There's been such a flurry of activity lately is seems almost impossible to sit down and get anything done. Not true, I've finished four 12x12 layouts, got the new organizer in place and well stocked, and have accomplished quite a series of hauls.
Most everything revolves around an incredible discovery at TM. They had retail packs (24 each) of almost then entire "A Proper Gentleman" collection. Martin actually stumbled across this treasure, bought two packs, and made the mistake of telling me they had stacks of other G45 retail packs in different designs. At the end of the quest I have twelve full 12x12 pads of this collection, minus two pages... for less than what a single pad would have cost. Profit time!!! We were also able to pick up almost half the "On the Boardwalk" collection in retail packs. I think we've exhausted the bonanza. There were arm fulls of book board, but I stopped at six sets. They had Tim Holtz Grunge Paper sets, retailed at $40; I paid $8. Finally, a 5 inch Xyron. A couple of adorable embellishments and the run ended there.
I decided to hit JoAnn's because we were in town it's rare we make it that far south. Phew! Almost all paper crafting supplies are 50% off this week, plus a coupon in the paper allows an extra 10% off from the total purchase. 60% savings?! Heck, yeah!! I managed some control and walked out of the store with only two large bags. A wider variety of adhesives, the first alcohol inks, specialty paper, and yes a Crop-A-Dile II (Big Bite).
The stamps, ink, paper, embellishments, etc never quit coming in; however, it's hard to imagine any other tool needed to carry on
this business. Maybe a Zutter Cutter for the extra weight chipboard?
Maybe, but not a necessity.
I'm attempting to design my first, original mini-album. It's sketched out, roughly, but I'm finding it hard to cut that first page; there seems to be so little room for error, which, in itself, is an error. How, besides looking amateurish, can a person go wrong with G45? For sure it won't be the best album I'll ever create, and will quickly prove true, but it's all part of this glorious process called creative expression.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Pop In
Just popping in to post a down and dirty picture of the newest LO, finished today. It bears noting the design was inspired by a great artist at scrapbooking.com.
Hoping for a better photo with better lighting and space
 |
| My mother, c. 1953 |
Hoping for a better photo with better lighting and space
Finishing Touches & Adhesive Lessons
I've gotten a bit of scrapbook work done in the new craft room during the last week, and there's no comparing the before and after differences. Any kinks have now been worked out to all satisfaction! Now, having said that...
During the weekend of transition, my loving husband wanted to put in a new system for punch storage. NO! I couldn't take another thought of more arranging. He wasted no time today to rectify this and went out and purchased/assembled the adapted wooden shoe storage unit. It's more than adequate to store my entire, extremely limited, punch inventory, with plenty of room to spare. Tomorrow this system goes into place with minimum disruption. He also bought and put in place an additional unit to organize the laser printer, printer paper reams, with an additional small shelf area for quick mailing supply access. After completing this last small task, there will be no more talk of reorganizing for months, perhaps even years; however, the flesh is weak.
Miracles of miracles, the mini-album is 99.9% complete. One major mistake made in the beginning was punching holes in the book board (homemade) before tearing a single page out of the pad. In all fairness, the video never mentioned the need, and as a novice, I didn't realize how important this would be until much too late. So the book was finished, sans holes. No problem, we'd drill small holes into the completed covers and make up hole reinforcements to cover the blemishes. No problem. Except! The front cover came out exactly as prescribed; the back, no so much. The holes were drilled on the wrong side. I'm so disheartened at the moment. There doesn't seem to be a viable solution, unless crying counts. A solution does exist. I just don't know what that might be as of now. So much fussy cutting on the back, no more paper to replace it with; blah, blah. Inspiration will come, hopefully soon. Regardless, this is a lesson that will never be forgotten. That's part of the learning experience; but at such a great cost. *moan*
I learned a great deal during the construction. Yes, the greatest error was the holes; but less dramatically was adhesive function. LO's tend to be very forgiving, no moving parts, no stresses, and the page protectors contain/protect whatever might come loose. Conversely, mini-albums with all their pockets and tags, pages turning, etc, demand a higher degree of adhesive mastery.
I learned:
Remember: that which does not destroy us, makes us stronger!
During the weekend of transition, my loving husband wanted to put in a new system for punch storage. NO! I couldn't take another thought of more arranging. He wasted no time today to rectify this and went out and purchased/assembled the adapted wooden shoe storage unit. It's more than adequate to store my entire, extremely limited, punch inventory, with plenty of room to spare. Tomorrow this system goes into place with minimum disruption. He also bought and put in place an additional unit to organize the laser printer, printer paper reams, with an additional small shelf area for quick mailing supply access. After completing this last small task, there will be no more talk of reorganizing for months, perhaps even years; however, the flesh is weak.
Miracles of miracles, the mini-album is 99.9% complete. One major mistake made in the beginning was punching holes in the book board (homemade) before tearing a single page out of the pad. In all fairness, the video never mentioned the need, and as a novice, I didn't realize how important this would be until much too late. So the book was finished, sans holes. No problem, we'd drill small holes into the completed covers and make up hole reinforcements to cover the blemishes. No problem. Except! The front cover came out exactly as prescribed; the back, no so much. The holes were drilled on the wrong side. I'm so disheartened at the moment. There doesn't seem to be a viable solution, unless crying counts. A solution does exist. I just don't know what that might be as of now. So much fussy cutting on the back, no more paper to replace it with; blah, blah. Inspiration will come, hopefully soon. Regardless, this is a lesson that will never be forgotten. That's part of the learning experience; but at such a great cost. *moan*
I learned a great deal during the construction. Yes, the greatest error was the holes; but less dramatically was adhesive function. LO's tend to be very forgiving, no moving parts, no stresses, and the page protectors contain/protect whatever might come loose. Conversely, mini-albums with all their pockets and tags, pages turning, etc, demand a higher degree of adhesive mastery.
I learned:
- Murphy's Law applies to scrapbooking in general and adhesives specifically
- Zip Dry paper glue means paper-on-paper
- ATG glue buckles under stress/movement
- You get what you pay for; super strong double-sided red tape pays for itself in reduced frustration levels, measured in seconds
- Glue dots are woosies
- Wet glue does not include Elmer's School glue
- All glues take longer to set than expected, except when attaching large pieces onto pages within a precise 1/4 inch border, in which case, at that very moment, all glue becomes instantaneously and irreparably bonded to paper
- There exists a substantial "bite" difference between the textured and smooth sides of paper
- It's highly recommend not to Superglue your tongue to the lips, and keep in mind some glues are highly flammable (especially important if interested in keeping eyebrows nice and smooth) *kidding folks! except for the Superglue part*
Remember: that which does not destroy us, makes us stronger!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
New Room, Returned Time
It took from Thursday evening (the breakdown and emptying of the craft room) until the following Tuesday afternoon to recreate the room. I'd forgotten how hard real work can be :) But it's done for better or worse, and I probably like the results. Thing is, since I haven't had the chance to work on a project, there's no way of know how truly efficient the changes. Tomorrow it's back to play time... and planning which area of the house to hit next, without the urgency of this past weekend. At this point I can't even imagine organizing anything beyond my thoughts. As much as I earnestly enjoy the process, I've been processed out for a day or two.
I posted the first set of pictures at my other blog. Maybe I'll split the series between the two sites.
_______________________________________________
I managed to make a run to TM while in Fayetteville earlier this week. The question posited in a earlier post about a binder system is answered. I had wondered whether the Zutter or Cinch systems to go with. The decision was made for me! On the shelf sat a Zutter (Bind it All) for less than $40. No more comparisons beyond that. Like everything else acquired over the past week, it sits waiting to be opened. There's not a real need to play with it yet, three other projects based on rings precede the necessity, so it may sit for some time before pulling it out. That just seems so wrong, but for the price, well... Did I mention we picked up the UTEE? Again, this whole timing thing.
_______________________________________________
Ah, heck, why not do some more before and after pics now?
Prepped for furniture (the photographer took a slanted photo... the wall is fine!)
A very narrow bookcase. Decidedly bare.
99% complete. Still not sure what to put in the middle area; thinking something decorative. Amazing that it holds all the card stock purchased thus far!
I posted the first set of pictures at my other blog. Maybe I'll split the series between the two sites.
_______________________________________________
I managed to make a run to TM while in Fayetteville earlier this week. The question posited in a earlier post about a binder system is answered. I had wondered whether the Zutter or Cinch systems to go with. The decision was made for me! On the shelf sat a Zutter (Bind it All) for less than $40. No more comparisons beyond that. Like everything else acquired over the past week, it sits waiting to be opened. There's not a real need to play with it yet, three other projects based on rings precede the necessity, so it may sit for some time before pulling it out. That just seems so wrong, but for the price, well... Did I mention we picked up the UTEE? Again, this whole timing thing.
_______________________________________________
Ah, heck, why not do some more before and after pics now?
Prepped for furniture (the photographer took a slanted photo... the wall is fine!)
A very narrow bookcase. Decidedly bare.
99% complete. Still not sure what to put in the middle area; thinking something decorative. Amazing that it holds all the card stock purchased thus far!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
New Craft Room
The new furniture works splendidly. The reorganization of scrapbooking supplies remains an on-going project, even after 15 hours of sorting between Saturday and today. It looks as if the room will finally be squared away by Tuesday at the latest. (Better time than originally estimated.)
Thus far I've bee able to empty two multi-drawer rolling bins; which provides more floor space, and gives the room a more open appearance.
I honestly believed the room outgrown, but this forced re-do sheds light on how badly space was managed. It's difficult to see this when bringing in a few items at a time, and not seeing the changes necessary to accommodate the growth and change of room function. Taking this lesson to heart (and a recent episode on a much smaller scale a couple of weeks ago in a kitchen cabinet) it's probably not a horrible idea to empty a room and repack it every couple of years. It's amazing to discover how much "junk" held on to when a non-critical eye becomes accustomed to the placement.
There's one another system yet to add to this marvelous overhaul, which will finally provide a real solution to the punch storage issue, but I don't have the heart to take this project on until catching my breath from this weekend. I decided to also empty and reorganize the craft closet while assigning new spaces to everything else; something that could have been delayed, but a better idea to tackle now. (The closet also looks a bit foreign at present.) Once finished, most of my everyday supplies will be much closer at hand and the constant rifling through will largely cease.
At long last, I can quit the daily struggle to keep the room organized and get down to scrappin'.
Thus far I've bee able to empty two multi-drawer rolling bins; which provides more floor space, and gives the room a more open appearance.
I honestly believed the room outgrown, but this forced re-do sheds light on how badly space was managed. It's difficult to see this when bringing in a few items at a time, and not seeing the changes necessary to accommodate the growth and change of room function. Taking this lesson to heart (and a recent episode on a much smaller scale a couple of weeks ago in a kitchen cabinet) it's probably not a horrible idea to empty a room and repack it every couple of years. It's amazing to discover how much "junk" held on to when a non-critical eye becomes accustomed to the placement.
There's one another system yet to add to this marvelous overhaul, which will finally provide a real solution to the punch storage issue, but I don't have the heart to take this project on until catching my breath from this weekend. I decided to also empty and reorganize the craft closet while assigning new spaces to everything else; something that could have been delayed, but a better idea to tackle now. (The closet also looks a bit foreign at present.) Once finished, most of my everyday supplies will be much closer at hand and the constant rifling through will largely cease.
At long last, I can quit the daily struggle to keep the room organized and get down to scrappin'.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Mother's Day Present
My husband found a steal for a complete professional desk set. Mother's Day, I'll be sitting in a room with coordinating furniture with tons of table top space. And reorganizing yet again.
Tonight and tomorrow night we'll be breaking down the craft room down to walls and carpeting. I wish we could paint the room before the furniture gets set up Saturday morning; however, there's a limit to available energy on such short notice. There won't be a pen or pair of scissors in proper place during the transition, and probably for a week after that. This is the mother of all reorganization efforts.
The new work surfaces is muchly appreciated, but the bookcase is the crowning touch. Finally! A place to store all the completed LO books (how quickly they all add up!) and yet another shelf or two to store essential supplies without going into the closet multiple times each day.
I'm a little excited about all of this!
_______________________________________
The Kiwi Lane Designs templates came in on Wednesday and they're perfect for the Little Darlings album once I begin. The ABC Primer is almost complete, it's still the more advanced techniques that consume most setbacks. Since I feel I'm still not ready to design a book on my own, I've found two YouTube videos using only the 12x12 Graphic 45 paper packs conveniently already on hand. No detailed instructions for these, but at this point I'll be able to assemble what is shown without instruction.
I've studied Graphic 45 even further and realize how very easy it is to look at a page and instinctively know how a page works best; background or as a complimentary layer to build upon. This may very well bleed over into other company's patterned paper sets, and if so, I've finally "got" it; if not, back to the drawing table Once this organizational nightmare is over, I'll put the theory to the test.
Tonight and tomorrow night we'll be breaking down the craft room down to walls and carpeting. I wish we could paint the room before the furniture gets set up Saturday morning; however, there's a limit to available energy on such short notice. There won't be a pen or pair of scissors in proper place during the transition, and probably for a week after that. This is the mother of all reorganization efforts.
The new work surfaces is muchly appreciated, but the bookcase is the crowning touch. Finally! A place to store all the completed LO books (how quickly they all add up!) and yet another shelf or two to store essential supplies without going into the closet multiple times each day.
I'm a little excited about all of this!
_______________________________________
The Kiwi Lane Designs templates came in on Wednesday and they're perfect for the Little Darlings album once I begin. The ABC Primer is almost complete, it's still the more advanced techniques that consume most setbacks. Since I feel I'm still not ready to design a book on my own, I've found two YouTube videos using only the 12x12 Graphic 45 paper packs conveniently already on hand. No detailed instructions for these, but at this point I'll be able to assemble what is shown without instruction.
I've studied Graphic 45 even further and realize how very easy it is to look at a page and instinctively know how a page works best; background or as a complimentary layer to build upon. This may very well bleed over into other company's patterned paper sets, and if so, I've finally "got" it; if not, back to the drawing table Once this organizational nightmare is over, I'll put the theory to the test.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Discovered UTEE
Something about funds, or lack thereof, altered my plans to attend the SSD warehouse sale. It wasn't meant to be. I did, however, stop by the tiny TM in Rogers and found the Crop-a-Dile Main Squeeze for pennies on the dollar. Upon further inspection, I'm not sure the investment was a good one. The concept is great, and if embellishments outside what the company offers work, the story changes. Otherwise, this will be a very expensive press... for garlic maybe??? What's really needed is the Crop-a-Dile II.
I've owned Glossy Accents for a number of months now, but let it set because it seemed too expensive to use, and embossing powders gave a bit of shine where needed. In the making of the mini-album, I hauled the bottle out... and WOW! How did I do this without the glossy bling? What I didn't realize after this discovery, until seeing it on YouTube, was that the surface had only been scratched, so to speak. The next step up is the Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). Playing with it when it comes into the house will probably set the album back a few days, but this is a tool to master. I'm wondering if this could change the way I look at charms; they are much too expensive for general use right now, and want to change this.
_______________________________
Speaking of the mini-album (what else these days?) I decided to make the ABC Primer documenting my husband's childhood days photographs before starting the one intended for me. I found a video with step-by-step instructions on YouTube (where else?) that's perfect for my current skill level.
This is a great introduction since the lines run very straight, without all the flourishes and complicated cuts planned for the other book. I'm learning exponentially at present, and it's all to the good! I'm lifting the book straight from her design, but can't help but think that anyone who makes 18 videos outlining every step and cut minds being copied. (Trying to sell the album as my own design would be less than ethical, but that's not a problem.)
________________________________
I absolutely adore the two stencil sets bought from Kiwi Lane Designs. Since discovering the site, they've had only one sale, just before Christmas, nothing since. This Saturday they're having another. There would be nothing more pleasing than having everything they make, but that's unreasonable. I will settle by buying only one more set to add to the collection this go round... darn.
__________________________________
I'm having a blast decorating containers and house decorations. One of the latest creations, for the coloured pencils collected over the past 20 years or so:
I've owned Glossy Accents for a number of months now, but let it set because it seemed too expensive to use, and embossing powders gave a bit of shine where needed. In the making of the mini-album, I hauled the bottle out... and WOW! How did I do this without the glossy bling? What I didn't realize after this discovery, until seeing it on YouTube, was that the surface had only been scratched, so to speak. The next step up is the Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). Playing with it when it comes into the house will probably set the album back a few days, but this is a tool to master. I'm wondering if this could change the way I look at charms; they are much too expensive for general use right now, and want to change this.
Speaking of the mini-album (what else these days?) I decided to make the ABC Primer documenting my husband's childhood days photographs before starting the one intended for me. I found a video with step-by-step instructions on YouTube (where else?) that's perfect for my current skill level.
This is a great introduction since the lines run very straight, without all the flourishes and complicated cuts planned for the other book. I'm learning exponentially at present, and it's all to the good! I'm lifting the book straight from her design, but can't help but think that anyone who makes 18 videos outlining every step and cut minds being copied. (Trying to sell the album as my own design would be less than ethical, but that's not a problem.)
________________________________
I absolutely adore the two stencil sets bought from Kiwi Lane Designs. Since discovering the site, they've had only one sale, just before Christmas, nothing since. This Saturday they're having another. There would be nothing more pleasing than having everything they make, but that's unreasonable. I will settle by buying only one more set to add to the collection this go round... darn.
__________________________________
I'm having a blast decorating containers and house decorations. One of the latest creations, for the coloured pencils collected over the past 20 years or so:
 |
| Quickie Photo |
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Zutter v Cinch
It's time.
I've purposefully avoided looking into buying a book binding system for the past year; for one, that whole real estate thing, and second, all the focus centered upon creating LOs, not books.
Between the two brands, I know practically nothing other than the Zutter punches rectangles and the Cinch round holes. The Zutter takes less table/shelf space than the competitor. I also know the Cinch offers a wide variety of punched pattern capabilities; a variable not known for Zutter.
So back and forth until either a sign happens in the heavens, or I collect enough information to make an educated decision.
_____________________________________
It would be wonderful to say the shelving unit my husband put up the other day proves a real improvement to crafting. Alas, no. The punch issue was immediately ruled out. I've collected a whole bunch of items largely misfiled, and filled up seven of the eight shelves. It's a very pretty arrangement... lots of bright colours and sparklies. However, while it must appear visually pleasing, it also must improve everyday function. That it does not... yet. There's also a real danger in moving tools around. Everything has its place, and when moved to a new location can put me into a search frenzy.
____________________________________
While digging through the closet last night, searching for a torn notebook binder, I found a large box filled with electronic cables under several layers of crafting materials. Martin leapt for joy; he'd looked for the box for over a year, thinking it in the garage. I gained 3 cubic feet of shelf space!
_______________________________________
Tomorrow's sale includes 75% of embellishments. That covers a whole lot of ground. Fun, fun, fun!
*** I've changed to a much larger font to save my poor eyeballs for the micro-print.
I've purposefully avoided looking into buying a book binding system for the past year; for one, that whole real estate thing, and second, all the focus centered upon creating LOs, not books.
Between the two brands, I know practically nothing other than the Zutter punches rectangles and the Cinch round holes. The Zutter takes less table/shelf space than the competitor. I also know the Cinch offers a wide variety of punched pattern capabilities; a variable not known for Zutter.
So back and forth until either a sign happens in the heavens, or I collect enough information to make an educated decision.
_____________________________________
It would be wonderful to say the shelving unit my husband put up the other day proves a real improvement to crafting. Alas, no. The punch issue was immediately ruled out. I've collected a whole bunch of items largely misfiled, and filled up seven of the eight shelves. It's a very pretty arrangement... lots of bright colours and sparklies. However, while it must appear visually pleasing, it also must improve everyday function. That it does not... yet. There's also a real danger in moving tools around. Everything has its place, and when moved to a new location can put me into a search frenzy.
____________________________________
While digging through the closet last night, searching for a torn notebook binder, I found a large box filled with electronic cables under several layers of crafting materials. Martin leapt for joy; he'd looked for the box for over a year, thinking it in the garage. I gained 3 cubic feet of shelf space!
_______________________________________
Tomorrow's sale includes 75% of embellishments. That covers a whole lot of ground. Fun, fun, fun!
*** I've changed to a much larger font to save my poor eyeballs for the micro-print.
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