Ribbon Storage

I am so passionate about ribbon.  I can't seem to get out of a store without buying a few spools - an addiction? Probably!  I store my standard-sized spools (and I have LOTS) in large flat boxes arranged by color families.  For the smaller spools and cards, I use the JoAnn's ribbon keepers.  But, I also have lots of loose lengths.  I love the cute zippered containers with the holes, but just can't bring myself to spend the money.  So, here's my solution:

It's a basket from the Dollar Store!  I just pulled the ribbon lengths through the basket weave to the outside.  I know it looks messy, but the ribbons pull right out without tangling.  I just keep it on a shelf in the craft closet and it's ready to go when I need it. 

Easy and cheap!!

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

A Quick Tip for You

Today is my Quick Tip Tuesday at Fantabulous Cricut so I decided to share my tip here as well.  Last week I shared an idea I found on the internet about stamping on a piece of acetate first and then moving the image around your project until you find the perfect spot.  Then you'll know exactly where you want to stamp the image - cool idea, huh?  You can see pictures at FCCB in the Quick Tip Tuesday archives.

Anyway, I got to thinking about that idea and came up with another way to use acetate (I actually use a transparency, but you can use the plastic packaging from your cartridges, etc.).  I have so much fabulous patterned paper, but I'm never sure exactly where to cut it in order to use it as a mat or background for my cards.  I thought, "What if I made a template that I could move around the patterned paper?  Then I'd know where to cut and probably stop wasting my wonderful papers." Hmmmmmmmm???

So, here goes:

I know I'll be using this template a lot. 

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you'll find this to be a useful idea.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Hair Lift Bows

Happy Monday!

Don't forget that it's Challenge Me Monday #68 over at Fantabulous Cricut.  This week's theme is Let's Go Camping.  Be sure to visit to see what the design team is sharing and then link up your own creation for a chance to win this week's prize and maybe even be our guest designer for the next challenge.



Since this isn't my week to post on FCCB, I thought I'd share what I posted for last week's Quick Tip Tuesday.

Many of you have probably read about how to make those tiny bows using the tines of a fork.  Well, I wanted to have a little more size flexibility so I set out to find another tool and this is what I came up with.

I'm using the same directions but I'm using a HAIR LIFT (pick) instead.  I found one with 12 tines at the Dollar Store - can't beat that!  So, here goes:

Take a length of ribbon and fold it in half.  Slip the loop over the tines of the Lift.  Notice I'm using 6 tines for my bow (must be an even number).

Pull the ribbon length from the back over the front length and down through the middle tine.

Pull the front length up and over the loops and down the through the same middle tine.  You'll have one end below the loops and one above.  Be careful not to pull too tightly or the tines will squeeze together.

Turn the Lift over and tie the two ends.  Again, not too tightly.  Slip the bow off of the Lift and trim the ends to your desired length.

And there you have it!  You can vary your bow size by the number of tines you use and the width of the fiber or ribbon you use.

I'll have another Quick Tip posted tomorrow at Fantabulous Cricut.  I hope you'll take a look.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Button, Button

In case you didn't get over to Fantabulous Cricut's Quick Tip Tuesday, I decided to share the project here.  I was cruising around YouTube and found this idea from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer for making your own buttons using scraps.  I'm all over using scraps because I have TONS of them - just can't seem to let them go.  Anyway, just select any of your favorite punches - I used 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch circles, you could use squares or stars, too - and some of your favorite scraps. I like to think of these as custom-designed button embellishments, right?.  I used paper rather than cardstock so I also punched the same sized circles from cardstock and used my Xyron to adhere the two.  Cover the shape completely with Glossy Accents and allow to dry.  All you have to do now is punch holes (2 or 4) and add your favorite twine, floss, or fiber.  Quick and Easy!!

And, don't forget the It's a Celebration Blog Hop sponsored by Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  It's a two-day hop (June 30 until 11:59 pm EST July 1) and there'll be lots of great ideas (28 blogs!) and prizes along the way.  Since the Hop is set to begin at Midnight EST, my post will actually be up Wednesday night at 9:00.

I hope you'll join us.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

It's Quick Tip Tuesday

I have to give credit for this wonderful idea to Sheila (aka Sassy Lady) who shared it on her blog a number of months ago.

Sheila shared how to use dry wall tape to place die cuts on your projects or layouts.  This works especially well if you have a long title or lots of images that can't be welded.  I had three titles to place on a 28" x 28" poster and I wanted them tilted this way and that and overlapped.  This tape method worked like a charm and saved me so much time.

After you've laid out your diecuts just the way you want them, place the mesh self-adhesive tape on top of your cuts.  Flip the whole thing over to add your favorite adhesive, flip it back and place on your project.  Then, carefully remove the mesh tape.  You can even use it over and over again.

Thanks, Sheila, this worked so well for my project.

Don't forget our Design Team Debut at Delightful Challenges on Thursday.  I'll have my first card posted here with links to the challenge blog and Digital Delights online store.

For the rest of the week, I'm going to feature some previously made cards that are still among my favorites since I'm taking a few days off to meet my daughter in Las Vegas.  Sounds fun, huh?  But, she does have to work while we're there - recruiting at a big softball showcase tournament.  That won't stop the "girls' weekend" good times.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn 

Quick Tip Tuesday

Today I'm sharing another idea for FCCB's Quick Tip Tuesday.

Rather than tossing your extra Cricut cuts - you know, the ones that are smaller or larger than you wanted, or that you decided not to use afterall - you can use them as masks.

Here's a quick card I made using some extra flower cuts as masks to create the background mat.

I just used a make-up sponge and some ink, but you could use your Copic Airbrush or Mini Misters as well.

Did you notice the "Bug Hop" blinkie at the top of my blog?  Barb, at Bug Bites is sponsoring this hop.  There will be 20 blogs to visit and blog candy along the way. Also, a chance for a special prize for those of you who link up to her blog at the end.

If you're not traveling this holiday weekend, plan on joining us.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn