Green typewriter cards....inspired by Going Green Inspiration Board

Today I'm jumping right into using my March Going Green Pinterest Inspiration Board as inspiration for some cards.  You can view the Going Green board here.  For inspiration I created a collage using the Pic Collage app on my iPhone.  I then printed my collage onto a sheet of 8.5 x 11 glossy photo paper.  I also created a smaller collage of some of my cards that I've created that I like to use for card sketches.  I was inspired by the cell phone cover with the typewriter sitting in the grass.  I took a photo of my typewriter, changed the color to green and printed a mini Instagram sheet.  These will be available in my online shop soon. 

For my cards, once I have an idea of what I want to create I select papers and embellishments to create somewhat of a mini kit to use.  I like to have this little messy pile of goodies all fanned out.  The creativity just starts to flow once I see color and patterns and unique embellishments.  For my mini typewriter Instagrams, I trimmed four of them down to little squares. The patterned papers are from the March Gossamer Blue 6 x 6 paper pad in the Bits & Pieces Kit.  On the right side of the photo below you'll see that I stitched with green thread down the side of some Basics Journaling Cards.  I absolutely must have these in my stash to use for card fronts.  Love them to pieces.  

In my inspiration collage there's a photo of a butterfly on ledger paper (you can see all the photos better on my Going Green Inspiration Board).  I dug out one of my old ledger books and tore out a sheet to cut up for a bottom layer of my cards.  

Here are my finished cards.  I love the office supply feel that the typewriter Instagrams, lined journaling cards and ledger paper lends to these cards.  The color definitely says green too. 

Here's a nice shot of all the layers the cards have.  I just love stitching and stapling pieces of paper together.  

I found plenty of embellishments and twine from the March Gossamer Blue kits this month. Those little daisy brads...oh, I could use full packs of them.  If you're liking the gold and silver twines, I do carry some in my shop.  Silver is here.  Gold is here.  

The little typewriter Instagrams.  I keep adding these to my stash/shop because they just come in so handy for cards and little packaging items.  For the sentiments, I used the "just my type" stamp from a previous Life Pages stamp set from Gossamer Blue.  For the other sentiment I typed those out with my vintage typewriter.  You can also get a glimpse of my favorite product from this month's Gossamer Blue kits.  It's the wood tape from the March Life Pages Themed Add-On.  You can stitch on it, trim it with scissors or a trimmer, die cut it....you really will love this.  And this kit is one of the few remaining over at the Gossamer Blue store. You'll also really love the My Mind's Eye wood dots in this kit too.  Oh and then there's gold shimmer paper, a Brilliance ink pad and the most beautiful journaling cards.  Just a fun, fun kit. 

I wanted to share a fun tip for you to try the next time you work with 6 x6 paper pads.  Lots of times the 6 x 6 sheet will have a border at the top with a perforated line for tearing the sheets out.  When I tore out my sheets, the whole page ripped out.  So I just rolled with it and used the torn edge + the cream border with the hole as the bottom of my patterned paper layer.  And I love it so much.  It just adds texture and a little something unexpected to the card design. 

Thank you so much for stopping by today & I hope you enjoyed my cards.  I really am getting so much inspiration from my Pinterest boards.  I'd love for you to link up your creations in the comments section if you are inspired to create something from my Going Green board.  I'll be back with more projects all month long and be sure to check the shop soon for some new green items + fun kits, etc.  As always, thank you for leaving a nice comment.  They do mean so much to me. :)

Valentines from shop items...

With Christmas behind me now, I always look forward to working on some new projects like Valentine  goodies.  This week I re-opened my shop after a holiday break and there are some fun items to help with creating Valentine cards and packaging.  I thought I'd share a few of the creations I made with the items today.  And thank you for all the nice comments left about my Project Life + One Little Word posts.  I love the feedback you guys give & hearing your own little stories as well.  :)

First up today I have some peeks at some items from the shop.  The Heart Confetti Packaging Kit is very simple in nature but when you add your own patterned papers, stamping or embellishments your project will come to life.

 Glittery Gold Clothespins will add the perfect sparkle to a project.  Use them as closures for Valentine treat sacks or to clip a special message or fun tag to a card.  I like to keep a stash of these with my Project Life supplies to clip together snippets of patterned paper or journaling cards.

 Here I have a gift sack and a card using the Heart Confetti Packaging Kit + the Glittery Gold Clothespins.  I used patterned papers from Crate Paper and some grid circles that I typed a sentiment on.

This year I'm experimenting with being a little more hands on with my projects.  For this card I just sat down with a little pile of supplies and used my scissors to hand cut some papers....I layered a lot of little scraps I had laying around....I used simple graph paper for a sentiment.  A fun little trick I've been adding to my projects is to use one large staple from a regular stapler then a small staple from my tiny attacher.  Stapling is so much easier than using adhesive.  I stapled 6 layers together on this card before using just one swipe of adhesive to adhere the layered piece to my card.

 I used a Medium Glassine Sack to create a fun place to tuck in a simple index card on the front of the card.  I could easily attach a gift card or write a special message.

 On the Valentine gift sack, I used the brown paper sack, a small glassine sack, both the snow and the sequins and the baker's twine from the Heart Confetti Packaging Kit.  I love creating these fun confetti pockets to add to packaging.  I'll probably slip in some stamped cards for the recipient.

Next up there is the Just a Note Tag Kit.  Very simple in design but you can add the stamped grid vellum pieces and tags to any project like cards, notebooks, gift sacks, or Project Life journaling cards.

 Here I used the tags and stamped circles for some Valentine tags.  The medium glassine sacks are the perfect size for tucking in a wrapped treat or candy bar for Valentine's Day.  I used plain Small Clothespins and Valentine Confetti (now sold out) to fill some small, clear bags.  The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye.

 If you like the look of adding a confetti sack to projects, the Sack Assortment for Confetti is handy.  The small, medium and large glassine sacks are also sold separately in the shop.  If I'm going for a bold look I like to use the clear sacks...if I want a more subtle look I like to use the glassine sacks.

The Vintage Valentine Kit is what you'll find me working with today. My poor little niece broke her arm last week so I think a little care package would be just the ticket for her.  The vintage floral enclosure cards with the wheelbarrow images were an extra special find one year.  I'm happy to finally be digging those out of my vintage stash. 

Cards as gifts.....finally for today, if you're like me you used up a bunch of cards from your stash for Christmas gifts.  I think I gave away nearly 60 cards so I definitely need to build up a new supply.  What I typically do is find a box and make chipboard dividers with the names of people I give cards to.  Our moms always get a stash of cards for their birthday + Christmas then I also add Eric's grandma and my sister + some teachers, etc to the card list.  That's a lot of cards to create throughout the year.  No way do I want to try to create these cards all at one sitting.  I like to create as a I go and just hold some back for their stash.  

If you'd like to follow along with my plan for building up a card stash, I have two card kits in the shop that would help you get a jump start.  The Mixed Greetings Card Kit and the Happy Day Card Kit are both on sale at this time.  

These samples are from the Mixed Greeting Card Kit.  You get all the pre-cut supplies to assemble 5 cards very quickly.  Simply add your own sentiments using a stamp or run them through a typewriter.  

 The samples that follow are made using the Happy Day Card Kit.  You get enough pre-cut papers and products to create 4 quick cards + you get a full 6 x 6 paper pad to create even more creations.

 A very quick and easy way to add sentiments to cards is to stamp them on my Grid Paper Labels.  You  get a sheet with the above card kit and you can also purchase them separately in the shop.  I also have Notebook Paper Labels and Starburst Grid Paper Labels.  I'm all about making things simple and easy this year and the labels are such a great go-to item.  They take ink well and they are very fun to run through a typewriter.  Be on the lookout for other grid label shapes coming to the shop.  Below are more samples of cards I made when I needed some quick and easy cards to add to my card giving stash.

 The simple Dainty Doilies are still a favorite to add to cards and projects.  I like to cut them in half usually and get double duty from them.  All of the basic tags in the shop are a staple item for me when it comes to crafting.  I use them on cards, for tags, notes to teachers, lists, Project Life inserts,etc.  At this time I carry pink, manila, white and grey tags in assorted sizes.  They are great to layer with strips of patterned paper and Washi tape plus they fit into the small sacks for journaling pockets, etc.  You can see the full line of tags and all of the other shop items at the main link here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy sharing my creations with you.  Your wonderful comments and links to your own projects and fun ideas just make my day.  Here's to great, crafty year....I hope you're off to good start.  Let me know what you're up to in the comments section.

Coming soon.....I'm working on sorting and putting away all the holiday products in my work room.  After that I'm going to snap a few photos to show you of how I'm storing all my crafting supplies this year.  It won't be anything magazine worthy but who cares, right?  I'm looking to re-purpose some fun junkin' finds and just make my space functional.  I've also got a ton of 2012 Project Life pages to show you, including my finished Project December pages.  

Have a great day everyone!!

Project December....confetti list pocket

Folks, this is like a Christmas miracle because I never post this many days in a row!  I've got lots to show you before December hits.....then I'm taking a break and am going to enjoy the holiday.  Except I'll still be doing updates on my Project December progress, just not a post every day.  :)

Today's project is probably one of my favorites ever.  It's just fun and vintage-y and crafty...and me.  I'm really trying to embrace my holiday projects and just create for me.  I keep that in mind each time I sit down to craft something.  There's a lot of holiday projects happening out there right now and it could be easy to get caught up in the hoopla.  So I'm just doing what works best for me and I'm trying to add a little something unique to my work.  I'm sharing with you guys because it's fun and I like to have you come visit my little blog and maybe take away a spark of an idea for your own projects.  I'm not trying to post the most pages or win any awards.  I'm just creating for me and am really looking forward to spending the holidays with my family.....and then documenting it with stories + photos.  And that's good enough for me.  I hope you embrace those thoughts as you create your own projects this holiday season.  

Now enough mushy stuff and onto my favorite project.  Here's the product line up: Crate Paper list patterned paper....one of my favorite papers this holiday season cuz you know I love the lists....October Afternoon Make it Merry patterned paper, tags from my shop, tin pins from OA Make it Merry, clear cardstock sheet, vintage paper doilies, vintage sequins.   

What I envisioned for today's project was a pocket to hold various lists that I'll be making throughout this holiday season.  I sat down and made a list...see, told ya...love the lists.....of fun inserts and the things I wanted them to contain.  The list pocket came to life.  I started out by cutting the list patterned paper into an 8.5 x 11 piece.  I used one of my manila tags and ran it through my typewriter.  I then stitched the tag to my page leaving the strings loose.  I stapled on one of my precious vintage sequins than added a red dot thingy....what are those called again?  By My Mind's Eye...enamel dots?  Anyway, the tags make very simple work and I love the office supply look, especially paired with the ledger pattern.

It's getting good now.  I took the clear cardstock sheet and trimmed it down to form a clear pocket front.  Probably 4 or 5".  I trimmed down some Make it Merry patterned paper + the bottom part that is the manufacturing information (make it merry, make a list) + a vintage doily cut in half.  I stitched this all to my clear cardstock with red thread.  Again, the red thread will be a signature look for all of my holiday projects this season.

Next up I took some vintage sequins....very hard to tear into the little packages, I must say....and mixed up a batch of holiday confetti.  I used some foam stars, punched starts, glitter and fake snow stuff.  Holiday confetti soup.

Eeeeee, look at this.  I stitched my clear piece to the front of my ledger sheet.  I then dumped in some of my holiday confetti soup.  I added a Make it Merry tin pin for good measure.  When it's time to add a list torn from a grocery list or one that was wadded in my purse from a day of shopping....I'll tuck them in the pocket.  The confetti will peek out here and there.

My entire pocket piece will fit into an 8.5 x 11 sheet protector which will fit right into my Project Life album for 2012.  The back side has patterned paper so I can add more photos and stories there.  This page insert will most likely be layered in between my 12 x 12 regular Project Life pages with a few other inserts.  I'm thinking I'll have a few inserts for each week.  Oh how I love this.  Those vintage doilies were the best find EVER! So glad I didn't have to take my sister down for those.  Cuz I would have in a heart beat.

Okay, another fun page for the Project December book.  So glad you joined me today.

If you like the look of the vintage confetti, I have added a few Holiday Sequins and Snow Confetti Kits to the shop.  You just toss as much from each little sack together as you'd like to create your own holiday confetti soup.  You can put some in the little clear sacks or glassine bags then stitch to the tags or bags, layer, use on cards or pages...whatever your heart desires.  Enjoy!

I'm off to do a little catch up on my Project Life weeks.  Would really love to be all caught up by the time December rolls around.  We'll see...

My Pieces of Me Kit...

This Summer I've decided to cut down a bit on my work schedule while the girls are home from school.  I plan to do two things in particular....spend quality time with the girls and spend more time working on some "just for fun" projects for me.  

One of the projects that I'm particularly excited about is Maggie Holmes' Pieces of Me workshop that's currently offered at 2Peas.  It's theme is centered around creating a mini album that is all about YOU.  Little bits and pieces about who you are and what you love.  I sat down this morning and wrote two full pages of things I want to include in my album. There is a kit that 2Peas is offering to go along with the workshop but I opted to design my own using items from my shop.    I offered some of my kits up in the shop (sold out now) and you can see the details and fun inspiration photos in this post.  Here's what my main kit looks like:  

My album will be 4 x 8 and I'll be using lots of Instagrams  and typed lists.  As you can see in the main kit photo above, I chose a color scheme of soft robin's egg blue, a peachy orange, olive green, cream/white and Kraft + grey.  I decided to add to my main kit with a few other products I chose after I shopped my own stash of goodies.  I'm placing all my supplies in this wicker tray and will keep it out on table #2 in my work room.  My plan is to dabble with the album and work on it here and there.

Here's some of the supplies I've added to my main kit.  Spray mists from October Afternoon and Studio Calico.  I want to experiment with my supplies and see what fun techniques I can try.  Big splatters and masking is on the list.  

While shopping my stash, I reached for some of my favorite items.  Vintage button cards are high on the list.  I'll use baker's twine to tie individual buttons that are from the main kit.

Washi tape is a new obsession.  3 whole stacks that have colors that coordinate with my kit colors.  Love this stuff..

Small tags and die cuts to use for journaling or to layer small embellishments.  Love these from Banana Fish Studio.

Sacks of all kinds from my shop + little coin envelopes, etc.  These are perfect for tucking in receipts, journaling tags, extra photos, etc.

Little buttons and baubles that I hand picked from my stash.  I selected a few favorites that I've been hoarding.  Wood buttons are becoming a new favorite embellishments.  I see a trend developing with lots of wood items.  Or maybe I'm behind and just now noticing.  ;)

Tags and more tags for journaling.  I want to experiment with more layering and stitching on tags.  My sewing machine should get a work out for sure.  I'll also be using lots of my Grid Labels that I'll run through my vintage typewriter.  My handwriting is large so the typed journaling helps save space.

Vintage trims of all kinds, including laces, ric racs, pieces of old doilies, circles cut from cutter quilts, velvet trim, seam binding and more.  Definitely pieces of me.

Embossing powders.  These always get stuck in the corner just like Baby but I'm hoping to experiment with some fun techniques.  I thought these colors were just perfect for my album.

And last minute I realized that I'll need some more page inserts.  I reached for lots of neutrals + a few new My Mind's Eye Indie papers that I just picked up at Archivers last weekend.  I just shuffled them all together and will select papers randomly.  Lots of the patterns will be covered by the Instagrams and embellishments so I'm not worried about patterns being too bold.

And that's a wrap.  I tucked everything in my basket and it's ready to go.  I took some time last night and watched all of Maggie's videos and looked all the albums from the class contributors.  Way to represent, girls!  Awesome class and I highly suggest it if you're looking to do a little something for "just you".  

Note:  I've several emails for requests to re-stock my Summer Cottage Kit.  I'm sorry but I just don't have the albums, etc to recreate full kits.  But if you look at the top photo of today's post or go to my original post about my kit, you'll see that there are tons of items from my shop that are available as individual items.  You could easily stock up on tags, etc and make up your own kit in no time.  

I'm hoping to report my progress if it's something you'll be interested in.  Just let me know by leaving a comment....let me know if you're taking on this project, how you planned your album, what you plan to include.  I'd love to hear from you.  

In shop news:

Thank you for the Washi love, I'm ordering new rolls with every batch but if there's some in particular that you'd like a repeat of just let me know.  Also, look for a brand new batch of sacks coming soon.  I am fresh out of everything and have had lots of requests.  You got it!

Have a great day everyone!

Summer Cottage Mini Journal Kits

SOLD OUT KITS: The kits are now sold out in the shop. I've been asked if I can make anymore. I'm sorry to say that I don't have enough of the supplies on hand to do so. Most of the tags that I used are available in my shop + look for a few extras of the stamps to go up in the shop later today. Perhaps you could piece together a kit of your own making. Thanks so much to everyone who ordered a kit, enjoy!

I have something to share that's just been waiting for Summer to arrive. Each Summer when the girls are out of school I dream of a lazy days with lots of relaxing and doing lots of whatever I want. In reality my summers are not like that at all. They're full of work, ballgames, practices and lots of crazy girls running around our home. While I love all that, a girl can dream of that beautiful Summer cottage, tucked away in a far away spot. And so came about the idea for my Summer Cottage Mini Journal Kits.

Please note: I have taken time to provide the Pinterest links for each of the photos I used in my collages below. If you would like to pin a photo, please pin from the photo links provided below each collage (and not the actual collage) so that the proper credit is given to the original poster. :)

If I could have my own Summer cottage it would be reminiscent of the photos below. A place to hide away and call my own. Lots of little nooks to relax in, fresh picked bouquets everywhere and maybe a stack of books that I've been wanting to read........

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

Perhaps I'd write some letters or even a book, plan a little party out in the meadow, or have a little picnic for two.....

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

I'd be surrounded by beautiful things I love. Perhaps I'd ride my old bike into a quaint little town. Or maybe fire up my favorite old truck for a day of junkin'.

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

What would be your idea of a favorite Summer cottage? Whatever it may be it's fun to dream, right? Or maybe you do have a Summer cottage that you call your own. My Summer Cottage Mini Journal Kits are designed to hold all those picture perfect photos and mementos in one little spot. Use the journal to jot down your thoughts, add those little Instagrams.....photos from your garden or favorite spot on the porch....whatever your heart desires.

I've selected my favorite Summer colors for this kit and there are oodles of papers and embellishments tucked inside. Lots of tags, punched woodgrain pieces and a full roll of Washi tape from Freckled Fawn.
My favorite colors of mossy green, light aqua, sherbet orange and grey all come together. You'll have lots of fun using the 2 stamps from Banana Fish Studio. I'll show you how to use them in an informational post coming soon.
Use all the tags, lined cards, Grid Labels and more for journaling or to create your own accents. The Grid Labels are fun to run through a vintage typewriter...or stamp on them.
I've included a few stamped pieces too along with a Library Card, index tab punches, buttons and more.
I pulled out my stash of vintage sequins and buttons and plan on showing you soon how to make a beautiful layered butterfly to adorn the cover of your journal, perhaps. You must zoom in on the woodgrain pattern, it's so detailed.
You'll receive a 4 x 8 woodgrain, chipboard journal. It's full of copy weight grid paper inside, perfect for creating a journal or diary of sorts. I've also included a bundle of vintage lace, a full skein of embroidery floss, and baker's twine to add a homespun feel to your pages. There are 2 giant 2" binder rings so that your journal can grow and grow this Summer. None of the pieces are punched but if you have a Crop-a-dile or regular hole punch, that will do the trick.
The kits are in the shop now and are in very limited quantities. They're going quickly already. I'll be back for lots of fun posts using this kit so stay tuned. I'm planning on using my personal kit for Maggie Holme's Pieces of Me class which is being offered at 2Peas. Kits will start shipping on Thursday in case you need one quickly. :) I'll be gathering up a few more items from my own stash to add to my kit and will be sharing those photos soon too. Lots of fun to come!
Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Summer to you.

Note: Shipping boxes Internationally always involves a certain amount of guess work. If you order and your shipping is way high, I will be happy to refund a portion of the cost back to your PayPal account.