Simon Says Stamp - A Beautiful World

First, and apology for being AWOL this week.   Even though I had good intentions to blog a couple times, I ended up being very busy on work project that had a very short deadline.  No problem to change up the schedule, but a little anxious over not blogging (can you tell?).

I had a friend come for a visit last week - so nice to be working across the table from someone who has so many techniques up her sleeve.  Even though we worked on stuff that "needed to get done", I still learned so much.  Wonderful to have the encouragement to get messy and explore new ideas.  We live about 6 hours apart, so I know we can't meet up too often but I sure wish we could!  Don't overlook the value of creating with a friend who inspires you to do better.  Thanks Richele.

 The work table got messy!

 A shot of one of Richele's projects (part of a class she is teaching at the end of March in Northern California).

One of my favorite shots - tags for a class I am teaching in New Zealand.  Some serious stencil love going on over here.

More Instagrams from this weeks work (just so you know I'm not just sitting around doing nothing!)  Maybe I should be packing for Africa...then again, I don't leave till Wednesday!

And just in case you thought I was leaving you without a tutorial today....I am guest blogging over at Simon Says Stamp  

today so please pop over to see what I created using the Found Relatives pack of cards.

Now carry on,

paula

InLinkz.com

Letterpress Love

Letterpress.
Only one word applies, LOVE.
I am sure we will see many projects in the near future using these little babies.  Today, a simple little idea using Distress Paint and a Mirrored Star.
First, spell a word that you means something to you.

Use the dabber applicator to paint each letter.

I chose to paint each letter a different color - forest moss, picked raspberry, antique linen and peacock feathers.

Once dry, I sanded each letter then inked with Gathered Twigs.

Color a Mirrored Star with Espresso Alcohol ink.

Add the mirrored star to Memo Pin with Glossy Accents.

Use a hot glue gun to glue the letterpress together, adding the Memo Pin between the top two letters.

Cute right? And super easy.
If you didn't add the star to the Memo Pin, you could add a photo or a note to the top.

now carry on,
paula

InLinkz.com

Lucky day No. 127

A week ago Saturday, the DH and I took a drive up the coast to do a little junk shopping.  We made a stop in at the Arroyo Grande Historical Society Annual antique show (very, very small but a nice mix of dealers).  I picked up a few items - a little black book from my friend Connie (Green Vase Antiques), a huge roll of vintage crepe paper from another friend, Bonnie (Birds of a Feather) and a darling tin type frame.  I have been obsessed with these frames since creating the piece, Alice meets Downton for CHA.  This one is much smaller than the one in the piece, just a smidge over 2" tall. 

We left Arroyo Grande and made our way to Paso Robles for a stop in at the Vineyard Antique Mall.  One of my favorite places to dig around in.  Big, but not too big, if you know what I mean.  Next up, Atascadero and another favorite shop, Time Since Remembered.  Every time I go to this shop, I find something great...today was no exception.  Tin types and a beautiful shoe buckle...a few vintage bulldog clips...

and then there was this...A little vintage cabinet.
Oh my, do I love it.
Right away, my thought was to use it for my Idea-ology trinkets.  So after a little negotiation on the price, it was mine.  So, so happy.

(this was taken the night I brought it home)

I had to figure out how to store the metal pieces inside.  My husband offered to make inserts for the drawers but then we remembered what I had in the garage.  LOTS of little Configuration boxes leftover from Inspiration Unlimited Event last September.  Three boxes had been removed from each configurations book when we did the kit prep, so I had plenty to do the entire drawer unit. 

I used the catalog to organize the trinkets by findings, fasteners, etc

I ended up using 5 1/2 drawers.  Drawer 6 is currently being used for discontinued items that I still use all the time.

 Here are a few more shots...

(oh, how I love photo booth pictures!)

Oh happy day!...I have not found a piece I have loved this much since this one back in 2011.  Now they can sit side by side!

now carry on!
paula