Lemon Jitters

Discover Paper's V-Day Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Guess what? I sent a printable DIY over to Discover Paper and you can check it out in her awesome Valentine's Day guide! Click the image to go straight to my DIY and get the printable.

There are other great things in the guide, too. Like 100+ amazing cards!

And my fave - an entire gift wrap section.

So go check it out! Discover Paper is a great blog and Donaville, the creative behind it, has awesome design skills and excellent aesthetic. Fantastic!

Craft Tools: Metal Stamping

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Guest post! Woot! So happy to have Lindsay of Shrimp Salad Circus posting today.

Show her some love!

Hello, Lemon Jitters readers! Katie's been sharing her digital expertise over at my blog for awhile, so I figured it was high time I paid you guys a visit over here! When I first got into jewelry-making and blogging, I got a little obsessed with metal stamping. For a pretty reasonable investment, you can make gifts that will blow people away. You'll look infinitely more thoughtful and put-together than your friends, and you can gloat for days over being the best gift-giver at your next function. Read on for all the supplies you'll need to get started, plus links to a few of my tutorials to figure out how to use all this stuff.

*1. Letter & Number Stamps: These are super hard metal and come in lots of different sizes. I have 1.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4mm. I'd recommend starting with a 2.5, as the other two are quite small and quite large, respectively.

*2. Fine Grit Nail File: I use this to sand off the Sharpie after I fill in letters to make them stand out. You want the finest grit possible so that you're polishing your surface, rather than scratching/scuffing it.

3. Dapping Block Set: You can get these in wood or metal, and they're just kind of a fun extra. You can take a flat disc and dome it so that it ends up with a rounded shape. I used a dapping block to make this locket.

*4. Metal Blanks: You can get blanks in any size, shape, or metal. I've used brass most often, but aluminum is cheap and great for bracelets. Sterling is the best, of course, but it's also the most expensive by a long shot.

*5. Steel Bench Block: If you try stamping on a table or any other regular surface, you're going to get a lot of bounce and not a lot of stamp impression. The bench block absorbs the shock of the stamping, allowing a deep, even impression. They come in lots of sizes, but I use a 2.5" square block.

*6. Lightweight Hammer: Just pick up any old hammer from Lowe's or Home Depot. I use a "ladies' hammer" because it's lighter. I try not to be offended that it's also a little bit sexist. ;D

7. Metal Punch: You can buy your blanks with holes already punched, but I like the flexibility of punching my own blanks. If I want to add extra holes, I can just go for it. Plus, there's a bit of cost savings when do some of the work yourself.

8. Ball Peen Hammer: A ball peen hammer has one little rounded end that's just great for giving a nice texture to your blanks. You can hammer a blank like crazy to get a pretty finish, and then stamp your text over it.

*9. Sharpie: Yes - a Sharpie. Right up there with the nail file in the realm of absurdly simple. When you stamp your blanks, your letters will kind of blend in. You can color them in with the Sharpie to make them pop, then just use the nail file to sand off any excess marks.

I promised tutorials, right? Let's start from the most basic - a simple monogrammed metal pendant. You can take that to the next level by adding a message in a bottle (perfect Valentine's Day gift for your guy). If you want to try your hand with the dapping block, go for a hidden message locket. Finally, my most popular tutorial for ages now would have to be antique spoon plant markers.

I have *starred everything you absolutely need to start off with. The dapping block, punch, and ball peen hammer are fun to add on as soon as you decide you're fully addicted to stamping...

Printable Quote: Sad

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Mattie Stepanek died at age 13 from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Mattie's sister and two brothers died before him of the same disease. His mother was also diagnosed - with adult MD. Mattie was a gem. He wrote six books of poetry and one book of essays that all made the NY Times best-sellers list. He was an advocate for peace and those with disabilities. He did great things with the MD Association and was on many talk shows spreading goodwill.

If you want to read more about this amazing kid, here ya go.

This quote is really speaking to me right now. I just started a new job in adult and child protection - taking reports of abuse and neglect. And well...what can I say? There is a lot of sadness in the world. But we don't have to live sad, right? Right.

I thought this zebra looked a little sad but his stripes are so awesome. An appropriate reflection of Mattie and this quote, perhaps? I like to think Mattie would like the zebra. ;)

This quote will print 8x8in. Please credit me if you use it online. Enjoy!

Sources: Besotted, Quicksand, BioDivHeritageLibrary

DIY: Fabric Favor Topper

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Favor toppers are one of my favorite crafts. They are fairly easy and quick, so cute and an easy way to dress up a simple gift. I've made a lot of paper toppers but I decided to try out fabric this time. AND I decided to try stamping on fabric.

Supplies: inkpad, stamp, fabric, favor bag

See the results after the jump!

DIY Faves: Lamps

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:03:00 +0000

glitter woodgrain shade, agate stand, dyed shade

DIY: Comic Card

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

This is such an easy and fun DIY! See the details after the jump.

2012 Idea Jotter

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

In an effort to really improve Lemon Jitters this year, I made a cute little idea jotter to keep with me. I used various scrapbooking papers and other odds and ends. I bound it all together and now I grab it whenever I have an idea. Later, I transfer the ideas into a more cohesive, organized binder.

Maybe this will give you an idea to make your own jotter. I only used items I already had. That cool black/creme patterned circle is from soap packaging! Love 'found' papers like that.

Inspiration: Daniel Fishel

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Maybe you can tell how much I admire illustrators. One of my favorite types of art.

Today we take a look at another great illustrator, Daniel Fishel.

He has a sort of carefree, colorful style. His lines aren't exact, his color palettes are great, his shading has depth and there is movement in his work. Overall, I would characterize his pieces as 'alive.'

These darker color palettes at the bottom are my very faves. Especially the female silhouette. Love that piece. The imperfection, you guys! The background peeking through the brush strokes! Love.

You can see more of Daniel's work here.

And follow him on Twitter here.

And shop his work here and here.

Craft Tools: The Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Since I started doing DIYs and tutorials on the blog, I've noticed that there are a lot of beginner crafters out there. (duh, don't know why I didn't think of that before). So this year, you will find weekly posts covering crafting topics like tools, supplies, and techniques. I hope this gives beginners a strong foundation and refreshes the scene for us old crafters.

In writing this post, I looked around my craft room to find the craft tools I use most. Now, there are many more tools that I use but they aren't beginner tools. So today I'm just covering the basic tools you will need. They fall into two categories - cutting & adhesive.

Cutting Tools

1. Fabric Scissors: I use Fiskar's Multi-Purpose, nothing fancy but good quality. The trick here is to only cut fabric, ribbon, yarn, etc with these. Do not cut paper with them, they will dull very quickly.

2. Paper Scissors: For a beginner crafter, I don't think the brand of scissors matters much. I linked to a good Fiskar's pair. Just make sure you only use them to cut paper!

3. Tag Punch: A tip I have learned over time - don't skimp on your craft punches. If you get a cheapy craft punch, it will just mean headaches and frustration later. This brand will cut through cardstock like it's butter and it won't wear out after thousands of punches. I'm a fan.

*4. 2 in Circle Punch: I cannot sing enough praises of a 2 inch circle punch. As you may have noticed, I like the lever style punches. They seem to last longer, are more precise and easier to use. Apparently I'm a Fiskar's fan, too. ;) I recommend other sizes of punches, which I will discuss later, but start with 2in.

*5. 1/16in Hole Punch: This hole punch give a professional look to your projects. A regular hole punch makes most projects look elementary. This small hole will not be noticeable, but will still allow you to thread ribbon, etc. That way the focus is on your work, not on a big, distracting hole.

*6. Corner Rounder: GET THIS. Seriously, you need a corner rounder. It also gives you a professional finish. I have a Fiskar's one, which works well. I recommend 1/2in. You won't ever feel the same way about a sharp corner after you get one of these!

Adhesives

*1. Mod Podge Matte: Mod Podge is your best friend. Seriously - it's amazing and has many functions. I don't want to see you use a Roseart glue stick ever again! Mod Podge has a jillion awesome versions. But start with this one. We'll cover the other options later.

2. Xyron Tape Runner: Goodbye, mess! Xyron makes excellent adhesives. And they make life easier.

3. Scotch Transparent Tape: You probably already have this. It's inexpensive and effective.

4. Scotch Blue Painter's Tape: Don't skimp on painter's tape! Get Scotch. Keep a roll handy and you will find it has uses you never would have thought of. I use it a lot for stenciling & glittering.

5. Mini Glue Gun: I'm not too picky about glue guns. This is an inexpensive, high temp version. I think you can do most projects with a mini like this. Especially if you have Mod Podge, my first choice.

I have *starred my recommendations for absolute necessities. Of course, I have all of these and use them often. But if you want to start with the very basics, go with the starred options.

DIY: Co-Worker Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

not pictured (2 buttons)

You can use any craft punch - a heart punch would be so cute! I used two different sized hole punches.

I used the small punch to make a hole in my lid (so the string would be a tight fit).

Tie your button tightly. Triple knot it close to the note.

Tie your other button on the outside of the lid. Again, tightly.

Tip1: Try to find containers that do not have tight lids. Maybe a film canister?

I used bead storage containers and they are made to fit very tightly.

So I had to loosen the lid to get the confetti to pop correctly.

And there you have it! Office party in a tiny container.

Suggestions for note:

-Lunch on me-

-Homemade dinner-

-Drinks after work-

-1 hour of filing-

DIY Faves

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I always, always have a list of awesome DIY projects that I want to try. I will never be able to try them all. Since the advent of Pinterest, I've been collecting my fave projects there. If you want to see more of my pins, come visit and follow!

I mean, really this is just a smidge of the amazing projects out there.

Some I pin just for pure awesomeness, some I pin to actually try in the near future, and others because they sparked an idea for something else. Out of these, I really want to make the paper mache tray and the striped cardigan. But of course, the hex nut bracelet, floral pillow and jewelry holder are great.

Doodles: Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:46:00 +0000

If you are a long-time blog reader, you may know that I have zero natural talent when it comes to illustrating. I mean, I can't make it happen. My little sister doesn't even try and these realistic masterpieces flow from her pen. Ugh. So I have been watching illustration tutorials on youtube to better my skills. I still can't draw on my own but I can follow a tutorial and get usable results. If I had three wishes, being an awesome illustrator would probably be on the list (next to world peace, of course).

So I was just doodling today and realized that my hearts are just okay. Isn't that sad? I can barely draw a heart. Such is life. Somehow I've managed to live despite this handicap. :)

Organization Tip: Paper

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I love organized things. You wouldn't know it looking at my craft room...

But I really love organizational tools. Especially when things are organized by color.

So I'm ridiculously excited over my new bin.

I got this file storage bin from Target, on sale. Here's the link.

Super cute leaf pattern on the inside.

So the idea is to use a file folder storage bin to separate and store your 8.5x11 cardstock.

File it by color. And I added a file for 'specialty' papers. It makes is sooo easy to find the color you are looking for or be inspired by colors that are usually hidden in the bottom of the pile. I love it and am way too excited about it. ;) It doesn't hurt that it's a pretty color, has a cool patterned inside and a hidden drawer at the top.

So, how do you organize your paper?

DIY: Brilliant Home Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:20:00 +0000

I've done a mini roundup of my favorite DIY home ideas that are practical and functional.

Other than the idea to hide your washer/dryer - that's just for looks. ;)

(1) Conversion Chart (2) Butcher Block (3) Pet Food (4) Laundry Room

Technically, the pet food cabinet is a link to purchase it.

But I think it is great inspiration for DIY versions of the concept.

If you want to see more of my fave things, check out my Pinterest boards.

Printable: 2012 Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Tis a new year, my friends. I believe this will be the year I become a grown-up. Because I'm 25 now. That's basically adulthood. Sigh.

Remember when you were a kid and you wanted to be grown-up? Like, "I can't wait to eat ice cream at midnight!" And then you realized that midnight ice cream gives you gifts - it's called rumbly tummy and 2 lbs. And suddenly life turned cold and gray. Who can take the joy out of ice cream?! Adulthood, that's who.And now I have depressed all my dear readers. Ha! Truth is, there are actually quite a few nice things about being a grown-up. :)

I created this calendar in Photoshop, using the sources listed below.

I used the 'clipping' technique to do the blocked overlay with the flower.

I encourage you to look you tube some tutorials on the clipping technique if you are just starting out in photoshop - it's super handy and awesome. And leave any questions you have about it in the comments!

Click the calendar to save or print.

Credits: Mellowmint, BigTop, Thin Lines & Curves

2012 Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Here's hoping my fairy godmother shows up this year and works her magic with these goals. Cause I'm pretty sure 'exercise' is such a loose goal it may never happen. At least I'm thinking about it, right?

Font: Ostrich Sans, sequins: Pugly Pixel

2011 In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:41:00 +0000

Obviously a lot more than this happened in 2011. But these are some of the notable moments.

Getting married was fun and the reception was great.

Moving to Colorado was the best thing ever.

The hair comb diy drove tons of traffic and traveled the web and made me feel good.

Overall, there were some tough times in 2011 and some good times. I guess that's every year, huh?

I enjoyed 2011 but I have a hunch that 2012 will be even better!

Happy Holidays 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:48:00 +0000

I know some people have to go back to work tomorrow. Boo!

But I hope most of you get to keep the holidays for one more day.

I'll be around the blog some this week and then back to regular programming next week.

This was the extent of my holiday decorating this year. Oops.

And Bath & Body Works discontinued our fave Spiced Cider. This is the last candle we have in that scent. So sad.

Last-Minute Wrapping

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Guys. Ladies. People.

Is anyone feeling like there is a crazy amount of work to be done before Christmas?

I worked so long and hard prepping for our trip yesterday.

And there is still more to be done. But it's all worth it because the trip will be so much fun!

I love these mitten cut-outs! You can steal this idea, if you want. ;)

DIY: Stamped Gift Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Okay, so this idea is nothing new. But here's my take on making your own giftwrap.

As I said in an earlier post, I REALLY recommend that you go to the paint section of Home Depot or Lowe's and look for this painter's paper. I think it's called masking paper, maybe? Very inexpensive, comes in different sizes and is super handy.

Lighting, editing -ugh - you can see the difference in the shade of green in my images. I think the finished photos down below are a more accurate representation of the color of this paper (which also comes in kraft and sometimes a mauvey color).

Supplies: Ink pad, stamp, paper

Stamp in a random pattern - it won't matter when you wrap the gift. I LOVE this look. I was very happy with how my gift wrap turned out (hope you like it, Sis!). I added a kraft cutout that I added some depth to by inking the edges (gently tapping my ink pad against the edges).

Voila! Cheap and easy with a great end product.

DIY: Gift Wrap for Men

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:48:00 +0000

I love wrapping gifts for men. Because I always end up using everyday household items (I mean, they usually don't care). And I love the outcome! You can be cute with very basic items.

I keep two rolls of painter's paper in green & kraft and a roll of painter's tape for crafting.

I don't know the real name of the paper - It's about $3/roll in the paint dept. of the hardware store.

Very inexpensive and super handy.

When I was wrapping this gift for my husband, I couldn't resist trying a girly element first, to see the result. I couldn't capture the vibrance of the babushka - it's very bright & of course, the painter's tape is too. Love those two colors together! Now, you could totally jazz this idea up in a million ways. I thought of making a plaid or argyle pattern with the tape. But then I remembered - my husband could care less about wrapping paper. So let's call it done. ;)

DIY: Tinsel Comb

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Holidays are here, ladies! It's one of the few times that a grown lady can wear glittery bits in her hair and not be called a 'floozie'. Ok, no one calls anyone that. But it's the perfect excuse to break out the feminine bling. So here's an inexpensive diy to bling it up. P.S. Have you noticed my efforts at bringing the hair comb back in style? I predict it will happen in 2012!

Supplies: Christmas pick, one piece of embroidery floss, hair comb, glue

Step 1: Place a thin line of glue at the top of your comb

2. Hurry! Stick your holiday pick down before the glue dries.

3. You could stop there but I didn't like the way the end of the pick looked. So I wrapped with embroidery floss (using this technique) to cover it up. Voila!

While I'm showing off the hair comb, may I also show off my new Christmas sweater?

Love it. Wish I had taken a photo of the back - it has big buttons up all the way up.

Oh, and this is how I styled my hair comb - I already had a headband on. So I just placed the comb right behind the hair band, above my ear. Party the night away - it's there to stay!

DIY: Upcycle Anthro bag

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Hi, friends!

Today I will show you three ways to upcycle your Anthropologie bags.

I've been very lucky to acquire some Anthro tops lately. Squee!

They have top-notch bags. The kind you want to re-use. But since I am going to need one for my grandpa's gift, I thought I would cover the logo and add a little pizazz.

See the details after the jump!

DIY: Fabric & Felt Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Got an easy breezy diy to help you finish up your gift giving this week.

See the details after the jump!

DIY Gift Roundup

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:45:00 +0000

Hi there, dear readers! My friend Lindsay over at Shrimp Salad Circus had this great idea. She rounded up some of her DIYs and made an awesome suggestion. If you don't have time to make them, just buy the supplies, print out the tutorial and box it up. I mean, hello! Great idea!

I bet there is someone in your life that would love a kit to make my popular hair combs! They are easy to make- a beginner crafter can do it. I've done some of the work for you - click here to download a printable (& cute) page containing the full tutorial to include with your kit.

Another easy one is to print out the Quote: Time image (it's 8.5x11inches), pop it in a frame and voila!

And to round it off, here are my fave gift wrap ideas from this year (and one from last year!).

Good luck finishing up your gifting this week. And stay tuned for more DIYs as we countdown to Christmas.