Sew and sew....

Another one of my many passions is sewing and fabric.  I wanted to spruce up my studio so I searched the web for some ideas.  I came across a very simple and unique idea for window toppers--
fabric strips.  All I did was but some pre-made fabric strips, cut them in half and tie them onto my curtain rods.  I love the end result.  Now if I can just finish cleaning up the rest of the room.

I also wanted to craft a cover for one of my planners so I bought some material at my local Hobby Lobby to create this.  I'll post pictures of the completed cover and planner when I finish.

Happy Crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo Journal pages for February

One of my goals for the new year is to complete this journal that I created a while back.  So here are the pages I embellished for February.  The journal itself is constructed of craft cardstock.  I used my Cinch to bind it and used a variety of scrapbooking elements.  I also used my Canon Selphy to print from my iPhone.  Boy, does technology make it much easier to document your memories.

I used a lot of stickers and some stamping too.  Envelopes serve as pockets to add extra ephemera

and as backgrounds for pictures. Also used my die cut machine for some simple title journaling and other cute die-cuts.   I just love the way this journal turned out.

More pocket scrapbooking

Just here lately Ive fallen back in love with scrapbooking but in a new way.  Pocket scrapbooking seems to have taken over  the scrapbooking venue.  I like this different way because I can incorporate mixed-media.  I'm now leaning toward a more artistic approach when it comes to scrapping my memories and I am loving it.  Who knows where this creativity will lead me.  Here are just a few samples of some of the pages I have done.

I use to like things very clean cut and simple but I have gravitated to throwing some other creative elements into my scrapbooking.  I think it highlights the picture store even more so.  So look for more pocket scrapbooking in the future.  HAPPY SCRAPPING!

PLAN AHEAD!

Since I'm a full-fledged planner addict now, I'm always searching for planner inspiration.  I'm currently keeping 2 to 3 planners going.  But my eyes are especially on either a Kikki K or Erin Condren planner sometime in the future.  While thrift store hopping, I've found two Franklin Covey planners, a large and a medium one.  The large one I've already dedicated to serving as my spiritual journal, but I have not decided what to do with the smaller one.  Whenever I do go out thrift shopping, I now look for planners.  Many planner addicts buy stickers and other embellies00 to finish off their planners and give them that personal touch.  I'm grateful that I have my Cricut and Silhouette Cameo machines.  They have proved to be invaluable to me in creating my own embellishments.  I found some very valuable inspiration recently on my Instagram account, a thrifty way to print my own stickers.  Using Avery's white full sheet shipping labels, I can use my own printer to personalize my journals with my very own unique stickers.

So instead of buying 100 sticker sheets online, I can run down to my local Walmart and pick up a pack or two of these.  They work beautifully.  Here are some samples of stickers that I have created:

Here is how I use them in my planner:

Now, if you happen to have one of these tools and you are a planner addict or you are thinking about jumping on  the planner wagon, put these tools to good use and create your own personalized stickers and PLAN ON!

More HAPPiness coming your way.

Here's another inspiring way to send out Happy Mail.  It was created by Janettelaneblog on Instagram. By using simple plastic baseball sleeves, you can personalize your creativity and send a little happiness in the process.  Another added plus is that when folded, It can be mailed in a regular number 10 envie.  Now how's that for inspiration and frugality.  So here is a sample of one that I created:

As you swap with a pen pal, you can store these in a binder.  There is also a FB group.  So if you want to try these and pick up a new pen pal, go over to the group.  Now notice how nicely these can fit in a regular envelope.

PERFECT!!!

INCOMING...OUTGOING

It seems that sending and receiving HAPPY MAIL is the new"right now". What used to be called just  "RAKS"(random acts of kindness) is now happily referred to as either "incoming" or "outgoing" - mail that is.  While doing my usual perusing for creative inspiration, I found a tutorial for a happy mail holder. It resembles a brochure-type folder that can hold all your creative goodies.  I think it puts a creative and interesting twist on sending out goodies to others.  Once you see how versatile this project is, you will never send out happy mail the same again.  Here's how I created my holder:

1. Cut 2 pieces of cardstock to an 81/2 x 11 size( of course you can create you own personal size)

                                       

2. Place the pieces of card stock together and fold in a brochure-type fashion by folding one side into the other. Use a bone folder to make a crisp fold and to make sure the pieces fit snugly together.

ETA:  Choose a solid card stock for the inside and a patterned piece for the outside.

3. Next, take the inside piece( the solid piece) and make cuts for pockets to hold your goodies. You can make these cuts according to the sizes of the items you will include in the holder.

The cuts are marked with the small clips.  Again, you can make your cuts to your own choosing.

4. Now, adhere the inside piece to the outer piece using adhesive of your choice.  Remember not to glue the cuts or pockets together.  You are finished with the construction, so now you can decorate your holder as you wish.  Your happy mail is ready to be sent on its way.

For added appeal and to hold everything together, why not create a belly band.

(JanetteLane.blogspot.com has the original tutorial)

*HAPPY MAILING*