Sharing Some Storage Solutions

Before this nasty virus caught up with me (yes, still sick but feeling better every day), I did a little revamping in the stamping studio. I had clear stamps and cling stamps and markers everywhere. My paper cutter and scoring board were fighting for real estate with the Cuttlebug and all of the die-cutting accessories.

It was a mess and not a creative one.

First, my talented hubby came to my rescue with a solution to the paper cutting and scoring dilemma. He used some heavy duty shelf/drawer guides to add a large pull out shelf right below my work space.

It sits at the perfect height, just below my counter-height work area, pulls out when I need it and disappears out of sight when not in use.

I love this shelf, it has revolutionized my crafting time and freed up space on my counter for my Cuttlebug.

Command Central

Next I tackled the stamp storage issue. I used to keep my clear stamps in a binder, but I hated having to flip through, wrestle them out and put them back. Who has time for that? I wanted them on my desk and easily accessible. My solution was fabric covered boxes and labeled dividers. I put the Hero Arts sets in one by themselves as I have the most of these.

Hero Arts Clear Stamp Storage Box

I trim the cards that back the acetate folder so it fits in the box, but I keep it attached to retain the name of the set. The co-branded sets are in the front of the box.

For my Hero Arts cling stamps I used a standard photo box and made dividers: Large Background, Small Background, Silhouette, Flowers, Sets etc. I try to keep them in their original packaging that I modify to make them easier to remove. Some are in zip top plastic bags but it's not the best. This box lives on a shelf to the left of my work area, within reach when I'm working.

Hero Arts Cling Stamp Storage Box

I used another box for Lawn Fawn stamps, my rapidly growing collection, with dividers specific to these sets. My most used sets from other companies are stored here as well.

 Lawn Fawn Stamp Set storage box: I made dividers that relate to the Lawn Fawn stamp categories.

 These boxes make it so easy to flip through the sets and find exactly what I'm looking for. How handy!

There are dividers for other frequently used stamp companies: The Craft's Meow, Sweet Stamp Shop, Flourishes etc.

I also reworked my Copic Marker storage. The Art Supply Warehouse had a sale on Copics and I added to my stash. Since they no longer fit in the 3 drawers I had been using, I moved them to my other storage drawer units, separated by color family.

 Copics were kept in the green drawers. I had them separated by Warm, Cool and Neutral. This worked when my collection was still pretty limited but the expanded storage is wonderful now that I have a few more.

This works much better, it's much easier to see what I have now too. On top of the drawer units are my buckets of embossing powder. The tags identify the color. Above that are my button and flower jars, an eclectic collection of repurposed jars.

The best part of this organization blitz is that I didn't spend any money, I reused what I had. Al even used materials he had in the garage for the shelf; and from my first plea for help to done project took under 2 hours. (Sorry, ladies, I'm keeping him.) I hope some of these solutions help you to get your supplies and tools organized in time for your holiday crafting.

~ Lamentations 3:22-24 ~

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

His mercies never cease.

Great is His faithfulness;

His mercies begin afresh each morning.

I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance;

therefore, I will hope in Him!"

blessings,

nancy

It's Another Lily Pad Technique Challenge!

It's all about Texture at Lily Pad Cards for a challenge sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

When I think of texture, I think of layers. Layers of color, layers of heat-embossed stamping, layers of paper and embellishments. Texture can also be added with embossing folders; I did consider that but nothing I had on hand was "floating my boat". So I got out some fun stamp sets that don't get used often enough, I rummaged through my stash for chipboard shapes to use as masks and lots of colorful sprays. Check out the Inlinkz collection at the end of this post for all the products used on this card.

Card Image is unavailable, I'm so sorry.

The only product that isn't still available (at least I couldn't find it online) is the frame. It's from a K&Company Photo Mat pad of embossed frames.

Make sure to hop on over to the Lily Pad Cards blog to see all the fabulous projects by the design team, as always they are amazing!

I'm keeping this post short and sweet as I'm still fighting what feels like the plague. The worst part is that it's keeping me from my adorable grandson and that's almost unbearable. Hubby and son have had it too, at least we've had company in our misery.

~  Hebrews 13:7 ~

Remember your leaders who taught you the Word of God.

Think of all the good that has come from their lives,

and follow the example of their faith.

I truly appreciate the godly lives and Bible teaching of these faithful men: Pastor Vic Elfstrum, Pastor Bob Kopeny, Pastor Bruce Sonnenberg, Pastor Chuck Smith and Pastor Greg Laurie. My life as a Christian has been enriched and set on the right course because they were faithful in sharing the Gospel and overseeing their flocks without compromise.

blessings,

nancy

InLinkz.com

Simon Says Stamp Challenge

I can't believe my Designer in the Spotlight month at Simon Says Stamp is over already. I've had fun challenging myself to do different things and use new products. I'm also very grateful to have had this opportunity; sending my thanks to all the wonderful people at Simon Says Stamp, their talented design team members and especially Joy, Lorraine and Heidi. I've had a blast!



Now on to the card.....

I wanted to combine beachy with a subway sign style. I wanted the blue background to look like weathered white-washed beadboard. I purposely left it a bit "undone" to have that rustic beach cottage look. I love this fun stamp set by Studio Calico for Hero Arts. It's so simple and sweet, a bit 60s retro and so charming.

Now don't forget to visit the Simon Says Stamp Challenge blog to see all the Studio Calico wonderful-ness from the design team. Join in the fun for your chance to win.

~ Daniel 2:20-21 ~

 "Praise the name of God forever and ever,

for He has all wisdom and power.

He controls the course of world events;

He removes kings and sets up other kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the scholars."

blessings,

nancy

InLinkz.com

Paper Pieced Anniversary Card

My mom and pops in-law just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. They are remarkable people who have lived and laughed and loved very well. I am grateful to them for raising their son to be my wonderful, loving husband.

I wanted to make a sweet light-hearted card for them. Mom has had a series of strokes that have diminished her eye-sight so I used lots of contrasting colors and some paper-piecing to add texture. Lawn Fawn stamps provided the perfect images, full of whimsy. The strip on the bottom is a wink to my father-in-law's Colorado farming roots.

I'm adding this to the current Lawnscaping Challenge #20- Paper Piecing.

~ Proverbs 18:22 ~

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,

and he receives favor from the Lord.

blessings,

nancy

InLinkz.com