Favorite Recent Project

Things have been fairly quiet around here craft-wise lately, mainly due to health reasons.  A partial shoulder replacement, lots of physical therapy, a broken foot, and a middle-of-the-night fall, in the span of 9 weeks. 

Due to this  I have not been crafting as much as I'd like, but I did take some time to make my husband an anniversary card.  We just celebrated 19 years of marriage.

I used a recently purchased stamp from Art Impressions called Ornate Window Set.  It came with a die for the railing.  I stamped it twice on watercolor paper so I could choose which one I thought turned out better.  I have enjoyed using my watercolors, a relatively new medium for me.  They are so much fun!

I combined the window with a "brick" background using black ink and an embossing folder. I mounted it on black card stock.  This card reminds me of the architecture of New Orleans, one of our favorite places to visit.  

Stamps, dies, watercolor, embossing... I hope this provides some inspiration!  Visit Happiness is Homemade for even more inspiration.

Quick Tip Tuesday - What If?

 Last week, my city was hit by terrible thunderstorms, and the storms actually produced high winds of up to 100 miles per hour.  Part of our city was hit by a tornado.  My family is safe, (all grown and in their own homes) thankfully.  But it made me wonder what would happen if our home was hit by a tornado.  What would I do if I lost all of my scrapbooks and handmade cards? What about all my supplies?  I wouldn't know how to start over!

Therefore, today's tip is to take an inventory of the craft supplies you have (I have since begun this process, and it will take me a while).  But I thought, " What if? " If you can't make a list of every single paper or die cut you own, then at least write down what your biggest and most important items are. And take pictures of your creations, too.  Just in case.

Quick Tip Tuesday - Scrapbook Photos

 

A simple way to elevate your scrapbook page is to mat your photos.

These photos are not matted.  I like this page.  It was simple and easy, and the journaling captures elements of our family's personality.

And while there is nothing wrong with this particular layout, an easy way to make your photos stand out is to mat them in a coordinating color or pattern, and it takes very little time.

Take it up another notch with double mats!  

Happy Crafting!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Organization

 

My favorite storage solution in my craft room is my pegboard.  I love having so many supplies at my fingertips!  Here is my board:

Whether I am working on a card, a scrapbook page, or some other type of craft, there are so many things I have easy access to:  Cricut mats, ribbon, foam tape, scissors, pens, paper towels (a MUST for crafting) embellishments such as flowers and brads, bows, stickers, lace, and so much more!  If you have room for a pegboard, even a small one, I highly recommend getting one.  They make really cute baskets, buckets, and storage cups now!  Happy crafting!