Storage Solution: My Art Journal Bag

Check out this bag!  I saw this bag on this blog:  www.lucylampshade.blogspot.com. She purchased it from Harbor Freight Tools.  So I bought one today and I love it.  I love the way she decorated it and also how this lady decorated hers:www.artjournalofsharon.blogspot.com. My bag cost about $11.99 and was on sale.  Both of these ladies paid a little less.  This bag has a lot of storage and is really sturdy.  I did a short YouTube video showing some of it's features.  Check that out at FayRaiDesigns on YouTube.

New Year- New Projects

So, it's a new year and as expected, most of us are making those resolutions to do better or different things.  I haven't made any yet.  But I need to throughout the year and not just at the beginning of a new year.  With that said, here is my first project for the new year *2014*.   I have been collecting these empty maple syrup bottles for a while and have always thought that I can repurpose them.  So I did one of them.  I have a YouTube video(FayRaiDesigns) that gives some more details of how I did that.  I also picked up some art journal books at my local Ross and TJMAxx. ( okay that should be enough of those- yeah, RIGHT)So I hope you will visit my YT channel and subscribe as I hope to fill this year with more projects for you. 

What's in your Wallet?

Your photo wallet, that is.  Recently I stumbled upon two tutorials for making a photo wallet/brag mini.  I'm going to share one of these for my project this month.  Each wallet uses one or two 12x12 sheets of cardstock.  These little wallets have a lot of real estate for they can hold a ton of your favorite pictures. What great gifts these would make or just personal keepsakes for yourself.  And to top it off, they are super easy and quick to make.  There are a few variations  for these so you can search Youtube for the one that you like.  Here is my photo wallet:

A New Toy

When I started art journaling, I jumped in it head and foot first.  As with most crafty endeavors that I have started, I like to try various supplies.  So when I recently saw this gadget, I decided to give it a try.  Although this "gadget " was designed for children, I found that right out of the box it delivered an awesome finished project.  So check it out and remember to have fun whether you are a kid or a kid at heart.

A Fall Card

Here is a fall card I made using my Silhouette Cameo.

Have FAITH

Before October slips away, I want to show my gratitude to those who are battling the enemy, "C" as well as those who have fought the battle and lost. I would also like to show the same to their dear loved ones. Thank you all for being strong and being examples that everyone can imitate. THANK YOU!

My project this month was created using the Cricut electronic cutter and the Cricut cartridge "Wall Decor and More". So here's how I got started:  using my Cricut Gypsy, I designed the project by selecting a few images from the cartridge.

I altered the size to suit my taste and then I cut all the pieces using my Cricut Expression.  I used lightweight chipboard and patterned paper.  Here's what the project looked like after I cut it:

Next is the selection of the patterned and solid color papers. I then put the project together.  The rolled flowers I added were cut from the Art Philosophy cartridge.  Now for the finished project:

The frame at the bottom can hold a small photo.  I also added a piece of chipboard so that it can stand on its own. Such a simple idea but it can also make a meaningful gift for someone. So let's continue to support and show our love.

All Stitched Up

September is national sewing month.  My project this month centers around sewing and papercrafting.  I am an avid sewer so this is just my cup of tea.  I enjoy quilting as well as machine embroidery.  There are so many ways that sewing can be incorporated into paper crafts.  So whether you use straight or zigzag stitches, stitching on paper adds so much detail to your project.  For my project, I took a dollar store mini composition book and covered it using zig zag and straight stitching.

I took a piece of plain white paper and measured it to fit the notepad. Then I stitched strips of pattered paper together using a zigzag stitch.  I also die-cut some flower pieces and stitched them together in the middle and adhered it to the base page.  Next, I again die-cut some hearts and used a single straight stitch through the middle to hold them together.  I hot-glued the hearts to the base page.  Near the top of the base page, I cut a piece of muslim fabric and used a straight stitch to adhere it to the base page.  Taking one of my rubber stamps, I stamped a sentiment on the fabric.  Finally, I hot-glued the stitched base page to the notepad. Viola, a simple yet memorable gift idea.  So stitch up your paper projects today! Happy National Sewing Month