October 1st, 2012
Well I kind of went crazy this year… I know I haven’t posted about this yet, but a few months ago we tore out our old fireplace surround and Mr. Project built a whole new set of built-ins plus a new mantel. We also had some snazzy new tile installed as well. So this year I had almost 3 times as much mantel space to decorate, so I focused my efforts on a big Halloween mantel display. I’ll post about the mantel later.
I reused all my decorations from last year, and added a bunch of new jars and some new artwork to the space. I also finished two projects that I tried to get to last year – a chalkboard art piece and an urn with branches and ravens.
My banner from last year stored really really well and was quick and easy to re-hang. If you’re interested in building a similar banner, it might be easier now because these Lost & Found Halloween papers have been manufactured by My Mind’s Eye and are available for purchase at most any scrapbooking retailer.
Here is the overall pic:
I tried to mostly incorporate my existing shelf decor though I did remove a few things here and there. I’ve still got a little bit of filler to add, but I like to pick up clearance items after Halloween, so you’ll have to wait till next year to see it more fluffed up. Here are a few detail shots:
(I have already been informed that I spelled Werewolf wrong)
You can see my Doctor sign and my apothecary shop sign. I designed and printed these and placed them in frames that were already on top of the shelves. I’ll probably have these printables available to purchase in my Digital Shop sometime this week along with my new apothecary labels (the labels from last year are already available).
I also took some of my Lost & Found Halloween papers (with orange glitter) and cut them to fit in some of the smaller frames I had already in the bookshelves. I just placed the images over the glass, so they’ll be really easy to remove and store for next year. I found some old western ephemera type photos online and printed them to fit portrait sized frames to give a little spooky feel to the space.
And then this year I finally got around to my chalk art piece. Last year I bought the chalkboard (with the lace edging printed on it)from Grandin Road. I loved it and wanted to do something cool, but just ran out of time and energy. This year, since all my decorations were pretty much done, I spent the time to create some chalk word art.
It looks so fun in the space, and hopefully will last years to come!! Here’s a quick tutorial on how I did it.
This is the board to begin with (notice the creepy baby hand prints on the bottom lol):
I designed the type and layout on my computer (using illustrator), and then printed it out. The finished size is 18×32 – I printed on three 12×18 sized papers and then taped them together.
Once I knew it all fit and looked good, I did a very elementary transfer by rubbing graphite pencil lead on the back of my printout. Some sort of opaque projector would work really great, but I don’t have one of those and I figured that this would just be the easiest way to transfer my image over and prepare it for the chalk. You’ll want to tape this in place with the correct side showing (not this ugly side).
Here you can see I’ve done some of the chalk work, but more importantly you can see the graphite transfer. So if you don’t remember from elementary school, you place the design right-side up and then just hand trace with a pencil (or other hard instrument – pen, embossing tool , etc. ) and the graphite that you rubbed on the back will transfer over to the chalkboard anywhere you trace.
I did mine in sections. I’d trace and then pull back my printout and do the chalk work. I used a white chalk marker instead of chalk, and was really pleased with it. I tested some chalk sticks and since they were brand new, they just didn’t go on the surface very well, also it could be the quality of the chalkboard etc. But either way I was really happy with how the chalk marker worked. I had tons of control and it does not smudge at all once it’s dry. So I didn’t have to worry about any mistakes after I was done with a section. It will come off with water though, so watch your kids and their sippy cups! I’m going to pick up some spray fixative to hopefully keep it looking good for many years to come.
I used a ruler to do my straight lines – worked like a charm!
And here is the final outcome! I would say start to finish (not including the design work), it took me about 5 hours to do. Really not that bad, and no hand cramps afterwards. I did only use one marker, but I kept thinking it was going to die after the first section, so definitely stock up if you are doing a big design. Oh and it was way easier to draw cursive then block lettering, so if you’re doing the design, use a lot of cursive type!
Happy Halloween!
March 13th, 2012
i scrapbooked one of my favorite pictures of my family…and titled my page “so happy, so lucky” since it’s almost st. patrick’s day! i used this fun green, glittery quatrefoil paper from the lost & found 2 collection: rosy “everything.”
i picked out a few green papers from that same collection…i love to use color that goes with a theme/holiday…you don’t necessarily have to use something with shamrocks or little leprechauns to scrapbook something about st. patrick’s day!
i cut out a piece from this paper, so that i could use the back side of it, i loved the printed words and the green swirls…if you see that part of your paper will be hidden any way, might as well cut it up so that you can utilize more of your paper! i do this a lot, especially if it’s double sided patterned paper and i only happen to have one sheet! and even though i loved the coral orange text on the paper, i decided to cover it up to go for a green monochromatic page.
here’s where i added a scrap square piece i cut out…added a banner stamp and a green brad!
i used the banner stamp…just a corner of it…i liked the “3″ on it…for my three kids.
ran a tag through my printer for some journaling, added a few stamps at the bottom.
my sewing machine wasn’t liking my adhesive runner that i used…i just left it instead of trying to match up the holes again, embrace imperfection, right?
products used:
lost & found 2 rosy “everything” dry goods 12×12 paper
lost & found 2 rosy “everything” 6×6 papers
lost & found 2 rosy “everything” ”princess” & “breeze”stamps
lost & found 2 rosy “best of friends” pearls
lost & found 2 “favorite” trims
heidi swapp alphabet stamps
December 2nd, 2011
Hello dear readers it’s Angie Hinksman here and a very Happy Holiday Season to you! Today I’m going to share with you a little hybrid project, inspired by what is probably the most is talked about product this Christmas; the iPad2. I love the simplicity of the design of the iPad and I think that the included stand is pure GENIUS! Now, while my little Recipe Stand won’t help you surf the net, it’s certain to brighten up any kitchen table! You’ll need very few supplies (no need for specialist binding materials here, just paper, card and some basic crafting supplies.
To create the Recipe Stand and 6 recipe cards, you will need the following supplies:
- Recipe journaling templates – you can download the pdf file here
- Some plain co-ordinating paper or cardstock for printing the journaling cards. I’ve used some simple ’letterhead’ stationery for mine.
- Selection of 12 x 12 inch patterned scrapbook papers – I’ve used papers from Jen’s beautiful Stella & Rosecollection. You’ll need 2 for the stand and 1 sheet will 6 recipe cards. Cut your paper to the following measurements:
- 1 piece: 8.5 x 12 inches (just keep the off-cut handy, we’ll use this later)
- 1 piece: 6 x 12 inches (again we’ll use the off-cut later)
- 1 piece: cut out 6 at 4 x 6 inches
- Chipboard or very thick card. If you can’t get hold of plain chipboard, the back of an old note book will work perfectly! I’ve used the back of one of my scrap-pads. Cut your card to the following measurements;
- 2 pieces: 4.5 x 6.5 inches
- 1 piece: 2.5 x 6.5 inches
- 2 pieces: ¾ x 6.5 inches
- A ruler
- Cutting tools (such as a Stanley knife or rotary cutter and scissors)
- Adhesive (I’m using a glue stick and some double-sided tape)
- Cutting matt
- Rolling pin (this helps the glue stick well)
Instructions for the recipe cards:
Print your recipe journal pieces onto your paper and cut out. Glue these to the front and back of your 4 x 6 inch pieces of scrap paper. I’ve rounded the edges of mine, to keep with the iPad feel of the project!
Instructions for the Recipe Stand:
Place your 4.5 x 6.5 and 2.5 x 6.5 inch pieces of chipboard on your 8.5 x 12 inch scrap paper as illustrated. Align the top and bottom pieces with the edges of the paper. Place the middle pieces approx. ½ inch below the top piece. You want to have a bigger gap at the bottom (this will help your recipe stand close well). Use a pencil to mark where your placed this pieces, then glue them down. Use your rolling pin over the top then turn the whole thing over and use your rolling pin again. This will make sure your glue has good contact. Leave to dry for a few minutes then glue the sides down as shown.
Once dry, glue the 6 x 12 inch piece of scrap paper on top, as shown and leave to dry.
Glue the 2 ¾ x 6.5 inch pieces of card together as illustrated. Once dry, glue and cover with a piece of your left over scrap paper. Leave to dry. Once this is dry, glue to the bottom of the main piece(the bottom has the small piece of cardboard). Leave this whole piece to dry thoroughly (I left mine for about an hour).
On the inside of the stand, cut a piece of your left-over scrap papers in a strip: 2.5 inches x 12. Place this at the bottom of the stand so that it meets the edge of the ¾ inch piece. You’ll need to trim this down so it fits your stand. Using either a thin layer of glue or double-sided tape, glue this down. This will create pockets to keep your recipe cards in.
Once your stand is completely dry you will be able to fold it as shown. As you can see, the ¾ inch piece helps the Stand stay in place! Cut another little scrap of paper in a triangle shape to act as a photo corner to display your cards(mine is about an inch and half wide). Glue into place.
Finally place your finished cards in your pockets and enjoy! I think this would make a great gift andit is light and small enough to post to far-away family and friends. Why not invite some ‘recipe-loving’ friends over, give them each a recipe stand, filled with cards and have a recipe swap party. Now wouldn’t that be fun?
Have a great day 
October 12th, 2011
Well hello there! My name is Angie Hinksman and it’s my turn to share some crafty goodness here at The Project Girl’s Blog. Thank you so much Jen for having me ! For my first post I thought I’d share with you my ideas for creating a simple way of keeping track of those discount coupons and vouchers. I’ll show you how to make a two printable Coupon Organizers.
There are two ways you can create these Coupon Organizers. If you have either photoshop or photoshop elements and are experienced with working with layered templates, I have included layered psd files that you can use to clip your digi-papers into and print out. I have also included pdf versions that you can use as templates for your traditional scrapbooking papers; either by printing them onto white card and then using as traditional templates or you can print these straight onto your scrapbooking paper. You can download these templates here.
You will need the following supplies:
- Your printed Coupon Organizer Documents, printed onto white card – The larger organizer; 1 center/main part and 2 accordion sides. For the small organizer, just one all-in-one document. I’ve used Jen’s Nostalgia 2 papers, available at Design House Digital.
- For the large Organizer, 1 piece of 12×12 inch card stock (for the dividers and lining)
- For the small organizer 1 piece of card stock (I’ve used 1 piece of A4 white cardstock)
- Glue or double sided sticky tape
- Velcro or magnetic tape (to keep your organizers closed)
- Scissors, Craft knife or rotary cutter
- Rolling pin to help your glue stick good and tight!
- Embossing tool, Ruler or Blunt butter Knife (to score folded edges)
I have set up the psd files so that you can easily ‘clip’ your digi-paper straight into the. Once you have prepared your digi prints you can just print the finished documents onto white cardstock. Alternatively you can print the pdf versions onto traditional scrapbook paper by first trimming your paper to fit a standard A4 sized page.
Now you are ready to assemble your Coupon Organizer. First, cut out all of your pieces. Using the center, patterned piece as a guide, cut out another center piece from your cardstock. This will be the lining of your organizer. Cut the remaining card stock into 3 6 x 3 ¼ inch pieces. These will be the ‘dividers’.
Next fold the ‘accordion sides’ as illustrated in the images below. I’ve included a ‘Black & White’ version to help illustrate this.
Next, glue the sides of 2 accordion pieces to the sides of the main piece as shown below. Leave this to dry and then glue the lining to the other side.
Once the whole thing is completely dry (I’d give it an hour or so), fold up your organizer as shown and add the either your Velcro or magnetic tape, as shown. Finally add your dividers. You can secure the sides with a little glue at the accordion edges if you like but it’s really not necessary!
The smaller organizer is even quicker. Simply printout the all-in-on sheet, assemble in a similar way to the large organizer (folding at the dotted lines). Cut out 3 5×2 ¾ inch rectangles from your white cardstock. No need to line this one just fold, glue, insert your dividers and your good to go!
And there you have two easy ways to keep track of those oh-so-useful vouchers and coupons!
Have a great day !
October 5th, 2011
Let’s stay focused and stress free this Holiday Season with a fun yet functional planning binder. Holly Jolly by Jen Allyson is the perfect fabric to cover some old unused binders to create this holiday binder. I dare you to only make one….
What you need to make binder cover:
- Your choice of binder (I have tons of used binders laying around the office ready to be covered and up-cycled or you can purchase one)
- ½ yard fabric for front (I’m using Gray Holly Jolly Damask)
- ½ yard fabric for back/inside (I’m using Gray Holly Jolly Damask, Lost & Found Basic Shades Slate)
- 2 fat quarters for inside pockets (I’m using Gray Holly Jolly Damask, Red Holly Jolly Dots)
- 1 piece of fusible batting & optional lightweight interfacing for pockets
- Optional: lace, ric rack, ribbon, vinyl, binding
First start by measuring your binder. Open the binder and measure from side to side. I just used my cutting mat. This is a 1.5″ binder and the length measures 21.5″ inches. The width (top to bottom) is 11.75″ inches. So to cut the outside of your cover you will add 1″ inch to both the length and width. For a standard 1.5″ binder you will cut your outside fabric 22.5″ x 12.75″.
You will also cut a 22.5″ x 12.75″ piece of fusible batting. Measure from the edge of the side towards the rings to determine the width of the pockets. I cut mine 12.75″ x 10″, you will need 2 (And you will need to cut 2 of the interfacing). I cut the small pockets 6″ x 10″ (red dot).
Once everything is cut out you will need to fuse the batting to your outside piece using the manufacturer’s directions. Then you can start the fun part of embellishing your front…. I cut a piece of the Red Holly Jolly Dots, pinked the edges, gathered it and sewed it down the front on the right side.
I then added jumbo ric rack to the middle of the ruffle stitched down the middle. Next you will need to finish the pockets for the binder to slip into. 
Take the small pockets and finish one of the 10″ inch sides. I just folded it down a quarter inch, pressed then folded again and topstitched. You will layer these small pockets with the larger pockets and baste the edges.=
I measured in 2′ inches from the right side on the left pocket for a pencil/pen holder. This pocket will be closest to the rings to allow for room for the pen or pencil. You will bind one 12.75″ inch edge of the 2 pockets.
Now let’s put it all together with 4 simple strait seams! Lay out the outside piece right side up (you can see the gray Damask in the middle). Lay the pockets right side down, bound edges in the center, on the outside piece and pin the 12.75″ sides. Sew down these 2 sides. Take it back to your cutting table and measure the whole piece and cut your lining piece (Basic Shades Slate) to fit, pink the short sides of the lining. Layer this lining piece right side down on top of the main piece and pin the long edges.
Again sew 2 simple strait seams along the long sides. Turn the lining right side out.
Now turn the pockets right side out.
Now you can slide your binder inside the pockets.
And there you have a covered binder that is sure to keep you in that Holiday spirit…. Now all you have to do is fill it!
