I'm All Booked!

 Today I'm sharing my favorite greeting card that I made all the way from designing it (choosing the layout, coming up with fun fold, distressed message, and so on), preparing materials, assembling, and final touches.  I was commissioned to do ten birthday cards for book lovers.  She loved them.  What do you think?  Let me know in the comments!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Remove Excess Glue from Papercrafts

 

A little too much glue can leave shiny spots or wrinkled paper. If the glue is still wet, gently blot or lift it with a cotton swab—don’t rub, or you may spread it. Use only a barely damp swab with water-based glue, and take care not to soak the paper.

For dried glue, let it dry completely, then try a small adhesive eraser. Test it on a scrap first, since delicate paper can tear or lose its finish. A fine-tip glue bottle also helps prevent extra glue from squeezing out in the first place!

Happy Crafting!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Masculine Cards

 

Making Masculine Cards Without Overthinking It

Making a masculine card doesn’t have to mean finding the perfect theme or using a complicated design. Start with a color combination you like, add one simple shape or paper strip, and choose a sentiment that fits the occasion. A few well-placed pieces can look polished without a lot of fuss.

For this birthday card, I used navy cardstock, a strip of kraft paper, and a few layered geometric shapes in teal and gray. The “Happy Birthday” sentiment finishes it off. Simple, balanced, and ready to give!

Have a crafty week!

Quick Tip Tuesday

 

TIP:  Prep Your Fabric Before You Begin

A few minutes of prep can make your sewing project easier and help your finished piece keep its shape. If the fabric will be washed later, prewash and dry it the way you plan to care for the finished project.

Before cutting, press the fabric with an iron set for its fiber. Smooth out wrinkles without stretching the fabric, then lay it flat and check that the edges are straight. Now you’re ready to measure and cut with more confidence!

***Easy Prep:  Wash, dry, & iron before measuring and cutting!

Craft Room Storage Tip

Tip:  Keep your most used tools near you.

For me, stamps and ink are within arms reach as are adhesive, scissors, card bases, and my paper trimmer.   

Now, that doesn't mean you should have everything on your desk taking up priceless, shrinking real estate. Only what YOU use frequently whether that is paint brushes, watercolors, vinyl, brads, or buttons.

My paper is stored in labeled, clear drawers, sorted by color, behind me.  If you label your storage, you are able to tell what's in it without a lot of effort, especially if the storage is clear.  This is what I use for my paper.

You can store bins on top of a piece of furniture such as a headboard, side table, bookshelf, or anywhere in the room that you can still see them hanging out ready to be used!

My sewing zone is set up with my machine,  needles, thread, pins, bobbins, and scissors nearby.  Fabric is stored by type in clear bins.  My iron and ironing board are set up right behind me.

I hope this tip helps you set your space up to make it work best for you. Happy organizing and happy crafting!

Quick Tip Tuesday: Use Painter’s Tape for Clean Edges!

 

Have you ever tried to paint a perfectly straight line on a craft project, only to end up with a wobbly edge? 

Here's a simple trick that can make a big difference: painter's tape! 

 Painter's tape isn't just for painting walls. It's a handy little tool to keep in your craft room, too! Here are a few ways to use it:

•  Painting wood crafts: Create crisp lines, stripes, or color-blocked designs.
• Cardmaking: Mask off sections of cardstock before ink blending to create neat borders and geometric patterns.
• Scrapbooking: Use it to temporarily hold a stencil in place or mask an area you want to keep clean.
• Mixed-media projects: Separate colors and create interesting shapes without worrying about painting outside the lines.

A Few Tips for Better Results

• Make sure your surface is clean and dry before applying the tape. 
• Press the edges down gently but firmly to help prevent paint or ink from seeping underneath. 
• For the cleanest results, use thin coats of paint rather than one heavy coat.
• Remove the tape carefully, usually while the paint is still slightly wet, unless your paint instructions recommend otherwise. 

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 One word of caution: Regular painter's tape can damage delicate scrapbook paper or cardstock. Try low-tack tape, test it on a scrap first, and remove it slowly.

The Bottom Line ... Sometimes the simplest supplies make the biggest difference! A little painter's tape can save you time, prevent frustration, and give your projects a cleaner, more polished look.

Happy crafting!

— Crafteverly

Stamps, stencils, inks and so much more - on sale!

 You probably know by now that I love Altenew products.  Have you seen the "One Go" line of products? It's designed to allow you to get more done in fewer steps.  I have the sentiment stamps and die cut. I can stamp and die cut six sentiments in one go.  It's so easy!

But here's something even better.  From October 12 to October 18, Altenew is offering 45% off selected stamps, dies, stencils, and more. Go check it out!  Maybe you'll find the product that helps you fall in love with crafting all over again.  Have a crafty week!