Pages

Saturday, September 25, 2010

September Blog Hop


This month for the BLOG HOP we are suppose to focus on tips, tricks, tutorials or ideas we have learned from fellow crafters.  I learn everyday from all of my fellow crafters and here are a few things that I did this week using tips, tricks and tutorials that I have learned along the way.


I wanted to make a notebook for someone and wanted to use my mat stack 1 die but felt that since I was not using a stamp that would give me a boarder I needed one.   When that thought entered my over crowded mind thankfully 2 conversations were still up front so I did not have to put too much brain power into my solution.  In this post from Ingrid and this post from Laurie you can see how they had a boarder around the mat stack.  I asked and the answer was to flip over the die trace and hand cut.  Quick, easy and looks great.  Here is a photo of the notebook that I made with the mat stack and boarder.

I have to say that I love how this notebook turned out and the leaf paper with my rock and roll technique 

The next project for the Blog Hop is a tea cozy that I adapted from a tutorial by Dawn.  I do not often make something for me but since I am a total Chai Tea Latte FREAK I thought I should have something cute and perky for my yummy tea.  I only get this as a treat on my way to work and that is usually only twice a week.  They have some of these for sale in Starbucks but they are grey and BORING!!!
The flowers were placed perfect for my hand so I do not have to put my fingers over them ...... my sewing on this is not perfect........ it is kinda quirky like me!!!  

And last but for sure not least.  I was visiting Jenn K's blog a month or so ago and she has a tutorial on there about how she did her PTI stamps.  I have been having issues with my stamps and CD cases for some time and I had to do something ASAP.  I have always been a notebook kinda girl myself so I started to look for products that would help me accomplish this new storage system.  I knew I would use top load sheet protectors because that is what I use in my kitchen and I LOVE THEM!!!  My hang up was what I was going to use for the stamps.  I finally found these and they work perfectly!!!  I slice off the bottom that is sealed and about 1/8th inch on the opening side.  This has changed my life of stamping.  For the sets that I already had I printed the stamp set photo off the website but now all my new sets I adhere the label to a piece of white printer paper.  I love having the white backing because that helps me see the image or sentiment.  I love how easy I can flip through my stamps and I can combine so that helps me with space.  I can get 3 background sets into one sleeve and it is not over crowded at all.  I can put 4 Fillable Frames in one sleeve and 2 YOF on 1 page.  I like that for these 2 particular sets because the sentiments can be used with the frame or the flower and I can have them all grouped together and just flip between 2 or 3 pages. I typed out what sets I have in each binder and slipped it right in so I know exactly where everything is located.  I saved the file so if I do need to change anything it will be very easy.

Here is a photo of the page with Fillable Frames


And here you can see the notebooks put away in my cabinet and the area that I have to be creative.
This is a 100 year old built in that was originally the Butler's Pantry in our house.
The drawers under the work surface are filled with ribbon in one and my hand made paper for books in the other.
The doors below swing open and I have my cricut, cuttlebug, ext all under there.
I cannot wait to have a space that is a bit larger.  I have the storage but the depth of the work surface is only 12 inches.  I cleaned up a bit for the photo ....... it never looks like this.







Oh and that foot on the wall is for reflexology.  Since I am a massage therapist I love studying all different types of healing and I tend to surround myself with books and photos that I can refer to on a regular basis...... I really need to get my books out tomorrow and get some acupuncture points down to help out one of my clients this week.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!!

xoxox
Sue Ann


69 comments:

Keva said...

Sue Ann, I TOTALLY needed to know about the mat behind the die. I will use that very soon. Thanks so much.

Your notebook is great. I really like the colors and I love the cup cozy. That binder idea is genius, too.

Laurie said...

Your notebook is gorgeous! I love those leaves! The cozy is too cute!! Great projects here! (Thanks for the shout out!) ;)

Rhonda said...

Love the mat behind the die. I'm also changing my stamps to binders. Love the projects.

Amy Kolling said...

Ok you certainly gave me a dose of inspiration this early Saturday morning! Your notebook is beautiful and love the rock 'n roll technique sooo much (I almost used that technique for my hop card--hehe). Thanks for sharing pics of your creative space....it's so fun to see where others work!

Sara Mac said...

Wonderful projects Sue Ann. Your leaf paper is stunning -- really, it's amazingly perfect! Love the cozy too.

Taheerah said...

Gorgeous notebook Sue Ann, and really cute cosy too! Great of you to share the storage idea as well, I really need to get organised with my stamps!

Anonymous said...

What a fun post with so much to look at!!!! =)
Love the altered goodies too! And you know what..I think I'll start today with a cup of tea (something I almost never do unless its a cold December morning and its going to be in the 90's here today! LOL!) getting off topic..
GREAT projects, thanks SO much for sharing!!!

Debby said...

Lovely projects. Thanks for sharing. And I too need to look at my stamp storage!

Paul said...

Like the notebook a lot and the storage ideas are great. This is the first time I've been able to participate with the PTI fun being from Wales so the time difference never allowed. I'm also new to PTI products and have only just had my first order so am having loads of fun seeing what others create with the items.
TFS
Paul
http://craftyblogocks.blogspot.com/

IamDerby said...

Awesome Sueann! So many great things going on here but my favorite is that card, Lovely!

Aimes said...

Mmmmm that notepad hits my weak spot for all things autumnal! Gorgeous!
Oh how I wish I was that organised with my stamping stash!
Hugs,
Aimes
x

Cathy Weber said...

I had to read your post twice to take in all of your great work. I had never heard about flipping over the die and tracing it. Great tip. Your rock n roll technique was perfect and I love the tea cozy. A+ for this challenge Sue Ann.

Debbie said...

Great post! Especially love the starbucks cozy! :)

Anonymous said...

I signed up to follow you! I've so enjoyed how cute you have been commenting on everyone's blogs and you just seem wonderful and I already like you! hehe! Plus I am a SAHM to 3 as well (2B and 1G).
And I also wanted to come back and let you know, don't know why I didn't think to say, that yes, my die cuts were from Cricut, the Create a Critter cartridge!
Hope to be coming by more often!

Leah

Anonymous said...

I signed up to follow you! I've so enjoyed how cute you have been commenting on everyone's blogs and you just seem wonderful and I already like you! hehe! Plus I am a SAHM to 3 as well (2B and 1G).
And I also wanted to come back and let you know, don't know why I didn't think to say, that yes, my die cuts were from Cricut, the Create a Critter cartridge!
Hope to be coming by more often!

Leah

Huguenot Girl said...

Love all the projects, but particularly the notebook. I especially like how you have stamped the leaves - gorgeous fall colours. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I haven't done much chatting on the PTI MB but have looked around...you'll find me mainly over at the Cricut MB but mostly blogging takes so much time!
Glad we can keep in touch now!
BeeCherryLady is my name on both boards.

LittleSurferGirl said...

Wow, Sue Ann! Your projects are amazing! LOVE the idea to trace the die! YOU will be the person I reference for the next "who inspired you" blog hop! Your cozy makes me want to get Starbucks every day just so I could use one of those! I think a sewing machine will be on my Christmas list this year...
Great Job!
Amy Dann

Debra said...

I LOVE the leaf paper you made for the notebook! All the colors are so bright and fallish. Oh, to be so organized...come visit me please..lol.Great projects.

Cassie_lu said...

wonderful projects and I am really liking the cup cozy. you did a fab job with it.

Kay D said...

Yay Sue Ann, this one rocks! I just love your leaf background (so realistic, I just want to touch it!). Awesome tip on the mat stack die mats, was just wondering the other day if that would work, and Voila, there's my answer!
Thanks!

klarcher said...

Love the notebook, but the cup thingy is terrific. The flowers are so funky. I'm loving all the tips that are being shared

Unknown said...

Love your notebook and the colors that you used.

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

your tea cozy is awesome, would be a great stocking stuffer! Love your storage tips.... such great inspiration floating around here....

Cammie said...

Sue Ann, gorgeous notebook! I am so glad to know how to make a mat for the die cut. It would have taken me forever, if ever, to figure that out. This is definitely a tip I will be using. And the tea cozy is adorable! How smart you are to strategically place the flowers. Finally, I'll be back to check out your organization system. Well, your post has certainly given me a dose of inspiration.

Traveling Mama said...

What cute projects and a fun tour! Hugs from Copenhagen!

Unknown said...

Love all your projects. I tried flipping the die over recently as well - love that tip!

Ginny said...

Sue Ann, love the card, just beautiful! I hadn't heard about using the back on the die to make a little border, you can be sure I'll be using that one in the future!!

Anonymous said...

BeeingCreativeandFeelingCherry...blogspot.com
I think that should be it!
I wonder what is up! However you should just be able to click and follow me just like I did with you..oh wait, I think you did! Hum...wonder if you got it working? I had to take a break and actually do something at home! LOL! But its movie time for the kids and almost naptime for the baby...so I am almost back on the hop! Its 1pm here in Cali!

Jen Carter said...

Super cute projects! Your notebook is adorable! I love the way you used the leaves and how you inked them up to give them depth! Your cozy cup is so cute too! Super cute flowers with buttons! Great work!

Melissa said...

Love your notebook...great tip about the mat for the die, love that! The leaves are gorgeous! Your cup cozy is so cute and how fun is it to see your space?!

Victoria said...

Awesome projects, Sue Ann! I learned something new today about creating a mat for a mat stack die! Thanks! Your coffee cozy is so cool, I've been wanting to make one of those myself (and yes, I agree, chai lattes are the BEST!).

Sue Lelli said...

LOVE that mat behind the die! What a CLEVER idea! LOVE your projects! LOVE your space! LOVE your foot! Going for an hour of reflexology next week - Heaven!!!

Lynn said...

I like your idea for organizing the fillable frames. I use my so often that I keep them right on my stamping desk but I'm always misplacing the tiny images and sentiments. This way I can just flip through the paper to see what each set has. Love that idea. tfs I also love your old cabinet, beautiful!

jen said...

Love your notebook and tea cozy (starbuck chai latte is my fave too!)- going to have to check out your storage more closely... very interested!

peggysue said...

OMG I LOVE seeing other peeps stamping spaces, we're going to be setting up a new space when we move so all these ideas are great! And that tea Starbucks cozy is anything but impersonal, so cute!

Kristii said...

Such awesome projects!!! I love how you decorated the notebook!!! So pretty and will make a wonderful gift!! Your tea cozy is adorable as can be and I think that they would make wonderful gifts too!!! Thank you so much for sharing the storage solutions!!! I have tons of ideas rolling around in my head right now!!! Thank you so much for the inspiration!!!

Kelly S. said...

Oh WOW these are so great Sue Ann! I love that notebook, the mat stack looks great like that and your leaf paper is awesome! Super cute LEATHER cozy, rock on! And your organizational tip was an added bonus, great hop post!

Ravengirl said...

Wow, what a wonderful bunch of projects! The tip about turning the die over and tracing around the outside is invaluable and so timely for me. I just picked up a new set of dies last night!

Ohhh Snap said...

Beautiful notebook and I'm a big fan of quirky sewing too :D. TFS!

Pam W. said...

Genius! I would never have thought to turn the die over to make a mat. I will be trying it for sure. Great job with the coffee cozy.

DF said...

Great notebook! And I LOVE your leaf paper that you created!!

Dana said...

Oh my...where to start? LOVE that notebook...almost as much as the one you made me...almost LOL! (mine is better though!). Second, that cup cozy holder thingie is awesome! I can't see your quirky sewing, but I don't need to anyway.
Love your new storage system too, but the link didn't work...I have the reflexology foot on the wall in my library...we are alike in so many ways girl!

Allison Rankin said...

Terrific altered project...love the autumnal vibe!

Heather Rogers said...

These are amazing! Love your cozy you made. :)

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Wonderful fall theme notebook, love that cozy too!

Gayatri said...

Terrific projects, Sue Ann! I love love your die storage system. I have something similar for embossing folders and impression plates. I have used A5 sleeved folder. But was looking for a system to store the smaller dies. A magnetic sheet inside the sleeve and using your method of storage would keep the smaller dies in place. Thanks for sharing your ideas:)

Teresa said...

Great projects Sue Ann!Love your note book.

Christina said...

Your leaf stamping looks fantastic! Love the rock and roll technique with these. Your tea cozy is also super cute, I just love chai tea in the cooler months!

Nerina said...

Oh my - what an awesome post here, beginning to end! I can honestly say that your leaf paper is the most beautiful I have seen to date it is utterly stunning! Your little coffe wrapper is adorable-ness and your stamp storage is soooo useful! I'm quite overwhelmed by the goodness here!

Deb C said...

I love all your projects and am in total awe that you get more than ONE done for blog hop. I really need to remember that trace and cut technique. Love it!

Anonymous said...

What a great post! So many great ideas and wonderful projects. I would have never thought to turn the die over to get a border mat. Brilliant!

Kara said...

great projects sue ann!! i love the patterned paper you created with leaf prints.....so beautiful:)

Terri said...

Great job on both of them. Love your tip for how to do a double mat with the die. I am definitely going to try that. I also Love the cup holder you made. I am a tea drinker too. Thanks for sharing your new storage solution as well.

Stacie said...

your leaves on the notebook are gorgeous! I wish mine would turn out like that, practice practice. Thanks for the inspiration.

Kelly said...

there is just so much goodness in this post. i think i will definitely use your storage technique!

Babies-Beth said...

Oh my, your leaves are just so, well, fallish and leafy and just so darn perfect! Wow!!

Laura Isham said...

your projects are so inspiring. Love the cozy and the flowers on it. the leaves in your top project are so vibrant. so well done

Ingrid Danvers said...

Wow....great projects, Sue Ann. Love the notebook. It looks gorgeous. The cozy is beautiful too. The flowers are a great touch to it. I didn't participate in the blog hop, because I didn't have time but I love hopping around. I was also triggered by the hits I got from your blog. :-) Thanks for linking to me.

xoxo

Curt in Indy said...

First, I'm so glad you found my blog because now I found you! LOL You are very talented and these projects are wonderful. Your notebook is beautiful! Great storage tip too and really nice of you to share. Also, reading your profile just makes me think that you are one great person. I'm so honored you visited my blog. Best, Curt

Ted said...

Wonderful organization system, Sue Ann! :)

Anonymous said...

Assolutamente d'accordo con lei. L'idea di un bene, sono d'accordo con lei.
Condivido pienamente il suo punto di vista. In questo nulla in vi e credo che questa sia un'ottima idea. Sono d'accordo con te.

Paula Laird said...

Love your projects! And I'm SO glad you posted the tip about the dies! I will be doing that! I've been so sad they didn't mat!

Jessica said...

Love the idea you used for the notebook - it looks great! Yes, corner chomper is a must have! ;) Thanks for visitng my blog.

colleenk said...

WOW! so INSPIRING! I cant wait to try that mat behind the die!!! And those leaves are soo pretty! Love the felt holder too! I try to make my sewing quirky too..it gives it personality!

Adele Fowler said...

love all the different coloured leafs!! :)

BethieJ said...

Sue Ann I LOVE all your goodies shared!! (I LOVE that trick... I heard it for nesties.. never thought to use it for my PTI too!) and that cozy soooo CUTE!!!
Have a GREAT day!

Lynn Put said...

What a beautiful note book and fun coffee cup holder! I love the rich fall colors on your note book and what a great idea your coffee cup cozy is, very fun!

Erica said...

I really like the idea of matting the die cut! Your tea cozy is fabulous!