A place for everything!

It's been over a year since my last post, and what a year it has been! While I've been absent from posting, I've thought a lot about what I want to do with this blog - it all comes down to sharing my passion for interior design, organization and paper crafts.

One of my favorite past-times is shopping at thrift stores. I love seeing the potential in other people's castoffs. It's amazing what a bit of time, some spray paint, a staple gun, a bit of fabric and a little ingenuity can produce!

For today, I'll share a couple of my latest creations and a closet reorganization. I can spend hours organizing my creative stash and never create a single creative project! The benefit, of course, is that all of my creative treasures are beautifully displayed and ready to use!

The closet that houses my stamps has a very shallow side. Here I chose to use a couple of shelves that I purchased at one of my favorite boutiques for $20. It was a display that they no longer needed and it was sitting in the back of the store in a lonely, little corner just waiting for me to come by and snag it!

As you can see from the photo, this side of the closet is only about eight inches deep. Just enough room for the shelves. I think everything should be beautiful, even the inside of the closet, so I hung a few things on the bare wall above the shelves. I spray painted and hung: a thrift store cast-off frame; one of my favorite finds from West Elm (the butterfly dish); and a small box to hold alphabet letter stamps. I love how it turned out. It's lovely to open that closet and see the bright, happy colors.

While organizing this closet, I came across many of my favorite stamps. I had to sit down to create but didn't have the time to create a full card so I made this tiny trio...

It's so wonderful to create!

I have to say that, even though it was a ton of work to put this space together, I enjoyed every minute. Let me introduce you to my new and improved sewing room.

I re-purposed the crib springs as an inspiration board. Currently it holds a few vintage patterns that I adore. All of the elements were items I had around the house.

I'm looking forward to spending some quality time in this space. I'll definitely let you in on the results. As for the space, I still have a few pieces of furniture to paint and I need to organize all of my fabrics. Once that's done, I'll post the pics.

In my previous post I mentioned that I was upcycling some burlap coffee bags. This was a project I did before Christmas. And, even though the season has passed, I thought it might inspire some of you to think outside the box when it comes to the materials that you use. For instance, these pillows were created with two Christmas themed napkins from Pottery Barn, some recycled pillow inserts, and the repurposed burlap coffee bags.

I have to say that I love the way they turned out. They added that finishing holiday touch to my great room. So all in all this project cost me $12 to make! Six bucks per pillow - not too shabby!

 Up next is a look at my sewing room. It's actually a shared guest room but there is just enough room to sew a few small projects.

I absolutely love the concept of taking something that would be thrown away and making it into something beautiful. I recently acquired a couple of old, burlap coffee bags and thought they'd make some lovely home decor. Here I copied an idea I found in a magazine. Below shown is a simple idea I found at Pottery Barn. I just cut the burlap and wrapped it around the base of each tree for added texture and a bit of that rustic, country charm. I love the way they turned out. I hope to post another idea soon!

This post is brought to you by the letter C. Cosmo Cricket that is! The product line titled Odds & Ends is aptly named and filled with beautiful elements that will leave you inspired to create more! I hope you like the projects, my apologies for the less than perfect photo! Enjoy the journey!

Recently the Editorial team and Go-to Gals from Paper Crafts magazine had an opportunity to tour Stampin' Up! and create a few fun projects. Stampin' Up! was amazing, as always, and they were kind enough to share some product from their new Spring Mini Catalog with us. The card above uses a set from that catalog. I simply love how organic this stamp set is. It's so me! I had so much fun creating this card.

Check back, I'll be using some of Cosmo Cricket's new line soon!

Enjoy the journey!

I'm so excited to announce that my craft room was one of many lovely rooms featured in Creating Keepsakes new publication, Creative Spaces! What a huge honor! This publication is so amazing - I'm always changing up my craft room and this book has given me some really great ideas for decor and organization.

If you'd like to be one of the first get your hands on a copy here's a link for you...
Creative Spaces Link
Here's the info on a coupon code that you can use to get free shipping! The coupon code is:  SPACESBB It’s good for free shipping in the US, expires 5/27/11.

And for a sneak peak...
Sneak Peak of Creative Spaces

Would you like to win a copy? Simply leave a comment and one lucky winner will be chosen to receive a copy courtesy of Creating Keepsakes! This applies for international viewers as well!

And for a little peak into my room that you won't see in the magazine...
Most of the storage in my room has been created from items that I have upcycled. Here's a look at a unique way to hang your product so you can see it - and use it! I reused some shutters and then inserted retail hooks! How cool is this? I definitely use this product more when it's out in the open and it allows me to "shop" my product.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment :)
Hope you enjoyed your visit!

I've been so busy working lately that I haven't had an opportunity to post - further still, no time for paper crafting! I did take a few minutes today to create a card in MDS (My Digital Studio) www.stampinup.com. Initially I set out to create an elegant card and then I ran into this little squirrel image and just had to use it! Hope you like it.

I am loving how easy it is to create digital cards! I recently created this one using Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio program. So easy and so elegant! LOVE!

Finally, a chance to create and post a few cards! It's been way too long and I'm so happy that I had time to spend in my craft room with all of my favorite inks, stamps, paper, ribbon, buttons, brads...

Here's the result!

I am so excited to start a new job as an editor for Paper Crafts Magazine! This is such an amazing opportunity to share my passion for crafting and write about the amazing artwork that so many women are willing to share! If you're not familiar with Paper Crafts, here's a link http://www.papercraftsmag.com/. I know you'll love the magazine as much as I do!

The Christmas holiday is less than one week away, I'd like to say that I'm completely prepared however I'm not. This season has been totally crazy! We finally decorated the tree last night and it finally feels official! Now to get all the shopping and wrapping done. I started designing my holiday cards yesterday afternoon - will I get them out? That's another matter entirely!

I designed these framed pieces a few weeks ago using Graphic 45 papers. I love how adding a bit of glitter and some simple embellishments turned these into art!

I wish each of you all of the best this holiday season and in the coming year!

A Box for Elizabeth...

My eldest sister doesn't know it yet, but this box will soon find its way to her door. I've been meaning to send this to her since her birthday in May! Better late than never! Paper from My Mind's Eye, Stamps from American Crafts. Enjoy!

A Space to Sew!

Here's a couple pic's of my new sewing area. It is a shared guest room but non-the-less, a little bit of space to sew little things - quilts? not so much... but soon I'll sew some little things that make me happy. I also wanted to share a tip for creating quick, inexpensive art. The art above the desk was made using an inexpensive frame from Ikea and a fabric table napkin. Yes, I framed a napkin! I think it turned out pretty darn cute! I like to look at things for what they could be rather than what they are. I'd like to challenge you to do the same! Enjoy the journey!

Here's a little thank you card I created using a stamp, pearls and card stock from Stampin' Up!, punch from Martha Stewart and this fun ledger paper (paper+cup) that was given to me by my friend, Andrea. I've also posted a picture of the ledger book in case you want to find one for yourself! Enjoy!

Recently I had a major change in my life - I left my job of nearly 13 years with Stampin' Up! The most difficult thing has been not seeing all of the amazing people that I worked with. Stampin' Up! truly employs some of the most creative minded, intelligent, and kind people around.

So in an effort to say farewell, I created these cards. The tough part wasn't creating the cards but figuring out what to say to these people that have affected my life so positively over the years! Here's a glimpse at the cards - I have yet to send them out... still searching for the perfect words.

To my friends at Stampin' Up! if you're reading this know how much I appreciate and admire all of you! Thank you for so many fun memories! I miss you all!

Here's the vintage inspired project I mentioned in my last post. I really enjoyed working with 7 Gypsies products on this! Paris is a place I long to visit - I see myself gathering creative inspiration, eating wonderful food, and bicycling around the streets. Someday... until then here's my Ode to Paris. Hope you like it.

I started this 7 Gypsies letter tray yesterday afternoon. I was inspired by October Afternoon's beautiful papers and then found various stamps and accessories to adorn each space. I love doing projects like this, each little rectangle space becomes it's own work of art. Stay tuned for a vintage inspired project next.

On another note, this month my creative space is being featured in Creating Keepsakes Magazine (Creatingkeepsakes.com). I love how the photos turned out. If you have a chance to see it, I'd love to know what you think.

I hope you'll visit often as I have plans to increase my posting! Hope to hear from you!

I am so lucky! I have the best co-workers in the world! The other day my friend, Paula surprised me with these lovely ceramic measuring cups - how cool are these? I love how great they look in my kitchen. It's amazing what a little kindness will do. Thanks, Paula, for the lovely surprise!

The Sewing Suitcase Reveiled...

 

So here's the final project. It was a lot of fun to do. I simply measured, cut, and sewed (just a simple hem to make it look more finished) sections of fabric for each side and hot glued the sections into place. Then filled it with fat quarters and vintage sewing finds. I love how it turned out!