Five Little Known (but helpful) Cricut Hacks

If you haven't been following a long on the YouTube channel you may have missed that I've started a group on Facebook exclusively for Cricut Explore users wanting to learn more, share more, and do more when it comes to making stickers for Cricut Explore!  Click here and request to be added - I'd love to have you!  In this group I am constantly inspired to share tips and figure out things I didn't really think of before.  So I thought I'd share with you 5 little known hacks for your Cricut Explore

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

image via Amazon

Custom Material Settings

Did you know that not only can you choose from a variety of settings from the custom menu on the Load Mat screen, you can actually add your own custom settings?  This is great if you work with a material that isn't listed on the drop down menu or you want to duplicate a setting but change the name.  I've found that the Washi Sheets setting is perfect for cutting stickers so I could copy the same settings but change the name to Sticker Paper as an example.  Or I could make a setting that cuts deeper than the settings available or adds the multi cut feature.  I have a post on adding Custom Material Settings here. 

Bluetooth Adapter + Dongle

When I switched from my MacBook to my Dell laptop I lost the ability to connect to my Cricut Explore through the Bluetooth adapter I'd purchased.  If you have a Cricut Explore Air or the new Cricut Explore Air 2 then you don't need the Bluetooth adapter sold.  If your computer doesn't have a Bluetooth option you can purchase something called a Bluetooth dongle (lol dongle) to plug into a USB port in your computer.  I love this because I have my Cricut Explore on the side of my desk on a rolling cart. (See my current office tour here.)  The cord is too awkward to plug into my computer and it's too short to leave it there always.  So a Bluetooth dongle is very, very helpful!

You Don't have to Unload the Mat to Cut again

Sometimes when cutting through thicker materials I find that the blade hasn't passed all the way through.  If I'm doing a one off project or don't want to add a new custom material, I'll just cut the project again.  Simply leave the mat in the machine and press the flashing Cricut button to recut the project.  This ensures that the mat is aligned in the same way so it won't create a funny cut around your project.  This helps me when I'm making dividers but my blade may be old.

Use other Software

You know that I love to use other software with the Cricut Explore and Design Space. I do this because I like to have a copy of the project that can be opened in a different software in case I ever get a different cutting machine.  If you design everything in Design Space you won't have your projects or files if you ever decide to change machines.  Inkscape is one of my favorite programs because it is an easy way to create SVG files but it is an great program to create PNG files for print then cut as well.  Another free software I love is Pixlr.  This software is online - visit pixlr.com and click on Pixlr Editor - and very easy to use.  It performs a lot like Photoshop, just a light version.

I hope these 5 hacks have helped you discover that there is more to the Cricut Explore than meets the eye.  This is one of the most flexible cutting machines and I love this for paper crafting and making stickers.  Do pop over to the group and hang out!  Plus you can find some free stickers there too!

xoxo, Moe

Three Last Minute (Thoughtful) Holiday Gifts

So......it is December 22nd and you're still looking for that one gift to give that actually means something.  But you really can't wait on shipping and nothing stands out in the stores, so what are you supposed to do?!?!  Don't fret - I've got 3 awesomely thoughtful holiday gifts that are sure to impress (even if they are last minute!)

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

image above created using the app Phonto, read a review here.

Online Classes from Craftsy

If you read this blog then you're probably a crafty person, which means you probably have a crafty friend (or two) that might want to learn something new.  If your friend (or you) have been eyeing trying something new for the new year, right now Craftsy is offering up to 50% off all online classes!  So if someone has been saying they are interested in learning to quilt, learning more about photography, or learning how to watercolor...Craftsy is the place to grab up the perfect last minute, learning gift.  If you're unsure of the something new they might want to learn in the new year, snatch up a Craftsy gift card so they can choose the class that is right for them.

Etsy Gift Card

If you have a crafty friend who likes to make crafty things, mots likely he or she also appreciates other's crafty work.  An Etsy gift card is a great way to help them support their handmade buying habit and to support small artists.  Also remind them to sign up for Ebates!  I can say that the usual rebate is 1% for Etsy but the percentage will go up on assorted dates - like on Black Friday (no guarantees though).  If they shop Etsy through Ebates they will save money but they won't take any money away from the artist selling through Etsy.  You can also use Ebates through a variety of other online shops as well.  Your friend might appreciate that thoughtful tip too (and that tip was free!)

Amazon Prime

If you have a crafty friend who likes to save money (see how this all connecting here?) then they probably will appreciate getting their crafty supplies at a discount and with free two day shipping.  Soooooo the gift of Amazon Prime is a great last minute (yet thoughtful) gift!  Not only will they get the free two day shipping, but it also includes access to Amazon Instant Video and access to borrowing ebooks from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library.  (I don't have a kindle but I can assume there are some crafty related ebooks out there.)

I hope this has given you a few last minute ideas to wrap up and place under the tree.  They don't take up a lot of space but they are definitely very thoughtful & helpful!

Hope you all have a very happy Holiday!  Enjoy your Christmas!

xoxo, Moe

Unboxing my Silhouette Portrait // My 5 First Thoughts

I have had my Silhouette Portrait since October 16th, 2015.  I didn't plug it into my computer until December 4th, 2015.  When it comes to new, hard core crafty supplies - sometimes I get intimidated.  (I didn't use my Cinch until this summer even though I got it for Christmas in 2014.)  The evening of the 4th of December started off like any other weekend evening....I stare at the bundle that is the Silhouette Portrait before moving on to some other craft for the night.  This night however, was different.  I pull out all the accessories, opened the CD drive (for the first time since like 2012), and installed the Silhouette Studio software.

For the next few hours I played around.  Here are my first 5 thoughts

I am intimidated

This is the thought that came to mind each time I looked at the bundle of cords and mats and machinery under my desk.  How can a thing so small (like 1/3 the size of my Cricut Explore) be so intimidating?  Even after installing the software and opening my first file.....I was intimidated.  I have to set the blade depth? What?  I have to add the cut lines?  Huh?  Trace feature?  Witchcraft?  But like one YouTube video later I was beginning to pick it up.

Why won't this print?

My first task was just cut a printable from my shop - I don't design in a program that will save as a graphic so I converted my PDF to a PNG and opened it in the Silhouette Studio program.  I played with the registration marks, I added cut lines.  I hit print.  Nothing.  

Eventually I had like 8 pending jobs in my print queue!  Eventually one went through and I was able to print.

Damn it, I didn't add registration marks.

I took the registration marks off to work on my cut lines...and in the excitement I didn't add them back.  So I had a few pages that I couldn't cut with the machine.  Damn it.

What the actual f***?

I plugged in the machine and loaded the adhesive paper on the mat.  I didn't calibrate, (still don't know how to do that!) and hit send to Silhouette.  It. Was. So. Loud.  Louder than my Cricut, and much faster.  No problem reading the registration marks.  No bleed on the print.  Zip Zip Zip.....Cut Cut Cut.  Damn printable is cut.  Like, holy hell.  What is this witchcraft?

I imported.  I traced.  I imported. I added cut lines.  I printed.  I loaded the Silhoutte.  And before I knew it I had a stack of cut stickers.  Cut stickers! Honestly, I was so blown away at the speed, ease, and accuracy after just a few moments of doing this.  Imported PDFs turned to PNGs, added cut lines/traced areas, send to printer.  If you didn't get this on Black Friday from Amazon for like $99....you should totally stalk the site until a deal comes up that you're willing to pay.  Best money I've spent.  No lie.  And I was impressed with my Cricut when I first got it.  But this? This was amazing.

Why didn't I do this sooner?

And then I just printed and cut until my dog kept pawing at me to go 'night night'.  Seriously.  Why didn't I do this sooner!

So this is just a little first impressions type of post on my Silhouette but I do plan to do a few DIYs, tutorials, and comparison between the Cricut Explore and the Silhouette Portrait.  I am glad I have both and I plan to tell you why!

Has there ever been something you were super impressed with and shocked you didn't try sooner?  

xoxo, Moe

Current Favorite Higher End Crafty Gadgets

If there is one thing I've loved longer than makeup and planners it is craft supplies.  One of my favorite traits about myself is my creativity.  I love that if I have an idea I can execute it - for the most part.  Being able to create anything under the sun means having an amazingly stocked craft room/area.  Honestly, I feel so thankful to be able to have the fun gadgets I have to make nearly anything possible.  I've shared my favorite paper crafting supplies in this post, and I've also shared my favorite craft supplies in this post, but now I want to share my current favorite higher end crafty gadgets.  Some of these could be considered middle end (which makes no sense, I know) rather than high end but if you're an average crafter I feel like these are things you save up for or ask Santa for and don't really pop into a Hobby Lobby and throw money everywhere.

I've been in love with these gadgets since I got them and find them so, so helpful for many different things!

Cricut Explore

I found my Explore on sale at Menard's (a hardware store) of all places.  It was severely discounted and I just snatched it up.  Since owning it I've used it to make stickers, planner dividers, & scrapbooking embellishments.  I'm looking forward to trying to make some vinyl decals and seeing what I can cut with it.  There are tons of free shapes and cartridges to create super simple projects.   There is even a monthly or yearly subscription service so you don't have to buy a zillion cartridges all at once. The Design Space is easy to learn (reminds me of using PicMonkey) and the creation process is really simple.  The Cricut software also has a print then cut feature as well.  I would have never been able to create kiss cut stickers if it weren't for this machine.  I also wouldn't have been able to create small embellishments in various shapes with out a million punches if it wasn't for my Cricut.  The precision cutting is amazing as well - no more uneven planner dividers!

We R Memory Keepers the Cinch

I recently created my own planner using the Cinch and my Cricut Explore.  I never would have been able to bind a little journal like that with out this little contraption.  I was super intimidated by this little machine and just stared at it for a long while.  Turns out it is super easy.  If you're looking to create any sort of memory book or notebook.  It is perfect if you need to make a little notebook in a pinch - like for a gift or something.  But you can also take your time and make a super detailed scrapbook.  It can also double as an A5 size hole punch to punch pages for your planners!  I like it because I can make notebooks super fast.  I'm going to try to make some little notebooks out of Project Life cards as little gifts this year for Xmas.  You can also create a junk journal of sorts and punch in your pictures to create a flip book.

Sewing Machine

I. Love. My. Sewing. Machine.  I don't even do a 10th of the things it is capable of but it is so inspiring to just feel like creating something out of fabric and then being able to.  If I want to sit down and sew something I can...and fast.  Hand sewing would make me get super bored of the project I was working on.  I find that I get bored with a project if I can't see it develop quickly enough.  I've loved using my sewing machine to make a few aprons, my fauxdori, some garb for the SCA, and just general sewing two pieces of fabric together.

Crop a dile Big Bite

This is one of those things where you can justify not picking it up every time you see it in the craft store.  I finally picked one up to set eyelets and punch holes in my fauxdori.  I now think it will be super handy when I want to set eyelets in other crafts - maybe scrapbooking? Who knows?  I haven't really found assorted uses for it yet, but I'm sure I will!

These are my 4 current favorite higher end crafty tools.  Now I can make all the things!

What are your favorite crafty gadgets?  Anything I should try out?

xoxo, Moe

My Four Favorite Craft Supplies

The other day while sitting down to create my planner & again while working on my new art journal I realized that there are some craft supplies that are just awesome to have.  Sometimes you just need something to make & when you have these four supplies your options are endless.  Some of these supplies might be somethings you don't have or they might be things you hoard.  For me these supplies are essential to being free to create - especially since I've been doing a lot paper crafting lately:

favorite craft supplies by fivesixteenthsblog on Polyvore

Corner Rounder

I put off for a long time picking up a corner rounder.  In fact I'm pretty sure I picked mine up on clearance because paper punches like this can be really expensive.  This is great if your making a book or just want nice rounded corners on a project.  I've used this to create ATCs, to round the corners on my planner dividers, and to add accents to pages in other projects.  This gives you the freedom to create uniform pages & is much simpler than using your scissors to round corners.

Washi Tape

This is a craft supply I hoard like no other.  I love washi tape because it's just so colorful & often really affordable.  When you feel inspired but aren't sure what to make, you can always cover things in washi tape!  I've recently been breaking into my collection to get creative all over everything, like my quote art journal from Monday.

Scrapbook Paper

Another supply I hoard!  I don't scrapbook but I can't pass up a nice pad of pretty paper.  Again, if you feel creative yet uninspired bust out the scrapbook paper.  Cut it up, paste it together, create a fun piece of art for your wall or make a little book with your feelings right now.  Sometimes even flipping through the patterns inspire me to be creative.

Paper Slicer

I have two paper slicers actually!  This is great to quickly & evenly trim down paper for books or other projects.  Perfect for when you're busting out the washi tape & scrapbook paper.  This tool makes creating so much easier because you can measure and cut in one step.

Each of these supplies makes creating a bit easier.  These are great to have on hand because you can get creative with them but also because you'll never know when you might need them!  Since I've been in a creative rut lately (I think I'm finally breaking it!) these simple supplies have helped me keep my hands busy while I sort out exactly how I want to be creative.

What are your favorite, go-to craft supplies?  Do you hoard things for no reason only to drag them all out later?

xoxo, Moe

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Resources to Learn to Sew, Knit, or Crochet

If there's one thing I'm passionate about it's making things.  Sewing, knitting, & crocheting are right there at the top.  I'd say I'm a pretty advanced crocheter but when it comes to knitting & sewing I'm pretty much a beginner.  The great thing about being a beginner is that you have so far to grow - you can learn to do just about anything.  But there are also a bunch of beginner resources out there that will have you making amazing, yet super simple projects in no time.  So if your goal is to get creative in the new year here are some of my favorite crafty resources:

Craftsy

Craftsy offers classes in nearly anything you can think of.  You get great, high quality videos & access to a virtual class room where you can find answers to your creative questions.  Some classes even come with downloadable patterns.  If you want something more in depth than a short YouTube video & something more hands on than a craft book, these virtual classes are a great option.  Here's the link for sewing, knitting, & crocheting.

YouTube

If you're pretty good at picking things up, you can search for YouTube videos that can show you the basics.  I even searched for how to use my brand of sewing machine - a Brother - and found some tutorials on using all the stitches available, different techniques, etc.  You can find some great, in depth tutorials for different crochet & knit stitches as well as some creative inspiration.  If you're ever stuck in your project YouTube is a great place to learn how to solve your problem.

Habitual Homebody Crochet Videos & Crochet Along

Find the above project instructions here

A wonderful blogger Alycia from Habitual Homebody has shared her own crochet tutorials & projects and has started a monthly crochet along.  Joining in on these crochet alongs is a fun way to meet other crocheters & crochet bloggers as well as connect with others who might be learning as well.  She also has a huge list of Crochet Resources on her blog featuring her own videos.  She's such a nifty crocheter!

Craft Books

Images from the book 1, 2, 3, Sew

Of course, the stand by resource are crochet books.  You can browse the bookstore, Amazon, or even your local library to find some easy instructions.  Books to look for if you're a beginner may feature words like beginner, or Sewing 101 type of things.  I also love books featuring one yard projects or one skein projects because let's be real I have the attention span of a goldfish!  These types of books are sure to give you a quick fix & teach you something new.  Here's a list of beginner sewing books, knitting books, & crochet books.  And if you're browsing on Amazon, a lot of books are available for Kindle!  So download those guys on your phone, ipad, or kindle & get to creating!

Actual In Person Classes

Many craft stores offer in-person classes in the evenings & on the weekends.  These are fun to meet new people, to get out of the house!  Oh, and you can learn a new craft.  Craft stores offer many different levels of classes so you can learn the basics or learn something specific.  A room mate of mine in college took a fun class on making a tee shirt quilt - it was simple enough to learn the basics but she also came out with an awesome product at the end.  If you have a museum or gallery near you, see if they offer specialty programs like making an art quilt or learning to work with different fibers.  Maybe there's even something like a mixed media class focused on fiber arts.  You can really get your creative side going with something like that!

What are you going to create this year?

xoxo, Moe

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Things I Want to Make // My To-Sew List

I think the best part of our house is the blending of Zach & I together that I see around the whole place.  We share a desk area, we share a workshop space (what will be my ceramics studio & his woodworking area) in the garage, and you know those other parts of the house couples share.  There's a third little work area though that will be all my own - my sewing table.

I'm super excited to find the perfect little table to sit under the window in the spare bedroom - I may have found the best one at Big Lots but we'll see.  I'll also use this room - because the light is so lovely - to photograph our vintage stuff, but for now I'm just day dreaming of my to-sew list.

You may think I want to take on a giant project like a quilt or a dress or something but no.....I like to keep it simple!  Just a few little things & just a few little stitches.  If I tackled a quilt it would never get done....too much work!  I'm a quick fix kinda gal!

a maxi skirt or two - I feel I may need a few in a few colors.  Maybe a few in jersey knit & maybe a few in a different fabric.

more aprons - I used to sew aprons right after I got my sewing machine at the end of college.  I made one for a friend, one for me, & had plans for some for the shop but only ever got one totally finished.  I really want to dedicate a weekend to busting out 5 or 10 & get them in the Five One Six shop.

hem the living room curtains - the one on the door is a bit too long...so it needs to be taken up more than a couple of inches.

sewing placemat keep all thingy - I want to make a little placemat type of thingy that also has some pockets that hang off the side of the table to hold bits of stuff.  My original reasoning behind this was because I was planning on remaking a TV tray as a tiny sewing desk.  But now I think I'm going bigger for my table...we shall see.

pretty sewing machine cover - right now my little sewing machine lives in her carrying case which has protected her from the move but when she's on display I don't want her to get all dusty so a little cover is in order.

a skirt for my table - Because I really like this pin!

nice curtains for the kitchen - I need some sort of curtain combo that will look good over the sink & on the window of the deck door.  This house has too many doors & too many windows!  Too many windows is a good thing though.

a little ironing board cover - my original sewing desk idea was inspired by this pin.  My sewing desk would do double duty as an ironing board.  But what about ironing & sewing?!?!  This ironing board TV tray can slip behind the table or hide somewhere else or be extra space.  Love it!

Right now bits & pieces of my sewing collection are around the house but slowly they are making it into one place and then slowly getting into the spare room.  I can't wait to have a few little projects going on.  I just can't sit still & it's apparent if I need three work areas!!

Do you sew? What projects do you want to work on?  Are you like me & need a million work areas? Am I just crazy?!

xoxo, Moe

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My 3 Favorite Places to Buy Yarn

I've mentioned before that I am not an idle person...I always have to be doing something with my hands.  Since being in Michigan, I've picked up my love of crocheting & knitting again and am getting a real work out.  I need to be careful & pace myself otherwise I'll end up with carpal tunnel and that will be no good!

Since I went to Renegade & met the wonderful (fellow crocheter) Susanah, I've fallen even more in love with yarn.  There is just something so inspiring about finding a fellow individual that loves the same thing as you do! Her designs have a great sense of direction & are just plain lovely!

I've been asked, & recently quite a few times, where the best places to get yarn are.  After I shared the above photo on instagram loads of IGer's shared a love of Red Heart yarn with me.  I remember when Red Heart yarn was under $2 & now it's close to $3.  I watch yarn prices like I watch gas prices (no joke!) & when there's a sale I grab it up!  But what about buying yarn just cuz you want to buy yarn? Where can you find affordable & unique skeins?  Here are my top 3 places to go for yarn besides the craft store:

Big Lot's - I remember the first Bit Lot's trip where I discovered they sold tiny skeins of yarn for $1.  I nearly fell over backward! It was at this point in time in 2011, that I'd just moved to Williamsburg & needed something crafty to sooth my itch to make.  I bough up about 10 or so skeins & set off to make one big granny square blanket.  I made sure to buy all the colors I needed up because, with those stores, you'll never know when it will be gone!  The hard part was that there was no dye lot.  I assume they were just ends of things wrapped together & sold.  So I sat in the aisle & pulled out all the skeins that looked to be about the same colors. Jack pot! I recently did this again when I first moved to Michigan & am working (in between other things) on a blanket for our new home!

Thrift Stores - This may seem a little gross, but you can get partially used or even unused skeins at some thrift stores.  My favorite one back home has grab bags of craft supplies & specific bags of yarn.  I've gotten unused skeins of yarn at like 4 for $2!  My only suggestion (it's what I do) is to either unravel the whole skien, wrap it around a chair's legs, tie a few strings around it, & wash it OR wash the item you've made with it very well.  This was a great penny pinching way for me to boost my stash for hat making.

Etsy & Craft Shows - While this isn't an affordable route, in my opinion it is the best one.  Why? Because you are supporting individuals with the same passions you have! And you can get super unique skeins you won't find anywhere else.  I've bought 2 skeins of hand spun yarn from craft show & have loved them each time.  I am working through the yarn in the picture above (bought at Renegade from Biggie) to make myself a hat specifically for the Michigan/Indiana Winter that's coming a long.

Crocheting & knitting are great hobbies to learn if you're like me and want to make, make, make.  They can be intricate & sometimes even mindless.  I like to make big crochet granny square blankets because I am doing something, I don't have to pay much attention to it, & I can still watch TV.  Sometimes the repetitiveness helps me think up new ideas & it always calms my nerves. 

If you want to learn either, I'd suggest hitting up YouTube.  There are some awesome tutorials out there!

Where do you find your favorite craft supplies?

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Fan Fridays // Do - It - Yourself Books

Last year for Christmas (2010) I asked for a load of creative & crafty books.  I mentioned before flipping through them & flagging some pages but then I just put them back on the self.

Lately I've been super inspired to make somethings & can't wait to get back into the groove.  I can't decide if I should clean up the spare room & craft in there or just wait it out & craft all over the house!  I thought getting out of my parent's house & into a house of my own (or a place of my own) would help with the creative process.  Little did I know that renting from people & not from a college means that things rarely get finished on time and hassles are around every corner.

My room is too small, we still haven't unpacked, we all have too many things, etc, etc.  I think Katie & I are looking at moving into a real house.  A big house.  A house where we can actually store things.  One with a garage.  One we can actually make in!

My pinterest boards are filled with creative things & my blogger dashboard is just over loaded with DIY inspiration.  I want to share what I can make!  I want to inspire others to make!

These books are some of the greatest.  I also have Big Ass Book of Home Decor that seemed to be MIA while I gathered the books to photograph.  Here are some pages I'd flagged last year:

this monoprinting I actually did while in a print class in college.  I'd bookmarked it to try at home but then took a class.  Being away from college has really made me want to get back into experimenting with printmaking!

You've already seen this image & heard my plans in this Dorm Dec Wednesday Post

My hands are just itching to create! As I sit & write this (at work, shhhh!) I am feeling so inspired.  My little notebook of ideas is no where near me though because I haven't been carrying a purse! I need to get back on that otherwise my brain may explode!

I am also inspired by all of this color to get back into opening an art & decor section to the shop.  I've been slacking so bad lately.  

How do you stay inspired? What motivates you? How do you get out of a rut? Let me know!!

Dorm Dec Wednesday // You Better Swatch Yourself!

This year I plan on being the super craftiest girl around! I am going to start by reviewing some craft books I have and making a game plan to make some awesome things.  Last Christmas I asked for about 1000 craft related books (really, only about 7).  I went through them, flagged some things I wanted to do, & just put them on the book shelf.  I blame my lack of making things on the fact that my house isn't unpacked (due to the dryer issue earlier this summer), I started dating Zach, & I just plain don't feel like doing!

My whole goal for moving to where I am now was to have my own little space to craft in.  Well that space is now filled with boxes because we don't plan on staying longer than a year in our house so why turn a room into a studio when you'll have to turn around & pack it all back up?  I hate it.  But, since I've been inspired I really, really want to start making again.

The first experiment I want to try was inspired by this photo from the inside of the DIY book I got at the National Gallery:

It reminded me of paint chips at the hardware store or those pantone chips/booklets scattered through out design labs on campus.  In the book, these are just spare bits of paper that are test swatches of colors that were mixed.  I like how they resemble Pantone color swatches.  For Christmas, I got about 5 flat panel canvases that I think I am going to use for these 'test swatches'.  Sort of abstract color pallets if you will.  I would love to have them displayed in a grouping on a wall.  

Inspiration from my pinterest board Color

source source source

On a side note, I find myself making things for the walls & never hanging them because my room mates don't particularly care for my boho decor style.  Zach & I have had this conversation as well.  He too is pretty 'traditional' when it comes to decor.  I guess to each his own but I sorta want a house that I am also living in to reflect a bit of my personality, too.  I am probably going to open up an art & home decor shop here in the future since I am going to try to make more & more & more things.

That's another thing I need to get back into; my dream of a sucessful shop! I really want to pick up Kaelah's great Marketing E-Book but haven't done it yet.

Perhaps I'll break out the brushes this weekend before New Year's activities.

How do you use color swatches?

Dorm Dec Wednesdays: Tin Can Organization

I love the idea of stacking to take up less space.  In a small apartment, things need to go as high as they can.  I found this cute idea for a craft room, but it would be perfect for any other room in the house:

source

I'd make a dozen & here's how I'll use them:

• In the Kitchen - organize your tall & short spice containers.  Put fruits & nuts in it as well.  We always have nuts like walnuts around in the winter time.  Even granola bars & wrapped pastries would look much better here than in their boxes.
• In the Bathroom - put your make up in different tiers according to what they are, put wash clothes & soaps with in easy reach for guests, add in your toothbrush too!
• In the Bedroom - make a two tiered one for your glasses, change & random jewelry on your nightstand.  Create one for your beau for his watch, lose change & other pocket what-nots.  It would be great for ties if he doesn't have a lot!
• In the Studio - Store bits & bobs like shown in the picture.
• In the Office - store paper clips, pens, note pads, etc. Since its magnetic you can post notes to it for reminders.
• In the Living Room - use it to display decorative accents like the yarn in the picture or store small games like cards or Bananagrams!

These are just someways to translate this craft room decor to every day decor.

Visit the original post here on Better Homes & Gardens.  It calls for a jigsaw & pipes, etc but I think you could do it the same way you would make a cake stand.  Grab some candle sticks while you pick up your tins from the thrift store & some E6000 from the craft store.  Center & glue.   

PS. Don't forget to check out the link parties in the Side Bar or click here!

Dorm Dec Wednesdays: Outstanding Organization & Do-able DIY

First off, I have to say I love stumble upon.  I can find so many unique things that I wouldn't know how to search for myself!  I was stumbling through some blogs today & found some inspiring photos of studios & organization.  Since I am very sure my studio/corner devoted to a bunch of my things will fall inside of my room in an apartment shared with my friend, organization will be key!

Here's some of the inspiring images:

original website: Nest Pretty Things

There will be lots of storage like this.  I love the brightly colored boxes

original from: Anita

And lots of things on a desk like this.  

I already know I am going to be needing some stackable drawers.  

Original from: Heather Bailey

I threw this one in because that chair is gorgeous.

I also have to say that I found these photos at Home-Designing but the links lead directly to blogs & websites, but not  the actual posts.  So I am trying to give the best credit I can.  

In the spirit of these awesome studios I've also found a great organization DIY: Storage Boxes.  I mean, full on DIY storage boxes made of sweat, tears, & cardboard.  Oh & some glue & cute paper.

photo credit: Make it and Love it

This is perfect for storing sheets in a closet buy making the dimensions a bit longer, for storing toys in a playroom, for storing electronics & cords in your den, for storing towels in your bathroom, or stick these on top of your upper cabinets to store other what not that may be in your kitchen.

take this

to this

to these!

photos from Make it & Love it

All you need is extra cardboard, hot glue & glue gun, spare fabric, & some mod podge & you have yourself some home grown storage boxes.  Definitely check out Make it and Love it's blog & the tutorial.  I'm so glad I discovered it.

Hope you're ready for New Years Festivities! Lets ring it in!

PS. Don't forget to check out the link parties in the Side Bar or click here!

Sum Up Sundays: Paper & Printmaking

The first week of classes is over! I can't believe it! I can't believe this weekend went by so fast either.  I was a bit of a slacker this week because it's just so hard getting back into the swing of things. Its also been HOT & I don't want to walk from my apartment to campus even though its just right across the street.

Here's whats been done this week:

1. First I've decorated my notebooks like I said I would! I've discovered a need for notebooks this year to organize a lot of my things.  I am a list maker & I really need a place to write down what I need to do & when I am going to do it.  Luckily I have a to do list on my Ipod Touch which will save me from losing the paper I write the lists on! So far the app is working :)
2. This is a template I've made for my bookplate.  I collect scrapbook paper & used a design from it to make my bookplate.  I love patterns & pattern papers.  I like to have a collection of them to use for digital & paper art.
3. Ex Libris: I decided to use my own hand writing for my bookplate.  I liked type but I thought it'd be more personal with my own writing. I am going to scan it in & break it apart because my name is too close to the other text.

Have you finished anything cool this week? Also, do you use bookplates? I don't know how common they are now but I like them!

Have a great week!

p.s. Its Sunday night and being the slacker I am, I am heading over to the art building as soon as I finish posting this.

Check out the parties in the side bar or click here!

Make It Mondays: Paper & Printing

I know I've been gone for a while, but I am back for now & will continue to post as much as I can.  I've decided to incorporate some of my art assignments into Make It Mondays.  So each week I will feature one art project & one or two craft/side projects.

Here are this weeks projects:

1. First, in my Printmaking class we are creating book plates.  Now book plates can range from this simple & more everyday one from janeray.com to the more traditional & intricate one in 2.  Go here to get 4 printable bookplates to keep up with your library of books.
2. This bookplate is of Rudyard Kipling (of course!).  This is an example of the bookplate reflecting its owner.  Designed by his father, the scene reflects adventure.  Go here to read the full caption & check out the book The Art of The Bookplate by Kames P. Keenan
3. Finally I am going to decorate my notebooks for the year with scrapbook paper.

I am also going to be blogging more about style.  So look for that soon. 

Have a great week :)

Make It Mondays: Free Printables

This week is filled with packing, moving & unpacking as both my sister & I are going to college!  So, because of that, I will most likely be unable to complete anything from Make it Mondays but here are some things for you to try (for kids & adults) :

1. First is a really cool organizational tool from Living Locurto.  It's a blog weekly calendar! Ins't that the greatest? I need some of those.
2. This 3D Fawn & Gnome Dolls printable from Fantastic Toys on Etsy.  These are so cute! They would look adorable displayed on a shelf in a kids room.
3. These gnomes better watch out! This gnome bowling set is free (along with some other cute printables included) from Fantastic Toys blog.
4. And finally here is a cute bunny stationary set from Paper Glitter.  Go grab the PDF & print & send your love :)

I am in love with gnomes & cuckoo clocks right now.  Is there a certain character you are in love with now?

Sum Up Sundays: Part One

Unnnnfortunately, I haven't photographed everything from the week because of a busy packing spirit & seeing some friends over the weekend.  So here is part one:

I had to take this picture with flash to get all the detail.  Its an old glass milk bottle I've had forever (I think someone in my family got it for Xmas with hot chocolate in it & I took it when they were done!) & some light blue paint I've had for probably the same amount of time.  It was super hard to decorate the inside, I had to shake it & slap it against my hand to get it to spread around.  I had a sore, sore hand.

I like how it looks & I want to do this to loads of bottles now!  Check out last weeks Make It Monday for the link & keep on the look out for part two of Sum Up Sunday!

Check out these link parties for this week.  Some awesome stuff!

Sum Up Sundays: Moving on Out

Almost packed! And like I mentioned earlier (and on Cross My Hooks) I don't have a camera.  So bear with the (dun dun dunnnn) camera phone shots! Oh no! Really though they aren't that bad.

I've been able to work on some stuff this week while packing & cleaning up the campus for the school year.

I've finished the newspaper basket but due to not being able to find magazines I could use or liked, I haven't made any coasters or place mats.  Oh well, perhaps I will come back to them this coming year.

1. Here's the wall medallion, which I love! I will be making more because I love it so much!  I will definitely have a tutorial later.  It is actually super easy.
2. I forgot to take a before picture of the painted stick, but I assume you can guess it was a stick sans the paint. The goal for this is either a jewelery hanger or a key catch all at our entry way.  I am going to attach hooks to hold the keys/necklaces & little hangers on the back.  I've painted it & wrapped parts in yarn. Its hard to tell which is which but the peach toward the middle & the green on the end are strings of yarn. I think it came out pretty cool.
3. And the newspaper basket. I've got some pom poms, some paint, & some yarn in there for right now.  It's going to get packed up in the next few days.  

These pictures came out better than I thought.

I am summing up my weekend with a load of crime shows on MSNBC, man I am a weirdo!

Linkin' Up:

Make It Mondays: Sticks, Stones & Paper

So since I didn't finish up some things I said I was going to do last week (my last week of work is here, now for two weeks of crafting & no packing!), some things from last weeks Make It Mondays! are carrying over.  Visit that post for the links to the first three things in the list.

1. First, I hope I can get done some magazine coasters as well as some magazine place mats.  I think those would be cool to have on our table next year. (Fun fact, my apartment last year didn't have room for a dining room table so my room mate & I often sat on the floor around our coffee table.  Talk about bad posture!)
2. I am going to hopefully make a magazine basket, but since I already have the newspaper basket done I am not quite sure how I feel about it.  I need to style it up some to see what I can use it for.
3. The paper wall medallion will be finished.  I re-read the post on craftster & now I think I've got it!
4. These painted sticks: 

 

source

These painted sticks I saw over on the Free People Blog have inspired me to paint this ridiculous piece of wood I snagged at the end of the year from someone who didn't want it.  I think someone was going to use it in a mixed media project but ended up scrapping it.  I want to paint it and put some hooks in it to use it as a jewelry holder.  (I know, like i need more) 

This week should (hopefully) go by fast. I am ready to get home to see my pup again! He's my parents' dog...but him & I have a special bond.  After me pretty much taking care of him one summer I am in his top 3 favorite people :)

What are you up to this week?

Sum Up Sundays: Craft Fail

Unfortunately I keep forgetting to get enough news papers & magazines from work to do too much from this weeks Make It Mondays.  However, I do have a cake stand & newspaper basket (which was tedious to make but pretty cool inthe end). Keep reading for the failure that was the paper wall decor!
Here's the first cake stand:

This one is for my mother.  She's been wanting one, a ceramic two tiered one to be exact, but not having too much time available to spend in the studio I haven't been able to make one.  Since we have a formal dining room I thought this would look lovely on our dinning table.  The tiers also separate for a tall & short single stand!

The second is for me:

I am going to use it as a jewelry plate for my dresser or shelf in my apartment.  I have one more to make but I am going to try out my new ceramic markers on the plate first.

I took these pictures right before I had to return the nice dslr I borrowed from the library.  I don't have any pictures of the newspaper basket but I promise it was done.  I probably won't have a camera for a while but I will try to borrow another one to post images this week. 

The paper medallion was complicated to figure out.  I thought half a sheet of paper would make enough of an arc to add the two halve together.  Well, it wasn't.  It was about a fourth of the medallion.  So this is a craftastrophe of sorts.  I will definitely be attempting it again though!

I can not wait until I finish work & am able to finally purchase a new camera! It sucks to not have one when I really need it.  Thank you for being patient, oh so patient, with me while I figure out what I can do.

I love link parties!