We Will Always Have Paris

Finish It Friday: 25 Days of December 2008 (Days 16 - 20)

This book is going to be the death of me.  However, I am feeling compelled to finish it so that I can cross JUST ONE THING off of my "Unfinished Projects" list.  I'm almost done!

 

Day 16:  I used jump rings to attach a swing out page.  The photos are of our old Christmas LPs (inherited from hubby's grandmother) and our record player.

Day 17:  I'm at the point now where some of these pages need to be plain & simple.  Otherwise they'll never get done.  One photo and some journaling.  Done.

 
Day 18:  It is easy to find DVD and music CD images on the internet.  Here I used the DVD front for the movie "Elf".  I trimmed it to fit on a clear CD (it came on top of a pile of blank DVD-Rs I had purchased).  I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch holes in the disc & placed it as a page in my book.

 
Day 19:  I used an old Jolee's Boutique wreath on the back of the CD.  I added a handmade tag. Done!

 

Day 20:  No Christmas would be complete without a picture of my Baby G. screaming hysterically at the sight of Santa.  Good times. 

So, I only need to complete 5 more days & I can check this one off the list!!  It feels good.  I'm thinking of making this a weekly challenge to my readers.  Who's in?? 
 
 
 
 

Two For Tuesday: Sand Paste & Felt Roses

I'm changing things up here at "We Will Always Have Paris".  In an effort to, oh, I don't know... actually do some paper crafting, I'm changing my "Friday's Favorite Five" posting to a "Finish It Friday" posting.  I have a lengthy laundry list (see the right column of my main page) of things that I have half-assed worked on over the past few years.  My goal is to focus on cranking out some of these projects this year.  I can free up the space being taken up by these half-completed works & actually feel good about finishing something!  Plus, my girlfriend Amy might actually get the graduation book I started for her when she received her doctorate in 2003.  2003, people.  Seriously.

Instead of my "Friday's Favorite Five" postings, I'm going to start writing a "Two For Tuesday" post.  Same idea, just fewer things on a different day.  So, without further ado, here are the two things I don't think you can live without this week:

1.  MudPuddles Sandcastle Book Kit:   I first heard about MudPuddles on the Paperclipping Roundtable podcast.  MudPuddles creates a sand paste that you can apply to most anything.  Once it dries, it feels just like sand.  Those of you who are familiar with embossing paste are gonna love this!  Unfortunately, the stuff is just plain hard to find.  You can find the paste at www.scrapbook.com (most of it is backordered) or you can buy a kit directly from MudPuddles via E-Bay.  The full $25 kit has a ClearScraps sand castle album, one applicator and five jars of your choice of paste.   

If this hasn't sold you, take a look at this:

This was made using the MudPuddles sand paste and a ClearScraps album.  I saw this & thought of you Larcy!  If you're interested, you can order custom made (up to 8 letters) chipboard books for $2.99/page.  Suni, I think we should order albums that say "Rohoboth" and make them together one weekend!

 
2.  Purlbee's Felt Rose Tutorial:  I stumbled upon this website a couple of weeks ago & I am obsessed with these little roses.  Her amazing tutorial includes step by step photos and a printable pattern.  I whipped up my first rose a week & a half ago and I even convinced my little tomboy, Baby G. to wear one in her hair:

 
Now, if you're going to invest the time in making these beauties, please invest the money in some decent felt.  Don't buy the craft felt you find at Michaels or Wal-Mart.  You'll want good quality felt.  I buy mine from Etsy seller FeltCraftStudio.  Once you order, it takes a while to get your stuff (the orders are shipped from Australia), but it is well worth the wait.  

Let me know if you've been inspired to use the sand paste or make one of these roses (I'm thinking of putting them on a nice sweater)!  

Tutorial: 5-Layer Tiered Paper Ladybug Cake

I promised a brief tutorial on the time capsule/centerpiece I made for Baby A's first birthday.  Well, here it is:

1.  Gather your supplies.  You'll need a papier mache cake (I have a handful left in my store),  You'll need paint, paint brushes, adhesive for the paper (I chose Mod Podge this time, but in the past I've used my Xyron 850) and embellishments of your choice.

2.    Pull aside the bases for each of the five tiers.  Decide what papers you want to use on each one.   Then decide what color you want to paint each of the tops (so that they coordinate with the bases).  I chose a black paper with white polka dots from Chatterbox, red/white gingham from Karen Foster Designs, eyelet paper from Making Memories & an unknown ladybug paper I've had for forever.

 
3.  Paint the papier mache lids with acrylic paints.  Any old acrylic paint will do.  I chose red, white & black to go with the papers I had pre-selected.

4.  Measure the height of each base & trim your paper accordingly.  Here the base is 2", so I trimmed my 12" x 12" down to 2" x 12".  On some of your larger bases, you may have to use two pieces of 6" x 12" to have it wrap all the way around.  Adhere your paper with your favorite adhesive.  I've used Xyron in the past, but this time I used plain old Mod Podge.  Liquid adhesives (such as Mod Podge) give you additional flexibility if you don't get your paper down right the first time.

5.  Once everything dries, start embellishing: 

(Here I covered Fancy Pants chipboard leaves with green patterned paper & painted the edges.  I added a wooden ladybug I had purchased at Wal-Mart.  To plus it up, I added Diamond Glaze and Doodlebug Designs glitter to the ladybug's dots)

(Another wooden ladybug rests on top of the first layer.  I had her sitting on a chipboard leaf.  I used a black sharpie marker for the polka dots on the first layer & then added Diamond Glaze & black glitter.  To make the top sparkle on the second & fifth layers, I added Diamond Glaze and clear glitter.)

 
(The monogram is from Colorbok.  I covered it with patterned paper & then painted the edges.  I punched holes using my Crop-A-Dile & added large red eyelets.  I tied it onto the tier with plain white tulle -- you can find it by the roll in the wedding section of most craft stores.)

There you go!  One ladybug cake, ready to be used as a centerpiece for her first birthday party and then as a time capsule to be opened on her 18th birthday.  We plan to fill it with contemporary things that will seem like antiques in 17 years -- imagine how huge a Blackberry will look in 2027!  I'm hoping to gather handwritten letters from friends & family for her to open when she's an adult. 

I made a similar cake back in 2006 for Baby G's first birthday and I am so thrilled that my grandmother wrote her a letter for her time capsule.  My grandmother died in early 2008, so that letter will be truly cherished (it is killing me to not open it now!).  Who knows what treasures will await Baby A. in her time capsule!

Ladybug, Ladybug...

When I started decorating the nursery for Baby A., I fell in love with all of the little ladybug baby things available at the time.  Ladybugs seemed to be all over the place -- in home decor, in fashion -- everywhere!  The girls' room was decorated in sky blue, pink & red, with ladybugs popping up here & there:

With her first birthday approaching, it only seemed appropriate that her party have a ladybug theme:

Her invitation

A 5-layer heart-shaped paper cake as the centerpiece. 

 

The cake will also serve as her time capsule to open on her 18th birthday. 

I've punched out a ton of black circles to tape up on my red dining room walls (very ladybug-ish). 

Streamers, plates, napkins, etc. have all been purchased.  Now, if we could just get rid of this darn snow to celebrate the big day!

I'll try to post "how to" pictures for the cake later this weekend.  I only have a handful of cakes left in my store.  Once they are gone, they're gone -- the vendor is no longer in business (damn economy!). 

Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop: Business Card Box

 
The featured die for this week's Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop is the Business Card Box.  What a perfect time of year to feature this die!  I'm sending gift cards to my brother and niece back home in Arizona.  Rather than tucking them into a boring old Christmas card, how cute is this?:

The die cuts the matboard perfectly, scoring each folding crease.  I trimmed Basic Grey "Eskimo Kisses" paper to cover the front, back & flap.  To seal the box shut, I used the extra snap that came with a maternity coat I purchased last year.  The snap is strong and makes for an sturdy seal.  I adhered it using Judi-Kins Diamond Glaze:

To create the circle embellishment on the front flap, I punched the deer out of the back of the "Eskimo Kisses" paper and mounted it on a circle cut from matboard using Sizzix's "Circles" die.  I adhered the embellishment using Terrifically Tacky Tape.

The box is incrediby simple to make & my mind is overflowing with ideas for this cute little die -- mini homemade gift cards for my hubby (i.e. "good for one get out of changing the baby's diaper free" card), flash cards for my daughter, and so much more!

The die is available for pre-order and if you order now, you can take 25% off the MSRP.  Great deal!

To see some other ideas for this die, just continue on the blog hop and check out these other artists:

Eileen Hull

Jennifer Ellefson

Karen Burniston

Violette

Ann Butler

Denise Clason

Debra Quartermain

Bonnie Bruns

Niki Meiners

Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop: Notebook Pocket

 
I'm thrilled to join in on the 4th round of the Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop.  This week's featured die is the Notebook Pocket.  Soooo many possibilities....  I only had half an hour to create tonight, but these dies are so incredibly easy to work with that it took me no time at all to whip this up:

 

The die is meant to cut matboard, thus allowing you to make a sturdier project.  Perfect for a refrigerator notepad!  I live in a house full of paper, yet I can never seem to find a scrap when I'm trying to scribble down a message when I'm on the phone.  I've bought dozens of magnetic backed paper pads, but they all seem to tear and fall apart on my refrigerator.  This beauty is now on the front of the fridge & I'll always have a piece of paper when I need it!

The die automatically scores your matboard, allowing you to fold it into shape quite easily.

I covered the front of the box with Basic Grey "Dasher" paper, and then cut a different pattern of "Dasher" using Sizzix' Top Note die (available only through Stampin' Up!).  I cut the die cut into two pieces and then corseted them together using eyelets and ribbon:

 
There are endless possibilities for this die.  To check out additional ideas, please continue on the blog hop:

Eileen Hull

Barbara Mattheissen

Fabrizio Martellucci

Denise Clason

Jennifer Ellefson

Ann Butler

Candice WIndham

Brenda Pennick

Karen Burniston

Bonnie Bruns

To see my previous entry in the first week of the blog hop (Box with Flap -- Perfect for your own playing cards!), click here.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Project: Menu Board

Last month I bought a $2.00 non-descript mirror at my daughter's pre-school yard sale.  I couldn't wait to get home & re-purpose it as a menu board in my kitchen.  This is what I started with:

I carefully removed the mirror, flipped it over and painted the backside with black chalkboard paint (found at my local Home Depot).  I've painted several things with chalkboard paint lately & I've discovered a few tricks to make things go smoothly:

• It will take several layers to get a nice heavy coat.  Apply your first coat in one direction.  Allow it to fully dry (1 to 3 days), before adding another coat.  If your first coat was vertical, make your second coat horizontal.  Again, allow it to fully dry before adding another coat.  Your third coat should be the the same direction as your first.
• I used a foam brush and a light hand & I found that I didn't have nearly as many lines as a traditional bristle brush.  When you're making a chalkboard, you really don't want any lines.

While my mirror/chalkboard dried, I cleaned the frame and liberally wiped it down with a rubbing alcohol-soaked towel.  Once the alcohol had evaporated, I began painting my frame bright white (to go with my kitchen).  I applied numerous layers to get a nice professional finish.

Once both the frame and the mirror/chalkboard were dry, I carefully inserted the chalkboard into the frame (the mirror is still on the back, if I ever decide to use it again). and hung it in my kitchen.

I couldn't wait to pull out my chalk ink markers and plan out this week's menu!:

I'm off to make tonight's dinner....
 
 

Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop: Box With Flap

I was absolutely delighted when my friend Eileen Hull asked me to participate in a promotional blog hop to launch the new dies she recently designed for Sizzix.  As many of you are aware, I adore Sizzix.  I always have.  I use their dies on nearly every project I make.  Love, love, love them.

Eileen's new ScoreBoard dies take diecutting to an entirely new level.  These dies are meant to cut through matboard, allowing you to maintain a stiff surface -- perfect for boxes, frames and so much more!  I received my first pack of materials for the promo last week & I couldn't wait to start creating! 

We're really big on "family fun" time in our house.   After I made my pre-schooler scavenger hunt tin a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to make a deck of family fun "idea" cards to use during the evenings before bed.  When I received the ScoreBoard "Box With Flap", I knew that it would be perfect for my "Family Fun" box.   The box was incredibly easy to put together and decorate. The folds were pre-scored when the die was run through the Sizzix.  Easy peasy.

To cover the front/sides/top/bottom of the box in pattened paper, I trimmed paper down to the following measurements:  Front & Back = 2.5" x 3 11/16"; Sides = 3 11/16" x 5/8"; Top & Bottom = 2.5" x 3/4".  I discovered that the Marvy Mega Craft oval punch (the pink one!) allowed me to perfectly cut the semi-circle in my patterned paper on the front of my box. 

 
I created cards describing all sorts of family activities -- science experiments, playground games, nature, arts & crafts, etc. and filled the box up.  It's ready to go for tomorrow night.  Instead of turning on the TV, we'll grab a card & play!

I was really impressed with the durability of this box.  Because it is cut from matboard instead of cardstock, it is nice and sturdy.  It's actually sturdier than a regular box of cards.  It should be able to hold up to the years of abuse ahead of it from two little girls hellbent on choosing their "family fun" activity for the night.  I have big plans for using this die in the years ahead.  It is so incredibly versatile that I can imagine dozens of little games for my girls or gifts for my friends & family.  I can't wait until it is released in December!  I've found a website that is allowing you to pre-order yours at 25% off.  Click here to take advantage of this fantastic deal!!

Supplies used:  Die cut "Box With Flap", Sizzix; Patterned paper, All My Memories; Rub on letters, American Crafts; brad, American Crafts; flowers, Prima; magnetic closures, Basic Grey, ribbon, unknown.

Now that you've seen what I was able to do with the new ScoreBoard "Box With Flap", please follow along on the bloghop and take a look at some other amazing samples:

• Jenn Ellefson
• Ann Butler
• Eileen Hull
• Karen Burniston

Join me again in two weeks when the bloghop features the new Cupcake Ruffle ScoreBoard die.  I knew that would get your attention Jennie G.!  Yummy!

Project Idea: Pre-Schooler Scavenger Hunt Tin

Now that most of Baby G's friends have taken off for Kindergarten, leaving her behind, I've been desperate to find activities to fill her day.  Non-SpongeBob activities.  I had picked up a couple of playing card tins from my friend Darlene (thanks Darlene!) at a recent crop and I finally had a use for them!

I took about 50 pictures of random things around our house.  I limited it to the stuff on one floor (so I can keep an eye on her when she plays the game, without having to traipse up & down the stairs) -- a cordless phone, chapstick, a spoon, refrigerator magnets, her favorite toys, etc. 

I then printed the photos (wallet size) and trimmed them down to 2" x 2.5".  I then mounted the photos on cardstock cut to playing card size (2.5" x 3.5").  I rounded the corners on the "playing cards" using my Zutter Round-It-All.

I decorated the playing card tin using Basic Grey Bittersweet papers & stickers, ribbon & tulle.

With this one little tin, we've been able to come up with hours & hours of entertainment.  I can deal out 10 cards at a time & hand them to Baby G. and have uninterrupted (read: UNINTERRUPTED!) time to do dishes, fold laundry, etc. while she scours the house for her treasures.  We've changed the game up a bit on occassion, with parent/child races to see who can find all of the items in their stack of cards first.  This week I started having her tell me what letter the item starts with as she brings me the treasure.

I can always refresh the game by taking new pictures and adding new cards.  It takes virtually no time.  I've discovered that adding pictures of different refrigerator magnets (particularly the different letters of the alphabet) really beefs up the game.  Also, I took pics of her TinkerToys in various assemblages, and she has to make the same shape on the card before she brings it to me.  That really slows her down!! :)  She loves the game because it is her stuff.

 

I'm back to working on my 25 Days of December book.  I kinda think I need to get it done before another December rolls around... Hopefully I'll have pics for you this week!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Remember this project from last year??  I finally found a new vendor for the papier mache cones and I placed my order this morning.  They should arrive by the end of the week.  I only ordered a limited amount (12 sets) and they are in the Flea Market right now.  First come, first serve.

Each paper cone set will include three cones:  a 12" cone, a 16" cone and an 18" cone.  Because they are packaged together, I can't easily break the cones up & sell them individually.  However, once you make one, you'll want to make more!!  When they arrive, they'll look like this:

For the full instructions on how to decorate your cones, click here.

To purchase the cones, click here.

I had to guesstimate on the shipping (the box should be rather large), but if the shipping comes in substantially cheaper, I'll be quick to partially refund your Paypal payment!