Washi Tape Organization Tip

Washi-Tape (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ever wondered what else you can do with your Washi tape collection...Organize your home.  The tip is courtesy of Our Humble Abode.  You already have the perfect labeling system, and it will not cost you a dime, because you already have it.  even if you do not have it, you can do the same thing with duct or masking tape, but for now let's concentrate on the Washi tape.  I believe why the author of the original post on Our Humble Abode suggested Washi tape is:

*  It's transparent
*  small
* and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.

If you do not know about Washi tape, here are other uses for the product:

• Layouts:  you can journal on them.  Label the person in the layout.  Use for titles.
• Cards:  Tape over a solid cardstock mat to make new patterned paper.  From there, cut out shapes or leave whole for a backdrop for images and sentiments.
• Organization: In addition the the above tip, you can color code items, make new index cards from the technique using with the solid cardstock and making your own patterned paper.
• Mini books:  Use Washi Tape for binding, creating pockets, or making flowers.
• Alternative art:  This is perfect, because your creative juices can really fly on this.   For example:  place a piece of tape on the alternative piece.  you may want to paint or ink over it a little, but just enough to let it peek through.  Layer different tape on top, and the more tape you have the more altered the object will feel.  No one can say you are right or wrong, because it is up to the individual person. it is a matter of taste.

I hope I have given you tips on how to organized and use Washi tape.  I may have hit only 5% of the many uses for this product.   for more, just search under Washi Tape Ideas in your search engine.

have a blessed day.

Project Life 2013

project life| week 15 details (Photo credit: vee*)

I try to do things for myself and never get around to them.  I put myself last, because that is the type of person I am .  It does not matter how tired I am, or if I need it more than others.  I am wired like my mom, selfless in every way.  
I have heard about these Project Life books by Becky Higgins, and have been curious up to now about them.  The process is simple, get an album, a big pack of page protectors with pockets, The Project life core packet, your photos, in a pin.  There is no gluing involved (unlike the smash books), and the keep is to keep up your life through photos for one year.  In this case it is January-December 2013.  Stick in a photo, write something about the photo, and you are done in two seconds.  It is journaling and taking pictures all in one harmonious swoop.
OK, I just look back at the Becky Higgins website, www.beckyhiggins.com, and this is the advise she has given for newbies like me:

Quotation from the website:

"Project Life is whatever you want it to be. I really, really, really mean this. Literally. Let me give just a few examples of what a full Project Life album might contain:

1. A year in review, highlighting random memories from this year … last year … any year at all. Photos can be organized chronologically or by theme (have categories like birthdays this year, travel this year, school stuff, in our spare time, friends, etc. – and add Scrapbook Dividers to label your sections for ultimate organization).

2. Cover the span of several years. Let’s say you haven’t done much scrapbooking ever. But you’re itching to get at least some of your pictures in an album. How about tackle an entire decade in one album? Each year could have say, 6 layouts (our Big Pack of Photo Pocket Pages comes with 60 pages) and you can include the “best of” pictures in those 6 layouts per year. An entire decade of “catching up” in ONE album? YES. And you can do it all without touching a pair of scissors or using any adhesive whatsoever.

3. On a related note, I totally think most of us could compile an album that sums up our entire childhood. True story. Just blow the dust off those old photos, throw them in the pockets along with the Title Cards and Journaling Cards that come in the Core Kit of your choice. Done.

4. Pick a theme, any theme. Create an entire album all about … you name it. Perhaps all of your travel adventures go in one album, or maybe you fill an album with memories of a loved one that is no longer here, or think about anything you have lots of pictures of and BAM! There’s your theme."

OK, It is not what I thought.  You do not have to document every day.  Just pick random times.  OK I will shut up,  read on the project your own way, and decide if this is something you want to do.   I know I feel better now that I know that I can do this.   I am going to do it for this year, because I have special trips planned for the year.  Special moment that I can do.  It does not matter if I take with my phone camera, Ipad, or a digital camera that I was thinking of getting.  I live the other two, but I am a purest and still think that photos need to be taken with a camera.  Not a phone and not a tablet.  a CAMERA.  I will still do videos with the Ipad.  I love it.

So I will report back to you from time to time on how I am doing, and I hope I can keep up.   If you are on pinterest and are interested in doing the project life series, there are some people who have created some freebies.   Those boards are

Project life: http://pinterest.com/kaler/project-life/

Project Life 2013 (1) : http://pinterest.com/dnobles/project-life-2013/

Project Life 2013 (2) : http://pinterest.com/alohajen/project-life-2013/

Project Life 2013 (3) : http://pinterest.com/socal_elle/project-life-2013/

That's it for now.  I will see you later.  Be blessed.

Scrapbook Inspiration

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my goals for 2013 is for me to be a little bit more inspiring to the people who are around me and who I speak to either face to face, in social media, or on the phone.  So I already know how to do the following:

• Smile when I speak, being spoken to, or when a person walks up to me.  This task has given me many opportunities to touch someone's life, even if for a second.  Smiling helps a person to connect in ways without saying a word (or yelling through a closed glass door begging people to come in)
• Say something kind like hello.  Again, it is that communication thing, and it makes a person feel like they are important to you, even if they are a stranger.
• Do something for another person.  I do not know all the answers to life's little (and big) problems.  I do what I can, don't think about what other people say, and go about my business.  Maybe that RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) will spark action in someone else, and it will spread like wildfire.

So how can I show a little bit more inspiration in my scrapbooking?   I did not go far to look it up.   In fact, all I have to do is look up "scrapbook inspiration" to find the answer.

1. From a Pinterest board, it is "things that inspire me", according to one person.  I should have a board like that.  I am also on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/plogan721).  This should be your favorite layouts, cards, alternative art, and journals.  Do not stop there.  Try your favorite artists.  Mine are Teresa Collins, Tim Holtz, Heidi Grace and a couple others.  Create a board around them with their work. The scrapbook artist does not have to be national known.  
1. Also from Pinterest, create a My creations board.  Click on the link to view my personal one for this blog. This is strictly of the things YOU made.  No one else, not even your children.  If you want to have a board of their work as well, make it separate and for each child.   This is for people who have a blog or website. This showcases your blog, and if you are trying to have a business like I am, this is a form of advertising.  
2. Join a collaborations board on the site.  I am on two, an Etsy one and another one by Renae Christine of Richmombusiness.com. (you can view her latest video here)
2. You can also look up scrapbooking inspiration on Flickr, which I also have an account.  Flickr is part of the Yahoo.com group, and all you need to do is to search 'scrapbook inspiration' and find what you need.
3. Scrapbook inspiration does not always have to come from the internet or pinterest, it also comes from the supplies you buy, your style of clothing, the way you decorate, even the car you drive.

Try this exercise:   Gather 5 things that you love:  It could be a picture of a favorite flower, a piece of cloth from your childhood, or a label from your favorite gum.  Anything you like.  Gather some papers, embellishments, washi tape.  It does not have to be matching, but they do have to coordinate.  Now scrapbook a layout.  It can be any size you want, one or two page.  If you are just getting started for the first time, or anyone for that matter, if you need help with a layout, might I suggest looking up sketches of Layouts.  Here are a few links:

• Google term :  Sketches of layouts.
• Pinterest boards:  Sketches & Layouts , Scrapbook Sketches and Layouts and my own board:  Sketches 
• Got Sketch
• scrapbook Etc

Just click the links and the links will take you there.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to start the new year off with some layouts.   Please remember, these layouts and sketches are only there to inspire you to create, and get you juices going for the rest of the year.  Expect where I mention my own creations, these are people who I researched while writing this post.  I am in no way affiliated with them, and I am not being paid to endorse them.  I just like what I see and what works for me.  I hope that after looking at these links, they will inspire you too.

Have fun crafting, be safe, and be blessed.

Happy New Year, New Changes Ahead...

card via Me

Hello one and all.  I am back in full swing.  I have enjoyed my little mini vacay,  and I am gearing up to run.  First of all, I am no longer with the Card a Day Blog as a design person.  This was a personal decision and a hard one.  At the time, it was because I was offered a position on another design team, now I do not know where that is going, so I will see.  Now the reason is I had so much on my plate.  In addition to the CAD design team, I had Longaberger, a couple of swaps, being secretary of the Administrative Counsel at my church, choir rehearsal, meetings in two groups, scrapbook business, and finally my family.  A person can only do so much and still run 7 blogs at once.  Now I have cut back on the blogs as well.  I am back to 5 blogs.  But enough about my personal life.
Changes ahead...
I have so much I want to do with this company, and it is starting with a name change.   After much debate, I am adding on the name P.Lynn Designs.  So far, the name is not registered with the state of Ohio, but then again, neither is MDN Creates, and since I have not done much business with the name, I decided to go on the professional approach.  Not only that, if I ever decide to come out with a series of stamps or whatever I decide to produce in the way of supplies, it is more professional looking on packages.  I will not change the name of the blog just yet, and I will be changing the name of my Etsy shop within a few days, if they let me.  I have already changed it once.  If not, I will have to close it, and reopen under P. Lynn Designs.
Next, i will be doing more blog posts with cards, mini books, and scrapbook layouts that I will be doing for fun or to list in my Etsy Shop.   I had fun doing so when I was designing them for the Card a Day Design team, I would be silly enough not to continue doing that.  So look for those to come.
Finally, I have decided to change platforms.  As soon as I can finish learning about WordPress, all of my blogs will be going to that platform.  The reason why is, I will have better control over what I can put on my blogs (including sales or anything that Google finds that is against their policy).  Now, my blogs will stay family friendly, so the written content will not change, but if they were to go through this blog, and do not like this post, I may not get in it tomorrow.
All these changes will be announced of course, and I hope that all of you will follow me at that time.   All of this at the end of the day will hopefully be a benefit to my readers and bring in new ones.
Until then, be safe, and I will talk to you soon.  Be Blessed.

Got Christmas Cash...Stock up on supplies

(Photo credit: _kristin_)

One of the joys of Christmas is getting money to play with.  That I got, and I am ready to go.  But wait.  before you go spend that hard earned Christmas cash that great aunt Emma on your hubby's side gave you, because you are a loving great niece in law, think about what you need first.  After all, if she is not a crafter, you do not want her to think you are a spender.  If she is a crafter, go for it, but still think about something nice in the craft department you want to spend it on.  Next think about your supplies, and what is it you consume the most on.  For me, that is score-it tape.  It seems I do not have enough of it, and I need an extra roll in case the big blizzard of 2012 (or is it 2013) comes and snows me in.  Last, if you have anything left, either save it (if the aunt is not a crafter) or use a coupon and buy what's on sale.
So I got my cash present from my dad, and first of all I need a house phone.  Like many people, I still use this thing, and current one has been messing up.  I have not broke down to just use my smartphone as the primary phone, but I am getting one that does not have an answering machine attached to it.  My dad is not a crafter, so that would make him proud.  Next, i need a new score board.  Again, I have not used my trimmer as a score board, and I have the old Score-pal, and it is driving me bats when I follow the instructions on where to score the project, and I do not have that score line.  I have not decided if I want Martha's or the new Score-pal.   The advantage of Martha's over Score-Pal's is the envelope feature, which I really do not need since I have at least two Cricut Cartridges that have envelopes on them.   I have a 30% coupon from Archiver's, so I will see.   Whatever's left, I may get a couple of supplies or save, or go to the casino with it next week. (Yes Columbus has a casino and a racino (horse track casino).
So you can have your supplies and have fun at the same time.  Look for deals, but stay within your budget,and enjoy your new toys (I mean supplies).  Be blessed.

In Abbreviated Mode

Hello, this is to let you know that I am on an abbreviated work schedule from today through the New Year.  I will be back in full swing of things starting January 7, 2013 (I cannot believe it is almost here).   I am also putting my Etsy shop on vacation until that time as well.   In the meantime, you all have a Merry Christmas, and a happy 2013. 

Interesting Garland Making Ideas

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

..."The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nickolas will soon to be there."   This is one of the lines in The Night Before Christmas and rightfully so.  Today, I have invited a guest blogger Named Rita, who will to show you some interesting garland idea for your tree or around the house.

Christmas is probably the most sparkly and fun holiday we have the pleasure of experiencing every year. It is a time when families get together, religious people express their faith, everyone shows their love and affection by presenting gifts, trees light up, colourful lights flicker all around and the walls get new garland outfits!

Today’s markets present us with ample choice when it comes to Christmas decorations. New and more intricate designs are brought forth every year making the shopping and decorating process all the more fun. There are some enthusiasts among us, however, who like to do some of the things themselves. If you are one of those and are wondering what kind of garlands to make this year, you might want to review these simple yet beautiful ideas.

If you prefer the natural approach to things and the lovely smell of evergreens on Christmas day morning, you can fashion an evergreen garland using only evergreen trimmings, scissors, floral wire and twine. First you need to cut the trimmings to about 6 inches and collect them in small bundles with the stems pointing in the same direction. Cut a piece of the twine as long as you want your garland to be, make a loop at the end of it and attach the wire there. Then attach your evergreen bundles one at a time, securing them to the string with the wire. When you are done, make a knot between the wire and the string.

Another great garland idea is with pom poms made of yarn. Of course, it can be done with any type of yarn but to remain true to the Christmas spirit, you should use a sparkly one. You can use a pom pom making tool, or you can make one yourself: First you need to cut two “doughnuts” out of cardboard. Keeping them together, you wrap the yarn around until you make a nice big fluffy doughnut. Then you cut the yarn between the two cardboard pieces with scissors and add a string of yarn between them. Then you pull the cardboards on each side, fluff up your pom pom and you are done. After that all you have to do is tie your pom poms to another yarn string and your garland is ready.

A similar technique is used for paper or tissue pom poms. You can use holiday paper napkins, or wrapping paper, cut them into rectangles, tie them with a string in the middle and then spread the separate layers to make it look like a pom pom. Again, you then tie the separate pom poms to a string of your choosing.

Anything you attach to a string can become a Christmas garland. After all, all it takes is a little sparkle so stock up on gold and silver spray paints, colourful brocade and anything else you can think of and turn, for example, ordinary white print paper into golden leaves hanging above the family portrait. All you need to make a garland beautiful is a large number of similar patterns stuck together. You can really get creative and put anything you like – Christmas cards, popcorn sprayed with silver, snowman pictures, flowers, etc. In order for your Christmas decorations to be truly yours, they have to come from within your own hearth and mind.

Rita Rova writes arts and crafts articles for Oz-Coupons.com, the Australian coupon code website that lists the latest discounts for arts and crafts supplies.