Envelope Mini Album--Kathy Orta style!!

I am thrilled with this mini!  I created it for a swap over at Mini Album Scraps and it's so hard to give it away, but I know I'll get a beauty in return.   Although I've made several, actually dozens of minis, I had never made one in this style that Kathy Orta of Paper Phenomenon does.   Her tutorial found here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeAuRf-Zk-A on YouTube is in four parts and is quite easy to follow.   There is tons of  'real estate' for photos and journaling which is what I love about this mini.

So, here's my Envelope Mini now finished and ready to mail:

 If you want to see more photos of the pages, you'll have to go to my YouTube page and watch the video.   There are waaay too many photos to put in one post.  Here's the link to my video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AMAWLaHboI

Stop by soon.  I'll have a post on an Altered Pringles Can and another set of Altered Cards.   Hope to see you back.

Tutorial: How to Cover Your Sterilite Containers

Hi Bloggers!

Do you want to hide the clutter that sits inside your clear plastic containers?  If so, then this tutorial is for you.  It's very easy!  This is what mine looked like before:

Most of us use the stackable Sterilite containers for storage in our crafting/scrapping rooms or spaces.  They can be purchased at Walmart, Target, KMart, and probably many other places as well. 

These containers/bins come in all different sizes, but this particular tutorial is for the larger containers that usually look like this:

Once you know how to cover the inside of the bin, you can apply this method to any other size container.  So, let's start:

The materials you'll need are few.  Gather together three different sheets of patterned paper that coordinate with your room/space, your trimmer (or scissors if you don't own a trimmer), double-sided tape (which I prefer) or any other type of clear adhesive (clear, thin pop dots work well too), ruler and pencil.  Note:  Do NOT use wet adhesive because if you want to change out the paper, it'll be hard to do. 

 Next, measure your container--vertically and horizontally:

These containers are 6 3/4" deep and 12" wide.  Other styles and makes could be different. 

Cut your 3 sheets of coordinating paper to the size you measured.

Once they're cut, apply double-sided tape to the two top corners FACING you as well as the bottom--left, center and right.   Here's a picture, but I don't think the tape will show:

 Remember:  The tape is applied to the decorative side of the paper!!   Once this is done, place the paper to the inside of the bin facing you:

Press the corners against the plastic to adhere to the bin.  Do this to each bin/drawer.  Once it's done, it should look like this:

I have been doing this for years and it really helps to keep the room/space looking neat and tidy and hides the clutter as well.  When your decor changes, you can change the look of the bins as well.  How cool is that?!  I'm in the process of recovering about 30 more bins and then adding labels to the front.   I forgot to mention that tidbit earlier.  You can use tags or labels that match so you know what's in each bin.  

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial.  If you do this, share a link to your space so I can see what you've done!  

Hugs,
Lori

Tutorial: Paper Pinecone Ornament

I originally posted this back in 2009 and thought I'd repost.  These make wonderful gifts for teachers, friends, co-workers, neighbors or even for yourself!   Have fun!

Here are instructions on how to create a Pinecone Ornament.
Materials:
* One (1) 12x12 sheet of patterned paper
* One 3" styrofoam egg
* 18" length of ribbon to match (not shown)
* Dressmakers Pins--also known as bridal or lace pins or even 'common' pins
* Glue Gun
* 12 inch cutter
* Assorted greenery, faux berries, faux pearls, or other embellishments (optional)

1. Start by cutting your pattern paper into 1" strips (1" x 12").



2. Trim those strips into 1 inch pieces. Each piece should measure 1"x1". You will use most, if not all, these pieces depending on how tight you layer your pieces.

3. Next, take your 1 inch squares and fold in the two edges of one side to create a triangle. There should be about a half inch, perhaps slightly less, on the opposite side. I fold all my squares so when I start layering, I'll have plenty.


4. Now you're ready to place these triangles onto the styrofoam egg. Tip the egg so the narrowest part is facing up. Place two triangles with the tips touching at the base and pin in place using the dressmaker pins. You want to place the pins near the very edge and at the corners so they're hidden by the next layer. Next, add two more triangles at the tip to create your first 'row'. See photo below.

5. Continue to layer the pieces, overlapping the triangles as you go around the egg. Make sure you're covering up the pins from the previous row.

6. Keep layering the pieces, as in step 5, and continue in this circular movement until you reach the 'bottom' of the egg, which once decorated is actually the 'top' of the egg, but for layering purposes, I'm calling it the bottom....for now.

This is how it should look:

7. The top might be a bit confusing, but just pin the triangles on until there isn't any white showing. Don't worry about the pins being exposed on the top--these will be covered up by the ribbon and embellishments.
8. Cut your length of ribbon into one 8 inch piece and two 5 inch pieces.

9. Make a large loop using the 8 inch piece and pin the ends to the center of the egg as shown. This is the loop that will be used to hang the ornament.

10. Make 2 smaller loops with the 5 inch pieces, criss-crossing them in the center of the loop and pinning in place.

11. Using the glue gun, add your greenery, faux berries, and other embellishments if you choose. I do this because I think it adds more elegance to the ornament. Have fun with creating your ornament and make it as personal as you like. Put your personality into it.
Here is an example of the finished ornament:


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions, please contact me via email or leave a comment.

I'm linking up to these parties:
DIY Home Sweet Home : More the Merrier Monday #41
A Fish Who Likes Flowers: Help Save My Christmas Spirit
Craft Junkie Too: TGIF Linky Party #36

Welcome to Day 7 of the "Be My Valentine" Blog Hop

Today is the last day of the CSD Be My Valentine Blog Hop.  If you've been following along each day, I hope you've had fun and have been inspired by the great projects offered.  For me, it's given me a chance to create everyday and to force myself to finish a project.  If you step into my scrap room, you'll see too many projects not completed.  I've had alot of fun making these items and I hope you will to.  So, let's get on with today's creation:

I want to share with you a layout that I made to celebrate (hence the title) my wedding shower (back in 1984).  This layout is very shabby which is how I love to scrap.  I used real fabric doilies as an oversized accent.  I also used bling, flowers, ribbon, felt filligree (Queen & Co.), paper doilies--anything to make it look feminine and romantic. 

I also cut out a large heart from paper and stitched around the edges then roughened up the edges as well.  On top of that, I adhered the fabric doily.  I layered strips of patterned paper on top of this.  Shabby is all about layers and distressing and adding embellies in clusters.  My CHALLENGE for you is......

to create a layout using FABRIC.  It doesn't have to be a doily.  Try your hand at making your layout shabby, but you don't have to.  It doesnt' have to be a 2 page layout either.  I'd love to see what you make with fabric and paper. 

Remember that your project can play to win in two ways:


1) Upload your project(s) to CSDivas Gallery for a ticket and...
 2) post in my entries discussion: Valentines BH-Lori's Challenge Entries  and you will earn 1 extra ticket!!!
The final day to have any or all projects completed for a chance at the Grand Prize and for my RAK (scrapping goodies, of course!) is February 17th, 2011.  A winner will be drawn for the Grand Prize (and second prize as well) on February 22nd.  I will draw one winner by random.org on February 23rd to win my RAK. 

I'm so glad you stopped by and I do hope you had fun participating in the CSD first ever Valentine Blog Hop.  Now, it's time to head on over to Creative Scrapbooking Divas to let us know your thoughts on our blog hop. 

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with romance (maybe) and most of all, LOVE.

Welcome to Day 6 of the "Be My Valentine" Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the 6th day of the CSD Be My Valentine Blog Hop.  Actually, it's Day 7, but I'm a day late in posting my project.  I will be doing Day 7 as well in  a separate post.  

All week, the Design Team and members of Creative Scrapbooking Divas have been sharing projects to inspire others to create something for their loved ones (or for themselves!).  If you've just come here, not realizing there was a blog hop, please start at SANDY'S Blog.  The main page of Creative Scrapbooking Divas will have the full list of DT's and members in the blog hop.  If you haven't hopped yet, you should, as there are some great projects for Valentine's Day. 

You will have until February 17th to upload your projects to my blog hop thread found HERE.  I have posted examples of all 7 projects.  I will draw a name via random.org for anyone who posts their project(s) in my blog hop thread by February 22nd.  The winner will be notified on February 23rd.  I have a nice little package of scrapping goodies for the lucky winner. 

Now that the 'formalities' are done, let's get on with my project.  Today I made a very simple accent/embellishment that can be used on cards, layouts and altered projects.  Do you remember making tissue flowers as a child?  I do.  It was one of my favorite things to do with my friends.  This is the same process but on a smaller scale.

You will need scissors, one twist tie and an assortment of tissue paper.  You can use one color, but it looks better with 3 different colors. 

Cut your tissue paper into squares (whatever size you prefer).  I did mine in 3" squares.  Then stack them.  I did dark, light, dark, light and added one white square on top (the center of the flower).

Next, fold these into an accordian. 

Wrap the twist tie around the center of the folded tissue paper:

Next, trim the edges into a curved shape:

Very gently, fan out the folds on each side of the twist tie:

The next step, you need to be real gentle as the slightest pull too hard will rip the tissue paper (it happened to me).  Pull each layer towards the twist tie on one side, then repeat on the other.  This is what it should look like:

Play around with the flower to get the shape you want.  I just manipulated it (gently) until it resembled a flower.  You might have to 'squish' it around the bottom as well.

I wanted to add some 'extra' to this to make it look like a real flower, so I cut some leaves from scrap paper and also cut a circle (1") for a base.  Glue the leaves to the base:

Add a dollop of glue to the center and set the flower on top.  Again, be gentle, yet press down to get it to stick.  Use strong wet adhesive.

Note:  If you want to add lace, tulle, or fabric to this for more dimension, glue it before adding the flower as I did above.  This is the final look of the flower:

I hope you'll make some!  These look great on layouts, mini albums, altered projects, tags, gift bags, etc.  You can make these any size you want and you can make them from napkins as well.  I even used dryer sheets!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  Please come back for Day 7's project.

Welcome to Day 5 of the CSD "Be My Valentine" Blog Hop

Today I want to share with you another simple project that is wonderful for small gifts, candies and love notes! Pillow boxes are perfect for candies, jewelry, tiny confetti pouches or any number of decorative gift or party needs. You can make pillow boxes for many different uses with card stock or beautiful papers. The template can be re-sized on your computer to make them larger or smaller.  I hope you'll enjoy the project. 

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Card stock
• Scoring tool or empty pen
• Glue stick, adhesive or double-sided tape
* Pillow box Template

Here's the template to use.  Just copy and paste to your computer then print


1. Select and print a pattern on copy paper.



2. Cut out the pattern.


3. Trace a pattern onto the card stock or heavy decorative paper. Trace directly over the scoring and folding lines, pressing down to indent the paper.

4.  Cut out the pillow box design.

5.  Fold all of the scored lines in the piece.

6.   Fold in the end flaps. Glue one end of the pillow box.

7.  Hold the flap in place to keep the paper lined up to the very edge.  Let the adhesive set.

8.  Glue the side flat. Make sure to keep the shape intact.

9.  Fold in the open end of the pillow box after filling it with your material of choice.  Hold it closed with a piece of tape, round label or a decorative sticker. Tie a piece of lace, satin ribbon or fiber around the pillow box.


I "borrowed" these photos from another site as I couldn't take pictures.   Please upload your Day 5 projects to my Challenge thread HERE.
 
For the chance to earn a Grand Prize at CSDivas post your creations in this discussion thread: VALENTINES BH - LORI'S CHALLENGE ENTRIES (the link is above) and in the gallery with the tag- VDhop- Lori.  Due date to upload entries at CSDivas is Thursday February 17, 2011. Winner will be announced on Tuesday February 22, 2011...


I'll be offering an RAK to one lucky winner via Random.org on Wed, Feb 23rd, 2011.  To have the chance to win, you must complete the challenges and have them uploaded to my Challenge thread.  I hope you'll participate. 

If you're looking for Day 1's project: go HERE

If you're looking for Day 2's project: go HERE

If you're looking for Day 3's project: go HERE

If you're looking for Day 4's project: HERE

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!