For Love of Paper

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.

Watch It Wednesday: Curly Paper Christmas Wreath

Some of you may recognize this wonderful wreath from last year. It was such a popular project I've already had requests for instructions this year. I decided this would make a terrific project for Watch It Wednesday.

The wreath shown in the photo above uses last years Designer Series Paper but in the video I demonstrate the project using this year's Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper (DSP) and also show one created with the Jolly Holiday DSP.

Last year I gave this wreath to several people as a gift, including my son's preschool teachers. They all loved it.

This is a video you don't want to miss.

 

Remember now is the time to place your orders to get supplies in time for Christmas crafting.

Click here to order anytime or contact me directly.

Phone 512-809-3887

chris@forloveofpaper.com

 

Another card for the Shimmer, Smooch & Spritz Oh My! Class

More than a year ago I saw another stamper use this snowflake stamp from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set on Soft Suede Cardstock with Whisper White CRAFT ink and I loved the look. Since then I've tried a few times to come up with a card using that idea. Not until this morning did it finally work itself out into a beautiful card.

I am so excited to offer this card as the fifth project in the Shimmer, Smooch & Spritz Oh My! Class. It doesn't photography well but this card has lots of shimmer on the main image.

Here are the other four items we'll be making during class.

If you've noticed all the new products aimed at making your cards shine this is a class you won't want to miss. We'll be covering how to use Shimmer Paint, Smooch Spritz and Smooch Accent Ink.

You only have a few days left to register.

Click here to register for the in person class on Friday, November 5th at 7pm.

$35

 

Click here to get the class on DVD.

$19.95 plus $3 S&H

Sign up now for Shimmer, Smooch & Spritz Oh My!

Have you noticed all the fun new products Stampin' Up! has to make your projects shimmer and shine but aren't sure how to use them?

This wonderful hands on class will teach you how to use Shimmer Paint, Smooch Spritz and Smooch Accent Ink in creative ways.  Above are shown four of the projects you'll be making during class. I will be adding at least one more card if not two.

Here's a closer look at the hand painted angel coaster you'll be making. You can really see the shimmer in this shot. Wouldn't these make terrific inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Class Info

When: Friday, November 5th at 7pm

Where: My house in Leander, TX

Cost: $35

RSVP by Thursday, October 22nd

To register for the in person class please click the Paypal link below.

$35

Class on DVD $19.95 plus $3.00 S&H

Tons of fun had by all: New Catalog Open House!

Magnetic Board Make'n Take

This past Saturday myself and several other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators from the area, all part of the Lone Star Stampers, hosted a New Catalog Open House & Customer Appreciation Event, in Rounch Rock, TX. Everyone had a blast and really appreciated the usefulness of the make'n take. The entire event was free and great gift for teachers, coworkers, office workers etc.

Normally I snap photos of everyone working at the make'n take tables so you can see what fun it was but we were so busy I never got out from behind my demonstration table. Besides the make'n take, shown above, we had three live demonstrations and tons of samples on display to spark your imagination. I demonstrated the new XL Owl Punch and the XL Bird Punch. I have tons of samples to share with you over the next several days so be sure to stop back often.

We thought is would be nice to give everyone that RSVP'd a little something and this is what we came up with.

Chap Stick Butterfly

This was so simple to make. I cut two butterflies, one from Designer Series Paper and one from Vellum using the Sizzix Big Shot and Beautiful Butterflies Die. Then just punch a hole on each side of the center line (layer the butterflies and fold on the centerline and punch one hole), add ribbon and tie on the chapstick (which I covered with another little scrap of Designer Series Paper). Here's a little tip to make it easier. Once you have the ribbon through the butterfly but a tiny piece of Sticky Strip on between the holes to hold the chapstick in place while you tie the ribbon. Also a little something I learned. I had planned to use the Tiny Tags Stamp Set and Jewlery Punch to add a little "thank you" tag but once I had tied the ribbon it was too tight to even slip a threaded needle between. So plan ahead for tags. 

This would be a simple, quick and inexpensive favor for a little girls birthday party or make them in white with vellum for a bridal party. Oh, you could also put them on a gift in place of a bow.

Butterfly Name Tag

Then the wheels started turning and I thought I'd get a little matchy, matchy and make coordinating name tags. At our last Open House fellow demonstrator Lisa Besler made similar name tags with a flower and I fell in love with them so I swapped out the flower for a butterfly and voila!

As I said be sure to stop back often over the next week.

I have tons of samples to share from Open House.

Build A Bear Explosion Box

Yesterday when I posted all the info about the Explosion Box Class on Sunday, April 25th I was still waiting on one of the supplies to finish up this box. So here it is. The Build A Bear version of the Explosion Box.

Again all class participants will have a choice of the Bugs n' Kisses or Build A Bear Explosion Box.

See the previous post for all the details and a link to register.

Whatever Wednesday: Decor Elements on Canvas

Stampin' Up! is known for its high quality rubber stamps and rightly so. These days there's a whole lot more to Stampin' Up! than just stamps. A little over a year ago they began offering Decor Elements. What are Decor Elements? Simply put they are vinyl images to decorate your walls, windows, home decor items and lots more.

How about making some of your own home decor for pennies on the dollar?

That's exactly what I did and here's how:

• First I purchased an inexpensive canvas from the craft store.
• Then I painted it a light blue using acrylic paint also purchased at the craft store. I recommend two coats of paint. 
• Next place somthing hard under the canvas like a book to give yourself a firm work surface.
• Apply the decor elements of your choice.
• Last I added 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon around the edge of the canvas using Sticky Strip to give it a more finished look.

If you have/know a child with a relatively short name this would be perfect to spell their name out on canvas' and hang them in their room.

There are a million and one ideas floating through my head of ways to use Decor Elements and I hope to share at least a few with you soon.

 
If you'd like to see all the Decor Elements Stampin' Up! has to offer click the catalog image at right.

Find something you like? Remember you can place your order online, by phone or by email anytime.

Don't miss out on instructions for a great project!

Are you receiving my monthly INKspirations Newsletter?

Each month subscribers have access to exclusive hints, tips and a project. February's issue will be arriving in inboxes next week. This month's exclusive newsletter project features two of my favorite new products, Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper and the Sweet Pea Stitched Felt Flowers.

While I cannot tell you what the project is exactly, I can tell you it uses these two products, costs less than $5 and will make a great gift. You won't want to miss it!

To start receiving my monthly INKspirations Newsletter just enter your email address into the newsletter sign up box at the top left of this page.

Christmas Wreath Class Added!

I received such an overwhelming response to this Paper Christmas Wreath I've decided to add it as a class and a kit.

Here's the scoop:

Class: Curly Paper Wreath

When: Tuesday, November 17th from 6 to 9 pm or

          Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to Noon

Where: My house in Leander, TX

Cost: $20 for class or a kit

        $20 plus shipping if you would like a kit mailed to you (please email me for this option)

RSVP: ASAP this class is next week!