Hello – and welcome to the Happy Stampers Blog Hop for March. Our theme today is Spring or Easter and….organizing and storing your crafting supplies. I decided to do an Easter project for you and, since I’m not actually at home….I’m going to show you my crafting-area-away-from-crafting-area in the hotel. It’s not gorgeous, but it works! A bunch of us are sharing with you today, so be sure to check out their blogs when you’re done here. And, in the spirit of blog hops everywhere (and chocolate-filled Easter Baskets!) – we’ve all got a little blog candy to give away, too!
So, settle in – get you a cuppa something hot, and let’s get started. I saw a card on Pinterest with a technique that intrigued me, so that was my starting point today. I used the beautiful Indescribable Gift stamp set and I kept the card quite clean and simple. Take a look-see:
I cut an oval from a piece of Whisper White card stock with my new Ovals Framelit Dies. This piece I adhered – very lightly with a little dab o’ SNAIL – to another piece of the white card stock. I didn’t want it permanently stuck down yet – just needed it to hold still while I stamped and colored it. Then, I inked up the pretty flower image with Blackberry Bliss Ink, and stamped it on the layered piece – making sure to get the stamp part way on and part way off the oval. That’s total permission to go OUTSIDE the lines!
With my image stamped, I colored it in with my new Stampin’ Write Markers. I used Sahara Sand on the branches; Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride and Calypso Coral on the flowers; Wild Wasabi and Pear Pizzazz on the leaves; and some Daffodil Delight for the stamen in the open flowers. I was really worried that without the Blendabilities, it would be awfully difficult to get the shading and blending that I wanted. But, I just worked kind of quickly and in small areas – and I think it turned out quite pretty!
You can see from the picture above that to permanently adhere the oval, I used SU Dimensionals. I love the 3-dimensional look it gave the card! I SNAIL’d the layered art piece to a mat of Wild Wasabi CS (love the Blackberry Bliss combo with the Wild Wasabi!) and then wrapped a strand of the velvet “ribbon” from the Artisan Embellishment Kit (Occasions Catalog) around it twice, securing it in the back with some tape. I debated a little bow, and decided against it – I like the kind of tailored look of the plain ribbon. I decorated the largest flower center with a tiny Pearl Basic Jewel and popped the entire piece onto the Blackberry Bliss card base with some more Dimensionals – and the front was done!
The inside got a piece of Whisper White card stock, that I stamped in Blackberry Bliss with the Indescribable Gift sentiment and another image of the flowers. Then I colored in this flower the same way I did the front. And that was it. Done!
And then… I made a fateful mistake. I decided it was time to have a little lunch. So, I carefully placed my lovely card into my “photo booth” – you’ll see a picture of it down below – and got myself a little bowl of ramen noodles. I returned to my spot on the sofa – the photo booth was on the table next to said sofa. As I was going to sit down, the fork in the ramen bowl…flipped. I promise, it did a double half-gainer, twist with a curl, and then a backwards somersault – the Russian judge gave it a 10! And where do you suppose it ended up? Yup. It flew OVER the side of the “photo booth” and landed inside. Smack. Dab. On. My. Beautiful. Card. Ramen noodles. On my card. And I can tell you what, folks – there ain’t no getting that off. No way no how. So – the pretty card you see in this post is actually the SECOND iteration. I said “Golly!” a few times. If you catch my drift!
Anyway – note to self. “Photo Booth” and card must be VERY far from Mary and food. I have a similar issue with t-shirts, but…that’s a ‘nother story! I think the card turned out very nice the second time, too!
So – on to the second part of our hop for today. As you all know, I’ve been on an extended business trip for a while now – and will be for a while longer! But, I just could NOT bear the thought of not being able to stamp and make cards and blog while I was gone. So….I boxed up all my Stampin’ Up! supplies – yes, even the Big Shot (don’t leave home without it!) – and mailed it all to myself at the hotel. When I walked into the room, here’s what I had to work with:
Well, that’s a nice spot to eat a little bite of dinner – but it’s sure no crafting spot! I went down to the front desk and asked them if they had a banquet table that I could borrow for my time here. The next day, when I got home from work, I had the exact thing I was looking for. I spent a few minutes unpacking and arranging and re-arranging and organizing and….here’s what I’m working with now:
It’s not too bad, really. If I could change something, I’d have a desk chair that rolls – that would make it easier to turn around for my “stuff” behind me while I’m working. But, it’s okay! You can see my “photo booth” on the left side in the bright light. Here’s what it looks like:
It’s just a few pieces of white card stock, taped together, with my Ott Lite over the top of it. Actually, I use the same setup at home – but I have two Ott Lites there. I didn’t want to try to ship both of them. (I got this “photo booth” idea from Amy Koenders’ blog – thanks, Amy!) Just beware – it is NOT up to the challenge of ramen noodles. Just sayin’.
Here’s what I store my stuff in – I have one for ink pads, embossing folders/dies and for embellishments. It’s an ever-renewing resource at my house/hotel…..
Works pretty good – has a lid. Doesn’t travel well – “lost” one in the transition from home to hotel. Sadly, that means I’ll be forced to keep eating a biscotti with my morning coffee. Darn the luck! 😉
So there you have it. I have great aspirations to a beautiful crafting room with oodles and boodles of perfectly organized storage from Ikea and Stampin’ Up and http://www.stampnstorage.com. But for now, I have my SU! things and a place to use them – I’m good! 🙂
We’re down to the wire for Sale-A-Bration folks – don’t miss out! SAB ends next Tuesday, 31 Mar! You can see a final update from my latest blog post from last Tuesday here.
If you’ve stuck with me this far, let me tell you about the….
BLOG CANDY BLOG CANDY BLOG CANDY!!!
You got a little sneak peak at my offering for today in my “Photo Booth” picture above. Here’s a better look:
That’s a package of Tangelo Twist Baker’s Twine, Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers, and the very fun Painted Blooms Thick Twine. And it can be yours! Leave a comment below and tell me your favorite storage or craft organization solution. It can be one you HAVE or one you COVET! Leave your comment before 7 AM ET on Tuesday, 31 Mar 15 and you’ll be entered to win. I’ll have the random number generator pick a comment on Tuesday morning and then I’ll announce the winner on my blog that day! Please note, anyone is welcome to leave me a comment but I am only able to ship the blog candy items to addresses within the United States. Thanks for your understanding.
With that, scroll down right quick-like and leave your Blog-Candy-entering-comment and then come back up here and check out the other stops on the Blog Hop. It’s a talented group, so be sure to check all of them out! I hope that you’ve enjoyed my share today – have fun “hopping”!
To hop back to Amy Koenders’ Blog, click the Back arrow button. To move forward to Sandi MacIver’s Blog, click the Forward arrow button.
In case you get lost along the way, here is a list of the Happy Stampers Team Members who are joining in this blog hop:
Amy Koenders – www.stampwithAmyK.com
Mary Deatherage – http://www.stampsnlingers.com <<<<You are here!
Sandi MacIver – www.stampingwithsandi.com
Heather Van Looy – www.handcraftingwithheather.com
Enjoy!
TTFN and LLAP
Mary
March 1 – 31 HOSTESS CODE: 33QPV23V Use this hostess code when you order and receive a free gift from me! But, if your order is over $150, please do not use this code (you’ll miss out on your own Stampin’ Rewards/Hostess $$ if you use it) but you’ll still get the free gift. The free gift for March is your choice of any item valued up to $4.95 in either the 2014-15 Annual Catalog or the 2015 Occasions Catalog!
WEEKLY DEALS 24 Mar – 30 Mar 15 Click here to see the Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! in my online store. The Weekly Deals are only while supplies last and only available at these great prices through 30 Mar.
Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog
Purchase a 3-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription during Sale-A-Bration and Save – PLUS You’ll Get a free Sale-A-Bration Item!
Stampin’ Up! has put the 3-month prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions on sale during Sale-A-Bration. You can purchase the 3-month subscription for $54.85 ($5 off the regular price) and if you purchase one of these, you automatically qualify for a free Sale-a-bration item! You can see the prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription options in my online store here.
STAMPIN’ UP! PRODUCTS USED IN TODAY’S PROJECT:
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Earn FREE Stampin’ Up! Products – Join my Punkin Head Peppermint Rewards – My online customer thank you program!
BLENDABILITIES DISCONTINUED
You’ve been reading that the Blendies have been on ordering hold, due to quality issues in manufacturing. Due to the nature of the defect, Stampin’ Up! has concluded that difficulties, dissatisfaction, and product returns will only become more widespread. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem in a manner the company is certain would meet our high quality standards and provide us with a stable, long-term solution. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation and in order to prevent further disappointment, the Blendabilities product line has been discontinued. If you have Blendabilities that you feel are defective, please let me know and I’ll guide you through what to do next. Hopefully SU will find a new source for alcohol markers – you’ll know just as soon as I do!
Backorder Report – as of 25 Mar 15
Currently, the following items are on BACKORDER; backordered items will be available on or before the date indicated.
131297: Coastal Cabana 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
131295: Strawberry Slush 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
131296: Baked Brown Sugar 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
131294: Pistachio Pudding 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
131201: Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
131198: Blushing Bride 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 26
139097: Nature’s Perfection Wood Stamp Set–March 26
131203: Soft Sky 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–March 27
131188: Smooth Regals Collection 12″ x 12″ Cardstock–March 27
135804: Whisper White Cut & Ready Card Bases–March 26
105225: So Saffron Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill–March 26
122934: Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill–March 26
137414: Bow Builder Punch–March 27
137364: Happy Heart Textured Impressions Embossing Folder–April 3
137366: Berry Basket Bigz L Die–April 3
131197: Bermuda Bay 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock–TBD
Currently, the following items are NOT ORDERABLE:
137360: Butterflies Thinlits Die
139322: Butterfly Bundle (Wood)
139323: Butterfly Bundle (Clear)
138865: Butterfly Bundle (Photopolymer)
137898: Calypso Coral Pompom Trim
127811: 1-1/4″ Scallop Circle Punch
129381: Ovals Collection Framelits
Currently, the following items have LOW INVENTORY and will move to the “Not Orderable” list (above) once our current inventory is depleted:
122332: Crumb Cake 1/2″ Seam Binding Ribbon
120279: Clear-Block Storage Caddy
126189: Paper-Piercing Tool
127526: Elegant Butterfly Punch
137363: Hello You Thinlits
137909: Artisan Embellishment Kit
Inky Bee Stampers
KarensCardCorner
Stamp with Amy K
Stamp With Nel
Stampin With Shirley G
Tarabeth Stamps
TL's Bright Spot
i have not tried this technique yet, but someday will be brave. i love your story and would also take stamping supplies if gone for a weekend, but have no idea how i would pack up for an extended trip. as it is, i always take too much to crops (though my friends are always borrowing tools :). you have two great talents as i see it, artist and story teller. thanks for both!
My goodness! What a wonderful compliment! I always worry that I’m being too chatty and might ought to just put out the facts, ma’am, nothing but the facts. And then I just ramble on. Thanks for the validation! DO try the technique – it is beyond easy. And the results are so cool! I very much appreciate you stopping by and leaving such kind words, JoAnn. Thank you. 🙂
Beautiful card! And I love your setup in the hotel. I covet the stamp and storage units. I store my card stock in job ticket holders by color family in a big crate. I find the crate is study enough to hold the weight of the cardstock easily.
Thanks for sharing your craft!
Thank you, Maureen! Amy Koenders uses the job ticket holders as well – sounds like that’s a good technique for card stock. And I love the idea of them being in a big crate. Perfect! Thanks for stopping by and leaving us a tip! 🙂
So enjoyed your account of such a little known activity, who knew there was such an event. Never score that high again, I venture to say. Loved the card ( the second one). Thanks for the storage tips, I just try to have everything I use at my finger tips. I have several turn style holders and trays on my work table they hold almost everything I use, my paper is in the magazine holders turned on it’s side.
Hope your home soon.
Nope – that was a one-time high score in the Ramen-Flipping World Cup, I’m sure! 🙂 Agree – just having everything right where you can 1) see it so that you can remember you have it and 2) GET it easily – that’s the trick. Sounds like you’ve got a pretty solid system in place! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to leave a comment, Seletta!