*** GIVEAWAY POST FOR 500 OR MORE FOLLOWERS IS DATED SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2011***

Please leave your comment under the GIVEAWAY post for consideration in the drawing. Once I reach 500 followers I will select a winner! Thank you kindly.

Friday, April 29, 2011

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Scrapcessories Bottle Caddy

You made it to Friday-YAY!

Today's find is:SCRAPCESSORIES-BOTTLE CADDY!



The Bottle Caddy from ScrapCessories is the most creative and effective way to store your Stickles Brand bottles. Innovative design looks great on your desk. Easy to move. Even lets you store your bottles inverted as many recommend especially for stickles. It also holds most 1oz bottles such as alcohol inks and re-inkers.

* The bottle caddy holds 20 Stickles Brand or comparably sized bottles.
* Stores upside down or regular.
* It provides free standing desktop organization in a compact size allowing you
to store it anywhere in your craft space.

One caddy costs $9.99 HERE.

This is a great to way to keep your stickles, inkers & re-inkers organized using minimal counter space.

Hope you enjoyed this week's find.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG *

*******Happy Hump Day*******

Don't forget to head over to the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog to see what the next challenge is all about!

You can click on my title & it will take you there.






Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Big Shot Express

Hello!

For today's tool I thought I would show you the: Big Shot Express by Sizzix.
The unique thing about this die cutter/embosser is that it's powered by electricity.



I know, I know...the crank is not that difficult on all the other models out there but this does allow you to cut & emboss even faster with a push of a button.

So check it out in action:

So what's not to love?

Maybe the price...you can find it HERE .

Tools like this one are an investment though & last a long time. You will more than get your money's worth.

Monday, April 25, 2011

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#86) Resting Place for Hot Tools

Hi There!

Today's tip is a quick tip.

Here goes...if you need a place to rest tools like a hot glue gun or heat embossing gun while in use, grab a silicone pot holder/trivet pad.
They look a little something like this:

I have seen some even in the dollar store.
They can withstand heat up to 500 degrees.
I say it is a good investment. You won't have to worry about ruining your work surfaces or projects.

Definitely worth a try.

Have a great week!


Friday, April 22, 2011

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-ZOOM ALBUM CREATOR

Welcome to Fabulous Friday Find!

Today I am sharing with you the: ZOOM ALBUM CREATOR.

A Zoom Album is a small photo book that you create at home with your own digital photos, personal computer and home ink jet printer. Each 3" X 3" photo book displays 12 photos on glossy, high-quality paper. You can give your Zoom Album a polished, professional look by customizing the covers with photos or embellishments.

Check out the video by the Queen of crafts of herself, Martha Stewart & the Zoom Album Representative, Ellen:




Click HERE for the Zoom Album Creator website. You can obtain detailed information about pricing & configurations.

Hope you enjoyed this week's find.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

*WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE*

Hello & Welcome!

Today is my share day as a Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog design team member.

The Whimsical Wednesday Design Challenge Blog will be having challenges every week with each challenge staying open for two weeks! You will love the themes- they are so fun, and a scrap booking challenge will be on board every first Wednesday of the month. How fun is that?

This week's challenge theme is:

“ Make a Spring Has Sprung Project”

For my project, I decided to make Pinwheels in Pots.
What's springy-er than pinwheels blowing in the spring breeze? That is...if you are lucky to live where you are getting spring breezes.
But I digress.
There are 2 small pinwheels & one large pinwheel.

Take a Look:










***Supplies Used***


Patterned Paper-Scenic Route- Providence
White, Yellow, Red Cardstock- Recollections
Home Decor Cartridge used for the red, cherry blossom branches
Small pots-Michael's
White paint-Plaid
Yellow grass made from strips of yellow cardstock
Styrofoam balls for inside the pots to steady the pinwheels
1 white & yellow striped straw & 2 cocktail straws for the pinwheel stems
Polka Dot & Striped Brads- in my stash
EK Success-pierced scalloped border punch
Flowers-$1 store flowers pulled apart
Pearl centers-Recollections
Green flower eyelets- Eyelet Outlet


Now, make sure you go visit the
Whimsical Wednesday Blog
to check out the sneak peeks of all the other DT's projects and link up your entry! You are sure to find tons of inspiration and get all the details for the Challenge of the week! You have 2 weeks to link up! Can’t wait to see all your projects!

*Remember, you are supposed to link up at the:
WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG*


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" LETTERPRESS

Hi!

Today's tool is the L Letterpress by QuicKutz.

This unique tool allows you to print words or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing it into a thick, soft paper, giving your projects a unique texture that's fresh and elegant. With the L Letterpress you can create stylish handmade projects like cards, invitations, gifts, stationary and more, all from your own home.

This particular kit includes: Epic Six Letterpress and Die Cutting Tool, L Letterpress Tool, Clear Packing Mat with Grid Paper Placement Guides, Ink Base, Ink Brayer, Ten A2 Flat Cards, Nine Printing Plates with Adhesive Sheets, One Black Ink and Circle Cutting Dies.


See it in action:


You can purchase it HERE.

This one certainly has lots of possibilities!


Monday, April 18, 2011

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#85) Organization

Hello!

Along the lines of organization...
I don't know about you guys but organization is always in progress in my craft space.

I often think along the lines of keeping what I use most within reach. In doing so, I discovered that while that worked well for tools, adhesives & most beloved embellishments it neglected to address the "other" stuff? After all, we do use other "stuff".

I thought about a way to coral the other stuff to make it more accessible & efficient. I seem to spend a lot of time looking for stuff and it is really bothering me of late.My plan is to organize in a way that makes basic sense to ME.
For most of my projects I usually begin with COLOR.

So, I plan on taking things like buttons, ribbons & brads that are all in the same color family & grouping them together then placing them in a drawer system and labeling it by color.

I already have my paper separated by color, I figured why not try that for some of my other items then placing them all in one place. That screams easy access, less time searching for stuff and more use of my stash.

I have not put this idea into practice fully yet but it is a work in progress. If anyone out there wants to try it or already uses the color system be sure to share with the rest of us.

I would be most curious to know how it has worked for you.

Thanks for tuning in today.
Don't forget to drop by tomorrow to check out tool time Tuesday.

Have a wonderful week!

Friday, April 15, 2011

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-A special Accordian File

Hey there~thanks for stopping by today.

Today's find is a gorgeous accordian style card file by Anna Griffin.


This pretty file system gives your cards a special home until they can fulfill their purpose. Tab stickers help you organize and locate cards in a flash, and the sturdy construction protects them from being crushed or wrinkled.
Its' features are:
* Heavyweight chipboard construction
* Floral-print design to accent your decor
* Ribbon closure keeps cards in place
* Tab stickers to organize cards by theme or occasion
* File measures approx. 12-1/2"L x 3-1/4"W x 9-1/4"H

You can purchase this lovely HERE FOR $14.95 (shipping & handling does apply).

Have a terrific weekend!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG *

Hello & Happy Hump Day!

Don't forget to head over to the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog today to get the details for the challenge of the week.

Emma from My Creative Time will be sponsoring our challenge with one of her stamps sets called Mom You Rock.

As part of Team B for the challenge blog you will see my upcoming project for the challenge on April 18th so don't forget to stop by both my blog & the challenge blog.



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" DreamKutz

Hey there~ thanks for tuning in to Tool Time Tuesday.

This week's tool is the DREAMKUTZ by Zutter.
It is a paper cutting tool.
Check it out in action:



You can buy it HERE .

Great functionality in this tool!


Monday, April 11, 2011

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#84) Journaling/Sentiment Placement

Happy Monday Bloggers!

Do you struggle with placement of your journaling on scrapbook layouts or even just placement of sentiments on cards?

How about using border strips to help you bring your journaling or sentiments to the forefront of your layouts & cards.

By now you have all seen those amazing border punches out there. Put them to good use if you got em'. Use border strips as a base for a journal strip by layering the border strip with a piece of white, vellum or coordinating, light colored cardstock.
You can prop them up on pop dots to make them stand out even more.

Then journal or write on those strips jotting down the low down about the story your photos tell or a simple greeting. It is a great way to incorporate border strips while making use of the space they provide.

If the cardstock you use for your border strip has lovely images, be sure to leave a little space to the left & right of it to show off the cardstock. You could even layer embellishments to the left & right of your writing, directly on to the border strip.

That's it for today.

Have a wonderful week!

Friday, April 8, 2011

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Stamp Caddy Case Kit

Happy Friday!

Today's find is the Stamp Caddy Case Kit by ScrapCessories.

It looks a little something like this:

Rather simple in its design but quite useful for any stamper trying to find an efficient way to store & organize acrylic stamps.

The caddy comes complete with 6 trays that hold stamps on both sides. Store hundreds of stamps in the convenient Caddy Case. It has just enough surface shine and the right type of plastic so your stamps stick securely but release easily. No more tearing or stretching. Included in the Stamp Caddy Kit is one caddy case with black lid, two multi-rails and six stamp trays.
Other features include:
# Black trays make it easy to see the stamps clearly.
# Efficient - Over 440 Sq. In. of space for stamps.
# New multi-rail system keeps your trays secure and evenly spaced.

You can purchase it HERE FOR $18.99.

That's a lot of storage for lots of stamps in a small "footprint" of space!


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY GRAND OPENING BLOG HOP WINNER...

Hello & thanks for stopping by today.

Without further ado,

THE WINNER, BY way of Random.org for MY BLOG HOP CANDY IS...

#6
Cherie said...

Great projects! I am looking forward to all the challenges, and to see what the design teams come up with! I love inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
cherie.goyer at gmail.com
http://oneheartscrapper.blogspot.com
April 1, 2011 8:11 PM

CONGRATULATIONS CHERIE!

Today is the first challenge being set forth by the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog. Head over to the blog by clicking HERE & join us!

Also, you may want to check & see if you won any of the prizes for the blog hop giveaways or the welcome to the new blog candy giveaways.


I am super excited to see what the designers do but most of all what you crafty & creative souls create for our challenges.

Thank you everyone!
Help our Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog grow by spreading the word to a friend so they can follow us.



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Rotary Cutting Machine

Hello!

Today's tool is brought to you by Simplicity.

It's the versatile Rotary Cutting Machine!

There are different models but this one below is the basic model.



CLICK HERE to view a video by the great folks of SIMPLICITY to see how it works.

It cuts strips of fabric or paper from 3/8" to 2 3/4". An adjustable guide bar can be moved to determine the cut width. Cutting is accomplished by the pressure between the blade and the roller underneath. The machine comes with a polarized plug/foot pedal combination. A flat head screw driver and a phillips head screw driver are required to replace blades and tighten pressure for cutting.

* Easy to use
* Foot pedal included

* Cuts straight and pinked edges
* Adjustable guide for cutting strips 1/2" - 2-1/2" wide
* Includes 2 blades for fabric and paper cutting
* Blades are removable


I thought it was important to note that you could use this to cut PAPER too!
That makes this of great use to paper crafters as well as quilters & sewers.
I noticed that Wal-mart carried it online for $69.99 for the model shown above. I am sure you could find varied prices at other online retailers.

Now if they could only come out with an automated or digital paper trimmer...

Have a good day!

Monday, April 4, 2011

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#83) Unique Closure Idea for Mini Albums

Happy Monday!

Today I want to share with you a neat way to add "closure" to your mini albums.

Head over to your hair accessories section of any retail store including the dollar store & find yourself some of these:





They are ponytail holders.
There are so many different kinds out there & they are reasonably priced. You can get a multi-colored pack at the dollar store for a whole dollar!

There are some with jewels, jems, characters, animals, flowers and other great embellishments. There are even some specifically made for holidays.

These would make a fantastic way to "band" together other sorts of pages & projects too not just mini-albums.

After this, you will never look at the hair accessory section of your local retailer the same again.

Inspiration is definitely all around us!


Friday, April 1, 2011

*THE WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG GRAND OPENING HOP* A Card & A Canvas

HELLO~and welcome to the Whimsical Wednesday Grand Opening Blog Hop. We are glad you could join us. You should have arrived here from Charlotte's Blog over @ A Little Bit of Detail.She is fantastic! If you just stopped by to say hi it's your lucky day. Stay a while & hop with us. You can start at the beginning of the blog hop by clicking HERE.

I am delighted to be a part of such an incredible & talented group of what I coined- "heartists" because everything they create is art from the heart! They are the:
WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY CHALLENGE BLOG TEAM!

HERE ARE MY BLOG HOP PROJECTS...


PROJECT # 1 Easter Card





***Supplies Used***
White ,Yellow & Orange Cardstock (Nicole)
Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge(Chick)
Feathers-Creatology
Uniball White Gell Pen
Happy Easter & He Has Risen Stamps-Craftsmart
Spiced Marmalade Ink-Tim Holtz Distress Ink
Dotted Cardstock-Scraps from my Stash
Stickles-Diamond Dust
Orange Flower-Recollections
Bling-Recollections
Pearlized Yellow Gems-Recollections
Bow-Martha Stewart (Ombre)

Corner Round Punch

PROJECT #2 Wall Canvas






*** Supplies Used***
8x10 Stretched Canvas by Artist (JoAnns)
Mod Podge
Chipboard Owl-Tattered Angels, Glimmer Chips (Nature)
Papers-6x6 paper stack of Prima's Madeline Collection
Metal Stickers-Kimberly Polson
Sculpture Flowers-Prima
White Boa-Creatology
Teal & Brown Ribbon-Forever in Time
Pearl Adhesive-Want2Scrap
Film Strip Borders-Local Scrap Store
Picket Fence-craftwood by Darice
Broken China-Distress Stain for the fence & Tim Holtz-Tea Dye Ink for Owl
Flowers-Recollections-fleur
Rosette-previously made by me
Clock piece- In my stash
Keyholes-Melissa Frances

Key- K & Co.


Please be sure to visit all the blogs in the hop, the talented Design Team has some wonderful projects for you. There will also be fun grand prizes but in order to qualify for those you must leave a comment on each blog in the hop. In addition, Babette from The Kraft Outlet is sponsoring the blog hop with a gift certificate to the store. She has also added on something for ALL the hoppers.

The Kraft Outlet:is sponsoring the Grand prize which is a $20.00 gift certificate to their store.

*BONUS*
They are also offering a 10% discount to all shoppers from April 1 through April 7 when the code BLOGHOP is entered at check out.

The Prairie Bird Boutique is gifting one lucky hopper a bundle of shabby crinkled ribbon. If you have not had a chance to see the gorgeous ribbon, click on the highlighted link.

So be sure to keep hopping to get in on all the fun.

You will have until Sunday night at midnight to leave a comment on all blogs.


*I will be giving away a Michael's Gift Card to one lucky blog hop participant. But in order to qualify you must: become a follower if you are not already, leave me a comment telling me what you are looking forward to seeing on the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog and become a follower of the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog as well. I will announce the winner next Wednesday April 6th by 6oopm, EST. so don't forget to leave me a way to get a hold of you!*


BELOW IS THE BLOG ROLL JUST IN CASE YOU SHOULD NEED IT ALONG THE WAY.
Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog
Stephanie
Star
Gaby
Leah
Jessica
Nanne
Kim
Zeni
Cindy
GiGi
Roberta
Amber
Cathryn
Charlotte
Sonia-THAT'S ME!
Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog

Thank you so much for hopping in today. Your next & final hop (stop) is back toThe Whimsical Wednesday Challenge Blog where you should leave a comment saying you visited & commented on all the design team members ' blogs.

We sure hope you enjoyed the hop & that you join us over @ Whimsical Wednesdays' Challenge Blog.

AS ALWAYS,

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-ScraPerfect Pouch

Happy Friday!

This week's find is the ScraPerfect pouch.
The video will explain it all.


Pretty neat, right?
All the uses for this truly make it a great find!