Quick Card: Inspired by washi tape

I was inspired by a card I saw on Britta Swiderski's blog, where she uses washi tape as a background for a greeting.  I haven't quite got into the washi tape craze (I don't think having one roll counts!), but I thought this would be great for border stickers.

It's bright and cheery, and used up two sheets of stickers from Stampin' Up! that had been crying out to be used.  Oh, and they were Christmas stickers - pretty cool multi-tasking!  I'm betting this would also be great with those scraps of patterned paper we always seem to have, too.

This is another busy week at the day job - big things are coming up.  If you wouldn't mind sending a little pixie dust or a good thought my way, I can certainly use them this week!

Vacation inspiration for card-making

One of the best things about traveling is finding a new stamping or scrapbooking store.  In Door County, there is a lovely stamping/scrapbooking store that features local stamps that they make.  I found this great postage stamp and made this card for a friend at work with it.

My co-worker loves pink, and recently lost someone dear to her.  I hope she likes it.

The flowers and postage marks are from some older Club Scrap stamps that are no longer available.  The paper, in keeping with my "quick card" theme from last week, is some bazzill paper that was on my desk. I've almost used it all up!  It's lovely, but time to use it - or lose it!

Local scrapbook stores, particularly those that make their own stamps, are becoming more rare every day. If you have the chance to patronize one online or in person, take the opportunity.

Everybody needs a break..

This weekend, I spent some relaxing time with my husband in a B&B in Door County, Wisconsin. Nothing is better than spending some time with my sweetie.

But, that means I really didn't craft this weekend, and I don't have anything new to share with projects this week.  I can share some great news, though!

My fossils books was accepted to be in the North of the 45th Parallel exhibit at the DeVos Art Museum in Marquette, MI.  Last year, I did a multi-part blog tutorial about the making of a similar book, and I'm in the process of working up this technique as a PDF tutorial and class for the Copper Country Community Arts Center, too.

My other great news is that I'm going to be featured in a book about paper!  Ann Martin from All Things Paper invited me to participate, and since it has now gone to the publisher, I can now announce the project!  I'll keep you posted as things progress.

Hope you all enjoy a lovely week with a little break if you need one.  Don't we all need a little break to rejuvenate the spirit?

More fun with pockets in books

I was on a roll when I started making books with pockets, so I couldn't resist making another one.

I love how using a niche in the front allows me to use brads and elements that might stick up a little bit. These sparkly flowers don't have to lie flat for this book, and they won't get damaged as the book is slid on and off a shelf.

Open the book up, and you'll find large pockets for additional pages.

The book is hand-sewn with waxed linen thread over ribbons.

This book would make a great teacher's gift. Think about giving the white pages to the students to decorate, and then including some favorite pictures on the other pages. The bright colors definitely give a cheery end-of-the-year feel to the book!

All papers and embellishments from Club Scrap.  The cover paper was "aged" with white pigment ink to create a really unique look.