Tuesday, May 18, 2010

New Layout for some challenges

I was so excited to receive this stamp I couldn't wait to use it. It is from The Pixie Cottage Sandra Hammer Collection.

I am entering it in some challenges.
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge wanted something Metal
(notice the little metal stick pin?)
The Fun 2 Stamp Challenge wanted your newest stamps
The Crazy Challenge wanted something new on your layout. (New image)

Here it is

Thanks so much for stopping by
Michelle


Monday, May 17, 2010

How I organize my Spellbinders and Cuttlebug Folders

Hello everyone! Hope you are all enjoying your spring. I am in a "spring cleaning" frame of mind lately. So I have been trying to organize my craft space a little better. I recently not only moved all my store inventory to a new location, but also moved my own personal scrap space. What a lot of work. Up until now I have been storing my Spellbinders and Cuttlebug Folders in a basket. I have been browsing blogs and forum boards for months trying to decide how I wanted to store my own. I have always been the "out of sight... out of mind" type of gal. But after giving it some thought I realized I really didn't need to see my Spellbinders. I use them on 75 percent of my cards, and certainly wont forget they are there since they are a staple in my cardmaking.

So taking all the ideas I saw into consideration, here is what I came up with.


Here is how it all starts out: A KaiserCraft Binder.  I used the A5 size (8.25" by 6"... MSRP is 6.99), but they also come in 12 inch.   These binders have pocket inserts that also come in varying sizes.  I used the DL sized pockets (8.25"X4") (a pack of five MSRP is $4.49)  for most of my Spellbinders.  However, some of the wider spellbinders needed the A5 size (MSRP is 5.99 for a pack of 5), as did the cuttlebug folders. 

I used old chipboard from paper packs or wherever else I could find it (free), and applied three pieces of magnetic tape to them. (A pack of 1/2"X30" is MSRP of 1.09, and I used almost five packs)


  You could decorate the chipboard with some pretty paper, or paint it. Time was of the essence for me, and since I am the only one who will see it, nothing fancy for me.


These pockets are excellent because they have "zip" type closures, so even if the dies were to become loose, they would not fall out of the pocket. You will see I stuck a picture from the Spellbinder package in with some of my dies. I didn't keep them all, but wish I would have. I think it is nice to have that visual reference, along with the name of the die.



How many dies did I get in my folder?    Well I put two dies in each pocket (you could squeeze a third in there), in addition, I used one to store my plates, rubber mats and the accessory type stuff you need to use the old sizzix with the Spellbinders. I put four cuttlebug A2 size folders in one pocket. (You could squeeze more in there but I wanted to be able to see them all.) So all told, I have 14 spellbinder dies, 4 cuttlebug folders, accessory mats, etc and some extra chipboard store in one folder, and it shuts!!

I store the folder over on the counter where I do my die cutting, of course if I fill another binder up I will have to have a shelf put up above and put the binders there. Now I am hoping to be lucky enough to get many more Spellbinders... so yes dear husband will be putting up another shelf for me!




So that is my little organizing system. I think it works well because it really doesn't take much space.   You can flip through the binder  and easily find what you are looking for.  

Cost for one binder as shown with pockets and magnetic tape:
Magnetic Tape-5 packs-4.95

Interested in trying this?  I do carry all the supplies in my store  for you to make your own binder storage system.   I have it put together as a package deal for 19.99 (buying the items separate would be 21.44) Please let me know if you have any questions.
Michelle

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Blog Candy for May!!

Hello! Hope you are all doing well.  I have some more Blog Candy!
I am expecting my first shipment of the new Magnolia Tilda stamps on the 10th of this month, and I thought that would be a nice little addition to some blog candy.
What do you have to do?  Just leave me a comment, and post this blog candy on your blog with a link back to my blog.  I would also love to have you as a follower if you aren't already.  Also if you would sign up for my newsletter, there is a space on the right sidebar to do so.  My newsletter includes coupon codes, sales, inspiration, new product announcements and more.
Included in this blog candy:
1 pack of LYB doilies
1 pack of LYB fabric flowers
1 pack of LYB 10 THINGS

AND ONE SECOND PLACE WINNER WILL RECEIVE
A $10.00 GIFT VOUCHER GOOD AT MY WEBSTORE!

Deadline to enter is May 31st at 11:59 PM EST
Winner will be announced shortly thereafter

Hope you all have a wonderful evening!!
Michelle

Monday, May 3, 2010

Good evening... it has been awhile

I will admit I have neglected this blog for the last couple of weeks.  I think most of you know I have been in the process of relocating my inventory, so no fun time for making cards! :(
However, it has not been all work and no play, as I did get a chance to visit with my friend Jan.  She came and spent several days here and I had a blast.  (And miss her already)
I did stop by her blog and saw her beautiful card and thought I would share it here because I knew you all would like something pretty to look at, and also let you know she has picked a winner in her blog candy giveaway.  (Notice I have a new candy...from The Pixie Cottage?)

I also wanted to let you know that I do have the new Tim Holtz Tattered flowers die in stock.  Please note that this does not fit in the old red sizzix machine, but rather the Big Shot, Big Kick, etc.

Jan and I had a chance to use some fabric flowers made with this die at a class we took with Tim Holtz in Akron about a week and half ago, and I wanted that die so much. My problem is, I still own an old red sizzix... it still works.. I promised myself I would not buy another die cutter till it broke. (please please break!...LOL)  Anyway we made the cutest fabric flower pins... I will have to take a picture.  We also made a charm bracelet and a necklace.  Now I am not really a jewelery maker, but these were pretty darn easy and turned out really nice. (I don't wear much jewelery, but I will wear that bracelet occasionally, and I think I will give the necklace to someone)

Also in stock now is the Donna Salazar Distrezz-It-All by Zutter.  I have not had a chance to try this, but have heard nothing but good things about it, and hope to get a chance to try one soon.

 My friend Jan's Card
I do have some of the Inky Impressions in stock, however not this one, but many other cuties.
Well, I better get back to work.
Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle