Wednesday, September 25, 2013

sharing some storage solutions

I think these storage boxes from Target work really well because they keep my stamps right in front of me when I'm working. But I wanted to start storing my clear sets in bags, especially now that so many of them have coordinating dies.


I found these zip top bags at Simon Says Stamp to store my 4x6 sets. Then I ordered 2 small sizes of  bags from KraftStash on Etsy for storing dies and smaller clear stamp sets. I typed up labels for each set, printing them on file folder labels, and I created a spreadsheet to keep an inventory of all my stamps and dies. (Note to self: never let my husband see this).  For storing my smaller sets, I bought 2 of these library card boxes at Stampington.com.

I put all my clear sets in the bags, labeled them, sorted them according to category and put them in the boxes. Last I made some cute dividers using a fun washi tape digi kit by Polka Dot Pixels.

Dividers were created in Microsoft Publisher and printed on heavy white cardstock.

 This is one of my stamp sets with coordinating dies. I used one of the smaller zip top bags to store the dies, then added them to the stamp bag. I love it, everything is right where I need it!


 I found the 3-tiered basket at Target, it's perfect for storing all those embellishments; a look at my streamlined work area. I decided to lose all the decorations and keep a clean look; spice rack that works perfectly for Distress stains, various sprays/mists and Studio paints. I found it on Amazon.com.

 I love how the library card boxes slide out for easy access to all my smaller stamp sets.

I love it when a plan comes together, to quote The A-team. Its all organized; now I just need time to play!

My next goal is to get this room painted! The French Vanilla colored walls will be swapped out for cool pale gray. The wainscoting and other woodwork will get a coat of crisp white.

thanks for visiting!

blessings,
nancy

Monday, September 23, 2013

Too Soon for Christmas Cards....?

I couldn't wait to play with Lawn Fawn's Peace Joy Love and Trim the Tree stamp sets. I actually made these cards quite a while ago but I just couldn't post Christmas cards until there was at least a hint of Autumn in the air.

For the first card, I die cut the tree from the Trim the Tree coordinating Lawn Cuts from regular copy paper to use the negative as a stencil. I positioned the paper stencil on my white panel then I stamped the large hearts from Peace Joy Love with light and dark green inks randomly, overlapping the stencil. Next I added the small heart with red ink. I removed the paper stencil and then over-stamped the tree shape with black ink. I just love how it turned out so I think I will use this technique a lot. The little bird is from Peace Joy Love as is the sentiment.



The next card is all from Peace Joy Love, just some fun stripes of happy images stamped with pretty inks.








Thanks for visiting!
blessings,
nancy



Saturday, September 21, 2013

A little Saturday morning post

So I didn't make it to Scrapfest this year, but my card designs did!

Lawn Fawn's perfect mason jar stamp from Summertime Charm stars in both of the Make and Take cards!


Into the Woods paper (so bright and happy), smiley candy corn from Trick or Treat and some Hot Cocoa Lawn Trimmings! I love the cute sentiment from the Into the Woods set.

Turn that jar upside-down and you have a fun snow globe to fill with trees from Let it Snow! I just love the Peace Joy Love papers, those colors make me so happy!! The sentiment is from Winter in the Park.





blessings,
nancy

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Surprise Birthday Hop for Kelly Marie!


I'm wishing my sweet friend and wonderful boss, Kelly Marie Alvarez, a very happy birthday today along with just a few of her talented friends! I'm following Laurel Beard in the hop lineup today. In case you missed the beginning, you can start at Tiffany's blog.

Isn't that birthday banner adorable? It was created by Erica, one of the owners of Lawn Fawn. She's the artist behind our favorite stamp designs! Thanks so much, Erica! Here's Erica's birthday greeting for Kelly:

I hope you have a wonderful birthday Kelly! I'm sending lots of smiles and happiness your way. Try and take the day off to celebrate... or at least the evening! Hugs and love, Erica

I know that Kelly loves the new Yeti and I also know that a day off for Kelly is about as rare as a Yeti sighting; so I decided to capture one in the wild and add her to my birthday party scene.


I used the banner dies from the Stitched Journaling Card Lawn Cuts set to make the happy birthday banner. The tiny heart is from Check this Out. I added some fashionably long eyelashes to my yeti.



Happy Birthday, Kelly! 
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, filled with love and laughter!





I hope you will join us in wishing Kelly a very happy birthday! Next on the hop is my sweet friend, Ivy!

blessings,
nancy





Sunday, September 8, 2013

Sunflower Birthday Card

September is a big birthday month in my family so I'm frantically making cards and trying not to get behind!

I love the sunflowers in the new Lawn Fawn set "Our Friendship Grows"! For this card I did some water-coloring with Distress Markers. A little bit of Wink of Stella gives the sunflowers a sparkly glow.







blessings,
nancy