aScrapMeddler

Memorabilia envelopes from sheet music, and old road maps

2014-03-02T20:31:00.001-07:00

I made a few stacks of envelopes (and then punched butterflies from the scrap), using a bunch of old road atlas's and sheet music books...

and b/c of my CDO, I can't work on another THING until I get this mess cleared...! These envelopes were from a previous post, where I re-purposed old road maps from the thrift store - here.

It's not easy to tell but these are Martha Stewart butterflies...

and then here they are all packaged and ready for me to use when I need them - the butterflies will make great paper stitched garlands, from this post :)

I'm kinda crafted out - kinda... hahahaha

Locker Mini-album/scrapbook

2014-03-02T20:06:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this scrapbook mini-album for almost a year - and have been just stumped... I finally got the idea to make a metal cover so it looked like a real locker... I was willing to risk damage to my Accu-cut die... can I just say WOW - it worked great, and the die is AWESOME...!!!

I need to further embellish the inside (and add pictures, so there will be an update - soon)... in the mean time enjoy..!

the binding system is the "hidden binding" Laura(Follow the Paper Trail) /Kathy Orta both have a great tutorials... and I put black duct tape over it :D

I didn't have to file the edges since it sits on the chipboard.

the letters are "THICKERS" I'll probably get Cricut Varsity to complete the kits :)

Daily Bread.. I figured out what to do with my altered tin...!!!

2014-03-02T19:55:00.002-07:00

I need "DAILY" reminders to pray, be kind, gentle, loving, and to show grace.. here is how I'm going to use the micro-mini altered tin I made...

I cut the chipboard on my Cricut, it's Alphalicious - short stack, deep cut blade, EXTRA sticky mat, MAX pressure, cut three times. I painted them, stickled them, and then glossy accented them - whew...! time consuming, but for daily use it will be worth it...

CRICUT TIP: if you use CCR (Cricut Craft Room) use the text feature

so you can refer back to what you used when you create a post for your blog.

LOL... otherwise you have to scan, and that can be quite the challenge :)

Cricut Firmware out of synch with CCR (for MAC)

2014-03-02T19:49:00.001-07:00

My Cricut Expression and my CCR got out of synch... can I just preface the fact that I'm pretty computer savvy, and I know my way around - so this blew my mind... I have no idea how this happened, but I thought I would share in hopes of saving others the frustration of trying to deal with this fiasco after customer support hours...

so I get this message... I see that my Cricut Expression has the right version, yet it's still telling me to update... ok - fine... so I did...

as info - the striped bar is not an indicator that it is working, as a matter of fact that tells you it's not taking the update... this is what you want to see (ignore the gypsy firmware) it was the only image I could find...

anywho - after trying to update 4 times... I decideed to hit the forums - it sounded like my Expression was rejecting my MAC for the firmware update... wha...? so I tried it on my work computer : / it looked good, it was progressing, but then when I went back over to my mac it rejected it again - ah-ha...! so it was the CCR version - it needed to be updated (who knew... they have been working in harmony for a year...!), any way I downloaded the mac version (to override the older version), and low and behold - my life was great again...

Here is how you verify your CCR version...

hope that helps...

Altered art, micro mini challenge..!

2014-02-23T18:28:00.003-07:00

So my buddy needed (and I mean REALLY needed) a craft break, so I threw out a quickie challenge - (CRAFT BOMB) go take the little zipper thingys that we got at Michaels $1 bin and alter it and if you have time make a mini for it...

I love how "beat up" it looks...

They are "AVENGERS" tins

This is distressed down to the metal - or pretty stinking close...

I tried "Goof-Off," nail polish remover, and in the end sand paper did the trick...

There were little foam protectors inside that made perfect templates for the mini pages (they kind of look like dog-tags, kind of), traced them out, fussy cut, and the ran them through the Xyron. The paper is Mariposa - been hoarding that for over three years...

Spare parts from some broken jewelry - used "Glossy Accents" to bond them.

The micro-mini tucks right inside. I went outside my comfort zone, and

distressed with a color OTHER thank BLACK...!!! PINK even...!

Linked it like a chain, so it could fold over itself.

hope you enjoyed it, off to torch a Mentos can...

Paper Bag mini (HALLOWEEN)

2014-02-19T19:38:00.001-07:00

Paper Bag mini (ZION)

2014-02-18T21:56:00.001-07:00

Check out my other videos here, here and here... thanks for looking!

Camera mini-album assembly

2014-02-18T21:55:00.005-07:00

I'm working on a new and improved version - please come back soon :)

Zoo Mini-album (Bo Bunny)

2014-02-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

A while back I made my zoo buddy and I matching zoo albums to capture our excursions :D we are adult members and it's great exercise, plus my buddy loves the smell of elephant poop in the morning - LOL...!!! The pictures are from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo & the Denver Zoo.

I LOVE the album, but it lacks enough places to put pictures! So I added a few elements to compensate - since there is NO WAY I'm going to cover the cute animal faces. Of course the giraffe (her-ah-fay) is on the front:)

Here are the minis - ENJOY:

There are slight differences, recognize the bow ribbon - hahaha...

Her pressed pennies are on one ring, mine are chained.

She didn't care if hers had a mane - I wanted the mane so

I hot glued my frilly ribbon to my giraffe's neck :)

Here is the new element I added, it flips open, and then up

(there is a magnet keeping it closed),

and it gives us a few more places for new pictures!

I added a little extra reinforcement and

frill to assist with opening the page.

BABY GORILLA BUTT...!!!

You want a picture of me - here, how's this angle -

we laughed for some time over that one...

That's our new male lion, there has been a little drama

testing him - but he is settling into his own...
he is starting to get his mane - he's VERY handsome!

The picture in the middle is actually two pictures back to back,

with a grommet to slip the ring thru. It's a Teenage Mutant Orangutan...

I took a photo sleeve and covered the top with peacock paper

and reenforced the holes with grommets.

The back cover - and is there any question why

I have a giraffe print camera pouch... nuff said...

UPDATE - Washi tape organization...

2014-02-15T08:58:00.004-07:00

This is the new and improved (useable) way to store the extra washi tape...

It used to be like this... and it was GREAT, until I had to get flowers out of the cage, that opens from the top, so I have to unhook it, and set it down, thus right on top of my washi - unacceptable... it's now on index rings on a length of chain all it's own...

if you are curious where this is in my craft space, and if you are prepared to be appalled at the supplies I have amassed, then check this out... No judgement, right...?!?! I "PLAN" on doing classes, so that is WHY I need so much - LOL...!!

It's amazing what a person can get into a space, it's sad that Achievers is going out of business, but from the looks of this room I did my part to keep them going for a short time - and I should be ok without them for quite a while - "should be..."

Valentines for hubby

2014-02-15T08:41:00.003-07:00

This is the card I made my DH... Guys just don't like foofoo cards, so this worked perfectly :)

I inked the positive side (easier to clean, as well as add the detail) of Tim Holtz bark embossing folder, and then ran it through the Sizzix, I used the Spellbinders lopsided heart (mixed media), and backed it over red scrap paper :) trimmed it down, added the jute, and a heart clip then used foam tape to give it dimension.

I tried an plainer version and just didn't love it...

This was a SUPER, fast, very EASY, cute card...! I would give this a 10/10 for overall satisfaction - LOL

Operation Write Home...

2014-02-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about this program (OWH)...? Kimber saw this on a blog and asked us gurlz if we wanted to participate - OMG, YES...! It's a way for us to give directly to our soldiers - we make cards that they can use to send home - LOVE the idea..!

This is the first one I'm going to send.

It pretty much says it all, it could have been used as a Valentines, but can be used for everyday.

They will send you an unmounted stamp for free (as use for the signature).

Here is the beginning of the assembly! The biggest challenge are the tiny envelopes - LOL I actually had to use the Cricut scraper and a Popsicle stick to help me align the edge, and give it a clean fold.

I have another mini-envie in process right now!

Both are from either Cricut Wild Card, or Wild Card 2.

Should clarify, when I sew...

2014-02-15T08:19:00.003-07:00

I thought I should clarify - I was talking in a previous post about having to work on my Janome (that the bobbin was getting bound), well I was pretty sad thinking I had to replace my mini paper sewing machine - I got it for $20 off of Craigslist - it's only to sew paper, and it hurt my feelings to think I needed to replace the bobbin case, or worst replace it...!

I went out in search of a replacement bobbin case, thinking that is what I needed, when in fact as I started to read on the Janome Learning Center I found out maybe my bobbin case was not set properly... Eh, why not give that a try, sure enough the little Janome is back up and running. YAY!

So for paper projects I use this:

I think she weighs 3 pounds, so it's easy to grab it and work on my projects, and then tuck her away....

But when I put together something like this... or these stockings...

I use this...

Mini-banners/streamers applied

2014-02-13T06:48:00.001-07:00

Thought I would show one of the ways I will use my new favorite embellishments.

So remember this post?

I made a bunch of these mini's but still need to embellish them... they are BORING....!!!

so I took the SU banner punch, and some of the scrap pieces, and applied the same concept of stitching them together...

Stamped them and added them to the page...

almost instantly adds life to a plain page...

Now I have to investigate why my baby Janomes bobbin is locking up - sadnesss...

mini-paper garland (tiny banner/streamer)

2014-02-11T12:11:00.001-07:00

Or stitched garland, whatever you want to call it it's FUN, easy and simply darling...

Grab a handfull of scrap paper, and your punches, some easy peel tape, and your sewing machine...

Punch a pile of tiny shapes, and lay them randomly (such a struggle for me) just enough that they catch on the tape (you will need easy-release, or artist tape, the kind used to hold stencils... blue painters tape might work, but it might be to tacky...).

Now use the tape edge as your guide to stitch the pieces together, ease the tape away from your garland and VIOLA" you can make a mobil, or wrap it around some paper as an embellishment, whatever you want...

LOVE IT..!

Drop-in camera pouch - UPDATE

2014-02-09T17:45:00.003-07:00

I made a replica of Tene's, with a few improvements...

I added the clip so when I slip the pouch off to use the camera it hangs onto the strap, so I don't have to set it down (and forget it, or hold it between my legs - making the picture taking more challenging...). I double folded a small piece of the fabric, looped it through the clip and sewed it "INSIDE" when I did the right sides facing part...

I also put a box bottom on it....

and then... I made the "ZOO" version... can I just give a shout out to the coolest hubby ever... I told him my idea to make it with the Giraffe (again pronounced her-ah-fay) liner, but I needed to find the right outer fabric - he suggested I get safari type cloth, canvas-esk... hum... similar to the worn out 511 tactical pants that I thought you should throw out...?

So I got the worn out pants (can you say repurpose...?) cut them out SAVING the side pocket (for my zoo card, and my snack...), I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, how it turned out... Giraffe RIBBON, yay baby....!

of course I made sure to add the new features - the clip...

the lining that I LOVE....! "It's so FLUFFY...!"

and boxed the bottom...

What every 2 year old girl (with three older brothers needs...)

2014-02-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

a CAMO TUTU of course..! Oh, and a PUFF wand to bonk the boys on the head - hahaha

I need to get pix from my SIL when zoey wears is, but in the meantime here is the tutu & wand...

I found elastic mesh ribbon that worked great for looping the tulle, and it will allow Zoey to enjoy the tutu for years to come!

The PUFF want is tulle wrapped around the "CLOVER" pom-pom maker (X-LRG), I took the three colors and began (RANDOMLY) wrapping, and then hot glued it to the camo ribbon wrapped dowel (permanent double sided tape on ribbon, and wind up the dowel). I made the curly ribbons (aka korker ribbon) by wrapping them around dowels, and spraying with starch, and drying in the oven (250 degrees 25 minutes), and of course I added BLING...

Thinking about a camo tutu for ME, take it out to the shooting range...

what would the guys DARE to say... I have a PUFF wand, and I'm not afraid to use it...

Drop-in camera pouch

2014-02-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

For Tene's birthday this year... Embroidered, lined, drop-in camera pouch for her SLR... I pulled her logo off her website, and had it digitized, and viola"...

It has a drawstring to cinch over the camera and protect it from the elements, while still allowing her to be a fashionista...

We wrapped them in a darling felt envelope - STAND-BY for my replication of that idea shortly....

I had a glass of wine while the embroidery machine did it's thing (((BIG SMILE)))...

Once I figured out the lining part (it's the soft, bumpy, baby fabric), and then how to have the cinch/draw string part lower (I didn't want it at the top, I wanted it to appear ruffly...), I was able to knock these babies out in nuthin' flat...

Who wouldn't want a bedazzled pouch for your SLR camera... I'm making a giraffe (pronounced her-ah-fay) one for zoo trips, with my zoo buddy - she will LOVE that...!

Huhn... how do you get a picture of your camera in the pouch... OH - I'll have my friend take one with her iPhone - LOL...!!! I'll update shortly...

Starting the New Year with an organized craft room...

2014-01-02T09:23:00.002-07:00

I "started" to organize my craft space on my day off, but truly ended up making a bigger mess and still need to finish - just a great excuse to get back in there :D

I at least came up with a GREAT way to display my washi tape...

I have one of these, only one - they take up precious table space... but I have so much more washi...

so I used some of my index rings, and attached them to the "I Am Roses" storage cage... insanely thrilled about how it turned out - I can see/get them easily...!

This cage is hanging from my ceiling, and it used to be this insane BRIGHT blue, almost like neon Robins Egg - if you can imagine... My friend Kimber and I both got one clearance priced from Hobby Lobby, I think it was around $5.00.

I covered it with "Gun Metal" metallic Krylon, if you know me you know why that is funny...

another great use for the Keurig...!

2013-12-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm SICK... and very miserable, but I was able to get a little relief from my Keurig and wanted to share this tip, now I'm going back to bed...

1 tablespoon of "Better than Bouillon" and super hot water from the Keurig... fast, easy, and very affordable, without the added sodium...

Merry Christmas!!!!

2013-12-20T09:45:00.002-07:00

Spent the better part of yesterday making TEN of these babies...! They are serving double duty - they are not just stockings (THAT MATCH - there goes my CDO again), but they are for seating placement! I'm hosting pre-Christmas dinner with 7 adults and two toddlers, so table space is precious...

I made a template from an old stocking, and used an alphabet stencil that I had on hand... they are lined, and the top has a reinforced stitch (it is burlap after all...). I wanted to ensure they would fit over the back of the chairs, so I made the loop extra long (measure twice, cut once), and added the button hole :D

I'm a little thrilled about how my simple dining room light looks... Hobby Lobby 50% off swag, plastic dangles, and a re-purposed sparkle ball swag...

and of course, my Advent calendar, with the story of Jesus' birth inside!

I'm ready for Christmas... with everything in place for the family, I can enjoy the "REAL" reason for the Season, Happy Birthday Jesus...!!

as promised - follow-up pictures from the craft show...

2013-12-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of my favz...

I finally joined the "mustache rage..."

Mustache = must ask, Huzza = who's a, (inside says "having a birthday") - the mustache is from Cricut Mustaches & Glasses

Wine bottle tags...
(I welded, and layered ovals to make the bunch of grapes, the leaf/vine is from CTMH Artiste)

My kinda group therapy... just sayin', (the wine glasses are from Cricut Simply Charmed).

Gift card holders, I re-purposed the clear packaging I have been "HOARDING"

so glad to purge that stash... Sizzix Pillow Box Die

Kraft card stock, designer paper, and twine...

"Santa-tizers" buahahahahaha...

give the gift that will not be returned "MONEY" I couldn't find the right envelope (the flap was too sloped), so I used a bunch of shapes to make an envelope, and trimmed it with the snowflake border, and then used a belly band to keep it closed. The buckle is from Cricut CTMH Art Philosophy)

Simple engagment/wedding card...

(Cricut - Going Places, Martha tiny heart thumb punch - I don't really know what it's called...)

here is one of my FAVZ, it's Timmy's pinecone! I made it into a necklace...!!!
You can't see the the simple cap, and t-pin loop that attaches the pinecone to the chain... just adorable.

Pumpkin Cookies, with cream cheese frosting...

2013-11-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is definitely a must have around this time of year - and how we missed pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving is beyond me... so I needed a pumpkin fix... these did it...! You can find the recipe here. BRAVO..!!! I made these at 7300ft, with no high-altitude adjustments needed...!

I use the small scoop to get a two bite cookie, and to kind of keep them the same size (there's that CDO kicking in...
CDO? it's like OCD except in alphabetical order as it should be...).

Now to walk the dog to burn these babies off...!!! NO GUILT..!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2013-11-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

We had a blessed year, and I have so much to thank God for...!

This is in the oven right now... It's my contribution to todays meal (thanks Tene' for pinning the apple rosette idea...!). My friend Russ Bond has/had the best cream cheese apple pie recipe, I have modified it slightly for my tastes :D

First I serve it "flatter" vs. a standard sloped pie pan. I also change the topping from the traditional butter, cinnamon, brown sugar by adding apricot jam for a little zip... and finally I'm now presenting it in the GIANT ROSETTE...!!!

it came together amazingly fast...

I bet a lot of you have these, dust that baby off and crank away...! it cut prep time to nothing! Drop slices into a bowl full of cold water and lemon juice.

Put s single layer of apple slices on paper towels and warm for 1:00 minute in the microwave to soften, and precook. This makes them easier to work with and they sit nicer (plus it dries the water off, as not to affect the cream cheese layer).

If you are in a hurry you can use a prepared pie crust as well...

piecrust:
1/2 cup of butter (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
cream butter and sugar, add the vanilla and then the flour. Mix till smooth, press into pan.

filling:
1 8 ounce package cream cheese (softened)
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

topping:
4 cups apples (sliced)
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup apricot jam

Warm topping in microwave, drizzle over apples covering completely.

Bake at 400° for 45 minutes.

Optional: pecans, crasins, raisins or cranberries...

a slice down the side turns the spiral into slices... viola'

two slices make the perfect petals needed for the rosette.

ENJOY..!

for my grand boy...

2013-11-25T06:47:00.002-07:00

This is the the card I made for the little man - and he really does "ROCKET" our world... that is what it says on the inside... The rocket is from Cricut "Boys will be Boys" there is also a really cute rocket in "B is for Boys."

Anyone else been hoarding these screw brads...? well they make great rivets...!!!!

I layered red, yellow and orange ribbon for the rocket blast :)

The starfield is black glitter paper and Martha Stewart "Punch All Over the Page - Starry Sky"