to front of candy bar for laces.

I can see placing several of these in a metal bucket full of peanuts. That would look great on your table or to give as a hostess gift. You could even add a small pennant for your favorite team.

If you love getting new project ideas and inspiration be sure you're signed up to receive my monthly INKspirations Newsletter.

To sign up simply add your info to the sign up box in the top left corner of this page.

Supplies:

Chocolate Chip Cardstock

Whisper White Cardstock

Sticky Strip

Super Simple Saturday: Lollipop Valentine's

Looking for a simple handmade Valentine?

• Cut a piece of netural cardstock to 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".
• Stamp the image of your choice on the left.
• Stamp a Valentine's Day sentiment on the right.
• Mat your little work of art on a piece of coordinating cardstock measuring 2 3/4" x 3 3/4".
• Add two holes using the Crop-a-dial and insert lollipop.

Wondering how I colored that cute little Build-a-bear?

Stop back tomorrow for a FREE video showing you how to water color using the squeeze technique and classic ink pads.

Supplies

Stamps: Beary Best Friends and Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks: Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad, Crumb Cake Classic Ink Pad, Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad, Basic Black Calssic Ink Pad and Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Paper: Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler

Adhesive: SNAIL and Stampin' Dimensionals

Other: Crop-a-dial, Aqua Painter and Small Heart Punch