Leather Working ~ Last Post on this Blog...

because I have a new website!  I'm pleased to say you will find my new musings over at www.polkadottedbliss.com beginning later this week!  It's taking me a bit, but I've been getting the new website up and running; putting together a crafting class for kids   and oh yeah, teaching my own babies!  The more I spend time with our homeschool co-op, the more I love this homeschool experience.  Where's the crafty tie in?  There are so many ways to incorporate  paper crafting, really any type of arts and crafts into our lives at home.  
Most recently, the kids and I participated in 4H Family Camp in Appamattox, VA.  Talk about an amazing time, spent relaxing, fellowshipping, playing and making!  While the kids were leaning how to fish and have fun with food, I discovered leather working.  

Oh my stars...the possibilities are endless!  Once I entered the little workshop, and started pounding the practice leather, I was hooked.  Had to force myself to leave for meals (well, really the instructor did).  

This camp was about being in the moment with my kids, so I don't have a lot of pictures, but here are a couple of the bracelets I made from leftover scraps:

This was my first piece, all from scraps!  I stamped, stained and painted the bracelet.  I've never enjoyed painting that much, but this, I loved.  After scavenging the fashion leather pile, I found these pretty colored scraps and hand-cut some flowers and centers, and attached them with  rivets.  Great little bohemian chic accessory!

 The workshop was a little treasure trove for an upcylcer like me!  There were 2 huge boxes of used scraps to choose from, like this piece.  If you look closely in the lower right, you'll see just a smidge from the original stamped lettering.  I made this bracelet on day 3 by stenciling the flower, staining and painting it.

Oh, and the BEST part about the workshop?  I made special things for and with my kids...doesn't get much better for this maker mama!

What new art or craft have you tried recently?

Thanks for dropping by!

Scrapping My Stash - Pocket Pages

Just when I thought I was getting into a routine with working full-time while the kiddos were in school, LIFE happened again.  I am suddenly, unexpectedly homeschooling two of my kids and find myself with less time to do traditional scrapbook layouts or mini-albums.  I've been wanting to start pocket page style layouts and National Scrapbooking Day gave me the perfect reason to start.

Every May I donate a card-making party to charity.  This year, the party fell on National Scrapbooking Day, so I decided to document our photos from the last party to show them.   I create 3 cards as templates for the ladies and they always add their own personality to them. The girls had a great time, stamping, inking, and die-cutting.

 I really like being to able add dimensional embellies to these pockets.

You really don't have to buy the pocket pages supplies; you can use what you have on hand.  I took a bunch of journaling cards and cut them down to size, and layered them with scrapbook paper, and a scalloped edge envelope.  With only 30 minutes start to finish (printing and cutting photos and pulling out supplies) I think I can get do some serious memory-keeping done with this method, look out!

How did you spend National Scrapbooking Day?

Materials used:

Journaling Cards: Mambo card-making kit

Wood Veneer Embellishments: Recollections

Washi Tape: Recollections

Thanks for stopping by!

Hand Stitched Cereal Box Journal

For years I have been altering those composition notebooks; they make wonderful gifts for my kids and their friends.  But, I have always wanted to make my own.  So, over Spring Break, my kids and I packed our craft supplies and headed to a good friend's house.  My tween and I spent an entire day with our friend Barb, of Papillion Creative, making books!  What's even better, they didn't cost us a dime because we upcyled a common household item...cereal boxes!  They turned out even better than we imagined!  

Can you believe we used these...

 

  to create this!  

Of course my little Bohemian tween's journal was the cutest.  My friend Barb is quite the artist, we used fabric that she painted and stamped, some embroidery pieces and sheets of wonderful handmade paper from her stash.  You can find some of the supplies like the thread and yarn in her wonderful little Etsy shop here.

We hand stitched fabric for the cover and added the handmade paper in pretty colors to the inside.  We used yarn to bind them.  My daughter, long fascinated with henna tattoos, drew a beautiful design on the back cover of Barb's book (upper right corner).

We spent the entire day making, chatting, and laughing while the little ones played outside.  Next to the crafting time I have with my daughter, this was hands-down, the most creative fun I've had in a long time.  Barb and I kept asking each other why we waited so long to do this, and decided to get together each month.  Can't wait to see what we're doing in April!

Live Your Life Happy

We've had a touch of Spring here and it made me want to create something bright and cheery.  I couldn't wait to pair this awesome Unity Stamp Co stamp with   a sentiment and paper from the DCWV Vintage Collector stack.  

I added some ruffled fabric trim, my signature buttons and a touch of something different, do you spy it?

So many fun ideas for this Andie Girl stamp, but I think this card will be a hit for Mother's Day.  Love getting a jump on holiday cards, you?
Supplies not listed above: Copic Markers: Hair (E13, E15, E23) Blouse (R20, RV25, R46) Skirt (Y32, E15) Pants (B00, BG15) Boots (R20, RV25, R46) Leaves (G20, YG25) Flowers (RV25, R20)
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs, Kimberly

I Make Pretty Stuff

I love my work!  And I am so touched anytime I can create for someone's special event.  This week I am finishing these invitations for the First Communion of my dear friend's daughter. 

I can't wait to show you when I'm finished!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

You've Got Heart

I love a good snow but we are on our 7th snow day this winter and I am ready for Spring!  So, I created this little Easter project.

Can you tell I am hooked on these mini coffee cups?  Oh, the endless possibilities!   They can hold gift cards for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's or serve as treat containers for special occasions.

Unity Stamp Co is quickly becoming one of my favorites...you can find sentiments for just about any occasion.

This set is available right here in my Etsy shop!

Supplies used: Webstaurant Store
Mini Coffee Cups:
Paper Straws: local craft store
Gift Bag: Paper Mart
Doily: Dollar Store
Copic Markers: R11, R20, R43, G20, G24
Burlap ribbon: Michaels

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Craft it Up with Friends! Layout a Week

Would you travel 250 miles to craft with friends?  That's exactly what I did a couple of years ago!  I documented our fun in my Smash Book for the Layout a Week.

  

While living in NC about five years ago, I met my scrappy soul sister Paula from Scrap Your World via Facebook.  We later crossed virtual paths with Donna K from at Studio 307 and formed an awesome bond based on shared indie shop owner experience, a love of paper arts, and support and encouragement.

I met Donna K and her sweet mama Sandra (above middle and right), in person, on her visit to the DC area in 2013.  We hatched a plan for all of us, including Paula, to see each other in NC later in the year.  While vacationing there with my family, I met up with these gals in Raleigh for some of the most fun I've ever had. 

First off, they laid out a spread of snacks, awesome lunch and dessert.  Add to that a lotta laughs and a little crafting on the side and it was a zany, good time!  So much so, I can't wait to get back to Paul's crafting oasis, her Scrap Cove!!  Seriously, she has a separate craft studio,  AWAY from her house.   Check it out here.

Looking forward to creating future memories with these girls!

Supplies

Smash Book: K & Company 

Patterned Paper: DCWV Vintage Collections 

Embellishments: Heidi Swap and My Mind's Eye

Challenges Entered:

Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge

Thanks for stooping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly 

Dream!

Just sharing some cute little notebooks I altered for a customer the other day.

 I picked these notebooks up YEARS ago (polka dotted, of course) and have fancied them up in several ways.  See this post here.  I am down to the last few and thought I'd take a fresh approach.

For these designs, I used Pink Paislee's "Hey Kid" papers, embellished with Unity Stamp Co.'s "I Believe in Miracles", and accented with vinyl lettering.  The ribbon and tullle are a sweet way to use up those scraps you might have!

We are heavy into journaling at home, so I always enjoy whipping up some of these.  They make wonderful gifts for those hard-to-shop-for tweens.

Do you journal?

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Inspired!

Last year I posted on FB about filling my Smash Book with magazine clippings of inspirational photos; color combos I like and home decor projects.  But the old saying "out of sight, out of mind" is so true!  I hadn't pulled the book out in so long, I forgot about these two pages.

I recently started scrapping in the Smash Book and found them in a pocket.  The bright Caribbean colors of this backyard oasis

 really spoke to me.  I can't be at the beach, but I can bring it to my space.

Do you see where I got the inspiration for my wall color?

All the colors together are so bright, happy and cheerful.

Do you have a place that inspires you and your work?

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Smashing Good Time - LOAW

Hello loves!  It's been a minute since I've shared my tween's work.  Lately, we have been able to squeeze in some pretty good making sessions, just the two of us!  She is not as into scrapbooking but has definitely found her niche in creating Smash Books.

Here is how she used some embellishments from my stash and leftover La dee da girl doll packing from a Christmas gift.  Such a joy to see her creative self-expression.  More pages to come!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Cherish You

This card goes out to all of you!  I genuinely cherish my readers and your feedback.  Hope you are having a simply wonderful Valentine's Day but know this: you are appreciated everyday!

Materials used:

Cardstock: Recollections 

Patterned Paper: Recollections

Stamp: Michaels

Bite-sized Pink Treats

I just had to share these pretty pink rice krispy treats of love I made for my baby girl's class.  The best thing about them?  They were Bite-sized!   No half-eaten and discarded snacks here.

I just followed the standard Rice Krispie Treat recipe here, but substituted mini pink marshmallows for the standard ones. I spooned the mixture into a pan and used a heart-shaped cookie cutter to shape them.

These were a fun, little party treat!

What are some of your favorite Valentine treat?

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Too Much of a Good Thing

Yessss!  I can think if so many areas in my life where this sentiment applies: the love of my family, the support of my friends; the laughter, hugs and kisses from my babies and so much more!

How about you?

Supplies used:

Recollections Valentine's Paper

Cardstock: Recollections 

Ink: StazeOn

Ribbon: Recollections

Stamp: Michaels

Thanks for stopping in today!

Hugs, 

Kimberly

Sweet and Thrifty Gift Ideas!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I have lots of sweet little gift ideas for you. 

Do you remember these little reusable tins? They are fabulous little containers with hinged lids I order from Papermart.

I usually wrap the hershey nugget candy bars in pretty paper but was thinking about something different for non-chocolate lovers. 

        Other cute ideas are a "pamper me" kit.

Fill  it with a inexpensive nail care items, a mani/pedi set from the dollar store, some polish remover wipes, hand cream and pretty polish, of course!

Everyone needs a an emergency sewing kit on hand right?

You can pick up sewing notions just about anywhere!

 Thoughtful little friend or teacher gift ideas that won't break the bank!

Challenges entered: Use Your Stuff

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, 

Kimberly

Just Wanted to Say

I am having a good time with this Recollections Valentine's kit; it works well with so many different projects.  I paired the papers with Unity Stamp Co's lovely stamp set.  All that vintage yumminess in a stamp.

Polka dots on a long,

 skinny card...my favorite design!

Keeping it clean, simple and classy this Valentine's Day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Be Mine

Hello lovelies.  Sharing today's layout of the week with you.  I am playing along with the Scrap Our Stash "Washi" and the Scraps of Color Valentine Challenges.  

Took a chance and tried an all white background with this picture of my little man and his Teddy.  Who says pink is just for girls? For the "Washi" challenge, I used:

W - White and Washi tape

A - Arrow

S - Stickers and Sequins

H - Hearts

I - Ink for the stamped sentiment

I really do adore his sweet little face!

Thanks for stopping by to see my cupcake cutie!

Are you getting ready for Valentine's Day?

Products used:

Patterned Paper: Recollections

Stickers: Recollections

Stamp: Unity Stamp Co

Thickers: American Crafts

Hugs,

Kimberly

Little Box of Love Reveal and Winner

And we have a winner!  I started thinking maybe the challenge was too tough, but Kathleen Hetzer guessed the contents last night, old school Rolos!  They are the perfect size for the box!  Congrats to you Kathleen, your prize will ship on Tuesday! Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun!

Little Box of Love Giveaway

I  made these mini boxes the other day with the Recollections Valentine's papers and just can't get enough of them!  I decided to share them with one lucky person who guesses what I put inside.  The boxes measure about an inch wide and four inches long.

To enter to win, just visit my FB page here, like my post and comment with your guess.  The first one to guess correctly wins!  You have until Saturday, February 7th, 11:59 pm EST to enter to win four of these cuties.  I will share the name here and on my FB page at 8:00 am Sunday.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Kimberly

Sweets for Your Sweetie!

Hello SOC loves!  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought I would share a pretty simple, but adorable way to package up some yummy chocolate.

We love to make handmade gifts at our house and these hand-wrapped Hershey bars are a great treat for your sweetie, teachers or friends.  What's a little chocolate every now and then, right?  They are super cute and super easy to do.

For this project, grab the following:

Valentine Papers

Paper cutter

Scissors

 Adhesive 

Solid colored and white cardstock (for stamping)

Stamps

Your favorite ink

Ribbon (plain or decorative)

For the wrapper, cut patterned paper about inches 7 inches wide by 5.5 inches long (you can adjust the length depending on how much you want to the original wrapper to show or not.  Apply adhesive to one edge, wrap around the hershey bar and secure in the back.

Now it's time to embellish!  I cut some 1 3/4 inch by 5 inch strips, and free-hand cut a wide V at the bottom to make long pennants. Adhere them to the front.

Next, I cut some 2 1/4 inch scalloped squares on my Cricut, and layered a stamped image on top. You can use any shape you like :)

Once you adhere your stamped image, top your wrapper off with a cute bow (I like big, chunky bows) and your gift treat is ready!

Supplies used for this project:

Pattened paper: Recollections

Solid cardstock: Recollections

Stamps: Michaels Dollar Bin

Ribbon: Michaels Clearance Bin

Ink: Black StazOn

What are you making this Valentine's Day?  

Until next time!

Hugs,

Kimberly