Trays for Ink Blending Foam Pads- VIDEO!

Heloooo crafty friends,
It has been 3 years since I posted a YouTube video, but today I am back to share something that was a problem solver for me! Like many of you, I put a velcro circle under my ink pad to attach my ink blending foam pads. The problem with this is that because I had to stack them on top of each other (for storage purposes), the ink from the pad would transfer to the lid of the ink pad that was under it.
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty "Type A" about these things so I did not like that.
In today's video, I share a solution that was inspired by the great Karen Burniston.

You can find Karen Burniston's blog post ---> HERE , where you can download her cut file and PDF. The easiest thing would be to use the cut file of course, but I didn't have access to my Cricut at the  time. The way I shared was pretty easy.
Here are the scoring measurements for 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock:
1/4", 1 1/2", 1 3/4", 2,  3 1/4", 3 1/2", 3 3/4", 5", 5 1/4", 5 1/2", 6 3/4", 7", 7 1/4", 8 1/2", 8 3/4", 9", 10 1/4", 10 1/2"
Use heavyweight cardstock. It helps the trays to be sturdy and the foam pads don't fall out. I used 110lb cardstock, but if you have 65lb or 80 lb cardstock, you might need to pinch the trays to hold the foam pads in.
Hope it helps! Until next time....Tootles!

Organization: Washi Tape

Hi friends,
Organizational tips continue with today's tip on how I store my few washi tapes.
CONFESSIONAL: I never use washi tape decoratively. Never. I only use it as a temporary adhesive or to hold things down. A couple of my favorite ways to use it is to 1) hold down my dies when I'm die cutting and 2) I place a bit on the ends of ribbon to hold them down when they're on a spool. It is absolutely the BEST for that *Ü*. That is why I don't have hundreds...probably.
Well, now that I have that off my chest I can continue with today's post.

Here's my washi tape organizer and dispenser:

I made a quickie video that takes you through the process.

You can also watch it on You Tube---> HERE

 That's a wrap!
Tootles,
 

Organization: Prismacolor Pencils

Hi friends,
Today, I'm sharing how I organize my Prisma pencils. I have looked high and low for something that would allow me easy access to all of the pencils but just hadn't found anything that worked for me--- until I went into my son's room! He had a crayon caddy that no longer held all the crayons it originally came with. So I permanently borrowed it for my Prismas & it was JUST what I was looking for *Ü*
Here's what it looks like:

I made another quick video for you to check out all of the deets.
Note: I still have a cold so I sound a couple of octaves off!

or you can watch it on YouTube--->  HERE

I downloaded this color chart from a Prisma Forum & could not find it when I went back to look. It was created by "Scarleta" and I thought it was perfect.

Download Prisma Pencil Color Chart

and yes, I bought my son a big box of crayons since I permanently borrowed his crayon caddy!
Thanks for peeking!
Tootles,
 

Organization: Wafer Thin Dies

Hi friends,
I get many questions about how I organize my craft stuff. So today, I have a quick 3 minute video where I share how I store my wafer thin dies.
Here's a peek at the organizer I use:

 Here's the back:
This is how I store my border dies

 This is the back of the second one where I store the A2 larger dies and impression plates

 You can find all the deets by watching the video.

Here is the you tube link:
http://youtu.be/vdAsdGw0sJQ

If you have any questions, please leave it in the comments section & I'll post it here.
Tootles!

My Buddy's Keeper

Hello friends,
Wowzers!!! Thanks so much for your comments on the Gift Card Buddies :) Got your gift card buddy? Fab! Now let's make a place for them to hang until it's time to go shopping. Here's...

"My Buddy's Keeper"

It's a hanging pocket organizer for your gift card buddies :) You need a place to keep them all organized right? So let's get on with the deets!

Here's what you'll need:

standard size (A2) envelopes. As many as you have GC buddies
Adhesive of choice
Dowel or pencil

So here's how easy it is to put together:
Click on any pic to get a closer peek :)
Adhere your envelope's flap to the bottom of the next envelope

(The flap is on the underside) This creates the pockets.

Adhere a (9") dowel to the top flap. Fold flap over the dowel. You are applying adhesive to the flap itself.

If you don't have a dowel, a new pencil would work perfectly. You can wrap some Patterned paper around it to coordinate with your project & to hide the fact that it's a pencil :)

Decorate as desired.
I used different CB embossing folders that coordinated with each buddy.

(Click on the pic to see a closer peek of the embossing)
1st Pocket: Hello Kitty EF (set of 3) I only used the 2 smaller ones
2nd pocket: Textile texture
3rd pocket: Tiny Bubbles
4th pocket: Stars
The alpha monogram on each was made with the Jasmine Cricut Cart

Next, Add ribbon so that you're able to hang it. Tie a strong knot to each end. I made separate bows & adhered them with glue dots. I can't make mine too frilly 'cause I'm in a house full of boys.

So simple, but now you'll always know where your cards are at :) I doubled up on the gift cards so that mine actually holds 12 (most of them Starbucks! Hee! Hee!) so they do hold more than 4 or 6.

To keep everyone honest ;) we write the person's initials on the corner of the gift card with a Sharpie. We do get duplicate cards & this way we DO know who they belong to.

Ok, so that's the end of my tuts for this year :) Thanks so much for your comments on each of the tuts I've created. I'm still undecided about which video camera to get, but I look forward to bringing some video tutorials in 2010! Yaaay! I love video tuts! If you'd like to suggest a camera you like/use let me hear it, won't you!  I would like to make a decision soon :)

YMH has Cricut & Cuttlebug supplies, so if there's something you'd like, you can check them out ---> here.

Have a Happy New Year! and as always, thanks so much for peeking at my projects. I hope you like them enough to want to give them a try :) See ya next year Friends!!!

Gift Card Buddy

Hi Ya friends!
Today I have a little project I created to help organize & keep track of the gift cards we received for Christmas. I call it:

"Gift Card Buddy"

I made one for each of my boys & myself too :) So here they are:
Here's mine:

(mine holds six gift cards, everyone else's holds 4) I also made a little strap that swings over to the front. Hello Kitty holds it closed with velcro dots underneath.
The innies:

The Deets: Cricut Carts: Hello Kitty Greetings & Hello Kitty Font
Supplies: HK Pattern Paper, White, Black Cardstock, red glitter paper

Here is my hubby's:

The Deets: Cricut Cart: Graphically Speaking
Supplies: Paper: Monrovia- SEI, Night of Navy, River Rock- SU!

My older son's:

The Deets: Cricut Cart: Sports Mania
Supplies: Sports ball CB Die Combo, Paper: Sports -K& Co, basketball, More Mustard, Choc Chip-SU!


 My little one's:

The Deets: Cricut Carts: Spongebob Squarepants, Ashlyn's Alphabet
Supplies: Paper: Black, Yellow, Stars CB Embossing folder

They were very easy to put together. So do ya want to see how to make one for yourself??? Here's a tut for ya:

Cut an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet in half (5 1/2") ---> You'll be able to make 2 buddies from 1 sheet of CS :)

Score at 4 1/8" and 4 3/8" so you create a 1/4" space in the middle

Fold along your score lines & you're half done!

Now cut 4 pieces of paper (or more) 4" x 1 1/2" to create your inner pockets

Use the 1" circle punch & punch half circles in your pocket pieces. This will make it easier to pull out your gift cards.

Add 1/8 Scor-Tape (or your fav strong adhesive) to 3 sides as shown:

Adhere your pockets to your card base & you've reached the finish line!

Now just embellish as you wish :) See, easy peasy. Do you like???

Here they are again:

But wait... there's more! There's one more little project I created to go along with the Gift Card Buddy. So go make your buddy & meet me back tomorrow. Same kitty time, same kitty channel ;)

If you're looking for Cricut/Cuttlebug supplies & carts don't forget to check out the YMH Store ---> here. If you don't see something you'd like in stock, Kristina can get it for you. Just let her know :)
Gotta Go!

Organization: Copic Ciao Markers

Hey there friends,
Today I thought I'd share how I organize my Copic Ciaos. I have labeled them & organized them by color families.

I did this with my Ciaos because I like being able to see the name/number of the marker. That's one thing I LOVE about the Sketch markers- the name & number are printed right on the caps. 
The deets:

I printed the chart from here on White Cardstock & I used the broad tip to make one broad stroke in color. Print it out in the same paper you usually use to color your images. This way, you'll have the same color tones because papers differ manufacturer to manufacturer.

I organized my markers based on the chart. I divided my markers by the 4 boxes. (I wanted to keep them in the boxes they came in.) For example, if I want BV09 I can go straight to "Box B" and find that marker quickly. This also helps me to know where to put it back as well. 

The deets continued:
I typed out the numbers in a word doc, printed it out on white cardstock, punched each out with the 5/16" hand punch, & adhered them to the top of the caps with mini glue dots. I did that to the end with the gray band. This is the brush tip side which I use 99% of the time. This way I know to open this side of the marker. The 5/16" circles fit absolutely perfectly & the mini glue dots are super strong so these are there to stay! 
Yes, this did take about 2 hours to do, but I'm soooooo glad I did! It makes my coloring life so much easier!
Here's the final result:

Now for a little background & a very important question: So are you Team Sketch or Team Ciao??? I'm very fortunate to have both Sketch & Ciaos, but I opted to get the entire collection of Ciaos. Why? Well, after speaking with a Copic Rep at a store (and asking her a bazillion questions) I decided Ciaos would be better for me. Here are the main reasons why I'm Team Ciao:
1) Cost (they're cheaper -about half the price- because they hold less ink---> the SAME ink, just less). I use different mediums for coloring, so I don't always use markers.


2) Colors (She said Ciao colors were selected based on the best selling/most popular sketch colors) So I figured I wouldn't be getting any duds :) I also like the fact that it's not SO MANY colors. I get intimidated by too much. I'm speaking from my Prisma pencil experience. I own the 132 colors "Big Daddy Set" and when I open the box, I get a bead of sweat forming on my brow when I see so many shades of color to chose from. Ciaos come in 144 colors, Sketch come in 322 + new released. Even though I "only" have 144 colors I have not used many of them! If there's a particular color I would use a lot, not in the Ciao collection, I'd buy it individually. (Remember my skin & hair collection---> here).

3) Safety: If you notice, the Ciaos have little vents along the cap. See?

That makes it child-safe. If a child accidently swallows a cap, he/she will still be able to breathe. Not so for the sketch. My boys are older so *hopefully* this isn't an issue, but it's nice to know this feature is there.


4) Can use the ABS: I HAVE used my Ciaos in the ABS (Air Brush System) by simply adding a couple of foam squares in the ABS chamber. You can find several videos on You Tube on how people have done that (which is where I learned to do that :)


5) Both share many of the same features: both refillable, both have replaceable nibs, both use the same ink, get the same results- quality, and have the same shelf life.


NOTE: I'M NOT TELLING YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD GET OR THAT ONE KIND IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER! I'M JUST SHARING THE REASONS THAT LED TO MY DECISION TO CHOSE THE CIAO COMPLETE COLLECTION. I happen to like the shape of the barrel of the Sketch, but the Ciao round barrel doesn't bother me like it does other people. So enjoy whichever you decide on :)

***I've bought my markers from Carpe Diem Store. They've got great prices (and when they have sales---> they have amazing sales!) they're a local store, & they've always been helpful & nice :)


I hope this inspires you to think of ways to organize your markers & not have Sketch envy anymore! (Hee hee!) Speaking of Copics... I'm off to a Coloring & techniques class at my LSS. After all, the key to coloring with Copics is lots & lots of practice. Knowing techniques is gravy baby. 
Gotta Go!




Oh, of course I'm sharing, friends! :) click here for the Copic Ciao Chart & the Numbers List I created  you can download. 
COPIC Ciao Number Labels 1

Organization: Cricut Solutions Cartridges

Hi friends,
Today I thought I'd share the way I organize my Cricut Solutions cartridges. These are the ones that don't have as many images or come with a book. I don't have anywhere near as many of these as I do the full content cartridges, so this was a perfect solution for me :)

I bought this File Folder box at Auntie Joann's at 50% (+ 20%) off. So I ended up getting it super cheap!

It's a great size at only 6" x 9" x 8". So it doesn't take up a lot of space, but look at how much it holds:

I wrote the name of the cart on the label & put the cartridge insert, overlay, & cart in each section. Easy to find & to put back when done :)

Here's a peek from the top:

I think this would be a great way to take your carts with you to crops & swarms if you don't want to drag your cart boxes with you. The handle makes this perfect to grab & go :)  The book, overlay, & cartridge all fit in each section. If you don't have that many carts--->yet, you could use this as a way to store your full content carts too. 


I hope this gives you ideas on ways to organize your Cricut toys. Thanks for peekin' today :) I'm off for some after Thanksgiving cleaning :( My craft space is a mess!!!
Gotta go!

Organization: Embossing Folders Strike back (Part 2)

Hi friends,
Today I'm sharing ways to organize your smaller embossing folders. I don't have anywhere near as many of these as I do the A2 sized folders (are you disappointed?) and I hardly ever use these little 'uns as well. But, I wanted a place where they wouldn't take up valuable space & be organized. So, today I'm sharing 3 different ideas on how to organize & store your smaller toys. Why three? 'Cause I like three---> 3 is a good number :) How about we get on with the deets:

IDEA #1: You know I luuuuv boxes so that was my first go-to idea. I bought this super cute Mary Engelbreit recipe box at Mikes (dollar section.) I love her whimsy style :) I just typed out a title for the top of the box & popped it on the lid- so easy peasy.

I cut the divider cards that came with the box in half to create dividers for my folders. I have 2 basic types of folders: 1) Medium sized folders that come with a coordinating die (3 3/4" x 3") and the small ones that come in a 4-pack (2" x 2 3/4"). I put the medium ones behind a tabbed labeled divider and the smaller ones I actually attached to the divider itself. Here's what it looks like:

Here's how I attached them onto the divider:

I added a REMOVABLE glue dot to the divider & simply placed the folder on top- voilà!

Here's the front view & the back view:

Don't like the idea of glue dots? Then you can do the same thing, except use a binder clip to hold them on to the divider:

Now just pop them into the box & when you want to use them, you can just pull out the one labeled divider & all 4 little folders will be at your finger tips. Putting them back will be a breeze too :) It's your own little folder Rolodex :)

Idea #2:

I saw this cute little bin while making my rounds at Aunt Joann's. I bought it with the "Miranda Mantra" of "buy now, think of something to do with it later." I think this would also be a great way to store these little folders:

Idea #3
Storing them in a 4x6 photo album/brag book.

I bought this one for $1. All you do is pop them into the sleeves & you're done!

As you can see, 2 of the medium folders fit perfectly in each sleeve and the 4 small ones fit in one sleeve:

You can now pop this album in the back of your A2 box & have all your folders in one place!
Speaking of A2 folders... you can also store your A2 sized folders in here as well:

They fit just perfectly! They're pretty secure because they fit so snuggly in the sleeves, but I would always keep the album upright to be sure. This is a great option if you don't have too many in your collection yet. It's also a great way to take them with you to crops & such. A much cheaper option too :) BTW, the SU!/Sizzix folders don't fit in the sleeves :(

There you have it! Are any of these ideas helpful or inspiring you to think of your own way to organize your toys? I sure hope so :) If you missed my previous post on organizing your A2 sized folders, you can check it out---> here. 

Thanks for peeking today! I'm off to work on report cards (which take 4-5 hours to complete- all on the computer- because I have to input 67 grades per student. Gotta love standards based report cards :( I may be MIA for a while...
Gotta Go!