Quick Tip Tuesday - Big Project?

 I recently did a project that had quite a few steps. To make it more manageable, I broke it into four manageable chunks.

The project was a design by Craft with Sarah as part of her Christmas Countdown this year (not an affiliate link.  Just want to give credit where it's due.)  I broke it down into the following steps:

1.  Cut the chipboard for the stand

2.  Cut the other 12 mats' worth of pieces including the window cling for the window "glass." All of the small pieces went into a cup so I wouldn't lose them.

3.  Glue the large pieces

4.  Glue the small pieces

It doesn't sound like much when I break it down like this, but it was a pretty big project.  The chipboard alone took 12 cutting passes on the Cricut.  And the next-to-last step was gluing each individual color into the black areas so it would look like stained glass.  There were a few really tiny pieces.

I spread the steps out over two days, so the project was much less daunting than I originally thought it would be.  Next time you have a multi-step project, break it down into smaller chunks.  Putting it together this way was manageable, and I'm really happy with the results.

Quick Tip Tuesday - Your First Step

 

When you sit down to make a card or a scrapbook page, step one is to choose a color scheme.  For example, if you are making a page with cruise pictures, look at the colors in the photos and let that help guide you in creating a color palette of  3 or 4 colors.

peachy-pink, white, and mint (with a hint of yellow)

light blue, gray, white

 If you're working on a card or page, the color scheme you choose will give your design a cohesive look.  Every element you use contributes to the aesthetic of your design.  Choosing a color palette first will speed up your process because you will know what colors your paper and embellishments should be so you don't have to search through all of your supplies.

Have a crafty week!

Quick Tip Tuesday

 

This quick tip is for when you are using your hot glue gun. We have all burned out fingers at some time or other.  Try these silicone finger protectors next time you're using your glue gun.  They're inexpensive, and you can get them at Amazon and some craft stores as well.

Custom Faux Leather Scallop Edge Bookmark Personalized with Name

 

There is another new item in the Etsy shop.  If you love bookish merch, this is for you!  Available in five colors with a choice or white or gold lettering and tassel and a choice of block or script font, these bookmarks are personalized with a word or name up to 9 letters.  Bring some style to your book-reading or a gift for the book lover in your life with these customizable, scallop-edge bookmarks.  Get one today.  Only 4.47 plus shipping.  While you're there, also check out my floral scallop-edge bookmarks!

Thanksgiving Gratitude Bundle for Kids

 There is a new product in the Etsy shop!  It's a bundle of 7 activities designed especially for kids to help them express their gratitude and thankfulness this Thanksgiving season.  Check it out here!

 

Take advantage of all access to over 18 million fonts and graphics at an 86% discount from Creative Fabrica!  Plus, get additional free graphic bundles and discount codes to some of the best suppliers in the craft world.

The Spooky Halloween Sale lasts from October 1 - October 31!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Ink Swatch

 

If you enjoy ink blending or stamping, keeping a list of ink swatches can be beneficial. Why?

1.  It helps to organize your supplies.  I like to keep my ink pads in color order (ROYGBIV then neutrals).

2.  You can easily see what colors you have so that you don't accidentally purchase a color you already have. It can also show what color family you might need.

3.  Swatching helps you see the ink pad's true color as it can look different on the lid than it does on paper.

4.  A swatch list can help you plan projects with colors that complement each other.

5.  Last, a swatch will show you the actual properties of the ink such as saturation, shimmer, or having a chalky appearance (like Oxides).

Making ink swatches is easy to do, and it doesn't have to be fancy or time-consuming.  I suggest using the same card stock you typically use for crafts.  You can apply the ink to small cards and attach them to a piece of cardstock, or you can directly swipe the ink onto the paper. Then write with a pen what type or brand of ink each sample is as well as the name of the color. Last, decide where you will store your ink swatches so they will be handy when you need them.

I hope this encourages you to make some ink swatches.