Mini Album Madness--Part 2

I know it's been almost forever since I posted the first album, but here, finally, is the album that was made for my lovely d-i-l. I hope she's enjoying it and filling it with some wonderful memories.

The paper collection is Lady Couture by DCWV.

Again, this is a mini originally done by the super-talented Kathy Orta. Gotta give a big shout out to Kathy for sharing her talent so freely! 
 

  
Thanks for looking and have a super weekend!
Hugs,
Michelle

Mini Album Madness--Part 1

Wow, time flies. Over the last month I have been working on some envelope mini albums. The one that I made for my daughter will be covered here. Part 2 will reveal the one made for my d-in-law and a favorite relly visiting from the U.K.
This mini was originally done by the super-talented Kathy Orta (view her You Tube videos here: Kathy Orta). All I can say is love her projects!!!
The minis will be housed in a decorated wooden cigar boxes (which have yet to be completed!)

Paper collection is Glam Gals by DCWV.

Cover is made of chipboard and binding is duct tape covered in ribbon

Closure is chain with charms to look like a charm bracelet

Inside of book is made with envelope and card sets

More inside views

There are plenty of spaces for pictures and the tags all have journalling spots on the rear.
Thanks for looking.
Hugs,
Michelle

Post-It Note Musings

Mini Wallet Album

Hello all. It's been a bit of a rough morning around here. For those who don't know, I have 3 English bulldogs--2 girls and a boy. For some reason every once in a while the girls start fighting. If anyone hasn't seen dogs fighting, it's a pretty scary sight. It's even scarier when you have to break them up. These guys have lock-jaws like a pit bull. It really freaked me out because usually hubby is here when they start and he gets them apart really quickly. Needless to say, I'm having a bit of trouble typing as my right thumb is mangled and swollen. At least the girls have the grace to look sorry about their fight. It's a good thing I had today's project done because I don't think I'll be doing any crafting today.
So here it is, a simple wallet mini.

There are spots for 6 photos (dark) and 3 journalling spots (light).
That's it for now. 
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Michelle

Envelope Mini

Today I have an envelope mini for you. It's made with 5 envelopes, 2 pieces of chipboard and a package of 6 x 6 paper from the dollar store. Inside there are loads of pockets with tags for photos and journalling, and some flip pages that will hold more pictures.

I will be doing a class on this for those in the GTA. If you would like to join in just leave me a comment with your email addy and I will get back to you.
Hugs,
Michelle

Just for Me

Today's project is a sign for the door of my craft room (just in case the hubby and dogs forget whose room it is LOL).

The wood plaque and white foam letters came from the dollar store. I just brayered Chocolate Chip ink over the sign, added the letters and sponged with Soft Suede ink and added some stamped decoration. It took longer to colour and cut the floral image than everything else combined. 
Hugs,
Michelle

Always Be Prepared

No, I'm not a Boy Scout, nor do I have one in the house. As applied to me, the motto means "Always be prepared to plug your business". 
I'm off work this week (yay!) so I'm trying to come up with some new projects. Today's is a folio that will come with me everywhere--fits nicely in most of the purses that I use.
The folio has a notebook and pen (to get peoples contact info!), a place for business cards and a place for some samples. Since it's difficult to carry around full size cards, I have done some ATC sized samples and put them in sports trading card sleeves. Makes it easy to change them out whenever I want.

Outside cover. I added an initial charm for a bit of bling (didn't want anything too bulky as this will live in my purse). The closure is held with velcro dots.

Inside view. On the left are cases for my business cards and samples and the right holds a notebook and pen.

View of business card and sample cases.

View of notebook and pen.

Aside from the folio, a few mini cattys always reside in my purse so that I am ready for anything.
I'm thinking of doing a class for this with an option for those who don't need it for business, so if anyone in the GTA is interested just leave me a comment with your email addy and I will get back to you.
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy "Stampin' Up!" New Year!

Today is the day we've all been waiting for: The 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue is live! It almost gives me goosebumps thinking about all the fun new products I'll have to order.
This weekend I'm starting my craft room makeover with some new furniture--this means there probably won't be much stamp therapy going on today as I have to start clearing out and moving things around in here. It's worth the trade off though, as I can't wait to have my new room all set up!
Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Father's Day!

Today I have a set of items made for my Dad for Father's Day. They all use The Open Sea stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Summer mini. Totally cased this card by Trina Kuriger--I just loved what she did!

A card, coaster and magnet

Gift bag

I'm not sure what else to get him. Maybe an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen--I know he likes those!
We'll be making a visit up to see him tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it. We usually try to get up every weekend so that Peter can mow the lawn for him and whatever else needs doing.
Have a great week!
Hugs,
Michelle

Mini Album

Yes, I am still alive. You must all be wondering since it's been a little while.
Todays item came from a YouTube video done by Joann McKenzie on how to make a paper bag album to hold your ATC cards. It's an old one from 2008, but I just came across it the other day. If you want to take a look, you can find it here www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfFUlJNNrg
I've just adapted the idea to make a mini album.

The cover

The inside

On the inside there are pages for 10 wallet size photos and a journalling spot so you can add details about the picture and the date. I've even added the photo mounting squares so that all the recipient has to do is add the photo and jounalling.
If you would like any deets on the sizing or how I bound it together just let me know.
Thanks for looking!
Hugs,
Michelle

Happy Mother's Day!

Wow, two posts in one day! (That's only because I have to go and see my Mom tomorrow!)
To all the mother's out there (and that includes mothers to our furry, feathered, etc. "kids") I wish you all a wonderful day!
I've been hard at work on my own Mom's card and gifts and this is what I've come up with.

The card

A candle

And a coaster to set it on

Fridge magnets

A keychain

And a gift bag to hold it all!

If you're looking at this--Happy Mother's Day Mom!
Hugs,
Michelle

Summer Mini

Woo hoo! The Summer Mini is here!
Even though I'm excited about it, I haven't even ordered anything from it yet.
Why??? you ask. Well...I made a huge order for myself for the first quarter, and I can't afford anything else until next month. Oh well, at least the anticipation is enjoyable. Also, June is my birthday month, so I'll get that extra discount from SU--more anticipation!
I'll be doing a few local craft fairs this summer and this is what I've come up with to hold my business cards on the table. 

It's just one of those acrylic frames from the dollar store with a hand made insert. The faux leather box on the front is just attached with sticky strip. Looks like it will hold about 30 or so cards.
In my office supply store they have a brochure rack that will hold about 5 cattys, so I have to pick one up before the first show. I'll just make sure to have a box of them so that I can replenish!



Hugs,
Michelle

My Card Samples

Just fooling around with Windows Movie Maker and decided to do a slide show of some of my cards.
Enjoy.

Hugs,

Michelle

Mother's Day

A friend has asked me to make him five Mother's Day cards. These are what I've come up with so far. 
I think I'll use the first one for my mom too.

Well, back to stamping so I can finish up.
Hugs,
Michelle

Springtime Happiness

It's been way toooo long since I've been on here. I really have to be a lot more diligent in my posting. Well, here are some offerings for tonight.

First there is a birthday card and set of four coasters. This way my first coaster and I flubbed it up a little (I didn't realize that I pressed the stamp into the ink too hard--notice the dark smudge in the middle of the left bloom).

This card is for no particular reason other than I felt like embossing something.

Till next week...
Hugs,
Michelle