Join me over on the My Mind's Eye blog for my Mini Albums with Monika post today to see what I did with Chipboard Elements and 6x6 Designer Paper Pads.
February 27, 2015
mini albums with monika | my mind's eye
Do you love using chipboard?
February 26, 2015
crochet infinity scarf
I've been trying to learn to crochet off and on for a year. I took at class at a local yarn shop, using a deal site coupon, and left disgusted because the regulars were in there doing a coffee klatsch while one of them was "teaching" me. Grrr. And then I took another class at a craft chain store and did better but it still didn't click with me, so I put my yarn away for a while.
Just recently, I picked my yarn bag back up and have been crocheting whenever I get the chance. What really worked for me was watching videos, I'm a visual learner and much prefer the videos to reading a pattern, here's link to the video I watched. What appeals to me about this video is that there isn't any talking to distract me, I can just watch the crafter and follow along at my pace.
I changed up the pattern details just a bit, I'm so bad about wanting to begin a project and not having all the materials so I often have to wing it with what I have on hand.
- Yarn Although I love the color of the yarn used, I had Yarn Bee Calcutta Chunky in Firebird on hand and used it. It actually took me 3 skeins, so it wasn't a cheap scarf to make. Maybe that's why the video host suggested what she did.
- Pattern I reduced the stitches from 141 to 116, if I remember correctly, because I wanted a shorter scarf. I almost made my scarf too short because my yarn was chunkier than the sample yarn recommended by the video host. It was a learning experience and probably a mistake a seasoned crocheter would not make. It all turned out in the end, thankfully.
I do love to wear a scarf in the winter, it just makes me feel cozy and warm. Honestly, I don't just wear them to go outside, I wear them in the house all the time because it's kind of chilly in the Studio during the Winter. It's always better to add another layer than to jack up the heat.
If you have a crochet project you think this beginner could create, leave a link in the comments so I can check it out. I might want to try a beanie cap next, especially with all this snow we're getting. It's been snowing since 4pm this afternoon and now it's nearly 11pm and it's still snowing!
Find other projects I want to create on my to crochet board on Pinterest.
February 24, 2015
30 days of lists | march 2015 blog hop
Welcome to the 30 Days of Lists Blog Hop!
THE COVER
Even though this journal comes to you semi-embellished, I added a few more bits and baubles to it to personalize it even more, even thought it's pretty cute just the way it comes to you!
I glued a paper doily behind the washi tape embellished card and added a #30lists die cut to the metal-rimmed tag that comes with the journal. I also tucked a journaling card inside the folded kraft bag and added a tab to the top. This is the spot where I usually journal a bit about where I am in my life and what I'm doing.
THE LIST
We're all sharing lists from the March 2011 class, it's free and can be found here.
Today I Saw
MORE LINKS
Hi, I'm Monika and I'm one of the sponsor's of the March 2015 class. This will be my 9th class and I've made special journals for each of the classes I've taken. You can find them here and this is the newest journal and also the one I'll be using for the March class.
THE COVER
Even though this journal comes to you semi-embellished, I added a few more bits and baubles to it to personalize it even more, even thought it's pretty cute just the way it comes to you!
I glued a paper doily behind the washi tape embellished card and added a #30lists die cut to the metal-rimmed tag that comes with the journal. I also tucked a journaling card inside the folded kraft bag and added a tab to the top. This is the spot where I usually journal a bit about where I am in my life and what I'm doing.
We're all sharing lists from the March 2011 class, it's free and can be found here.
Today I Saw
We see so many things in a day and I don't know that I've ever really stopped to make a list of the things I do see. It's given me food for thought and I think that I'd like to one day take this a step further and document the many things I actually do see in a day. Until then, I'll just share this one.
I used ancient chipboard letters attached to the back side of an envelope that serves as a page in my journal. And the date card was added to my already bound mini album using this tutorial.
THE CLASS
If you like lists, join me in the March 30 Days of Lists class. I'm a sponsor and would just love to have you listing along with us. You can create your own journal, buy a journal from my shop, or just post your lists on Facebook or Instagram. There are no rules, just fun!MORE LINKS
Read more of my 30 Days of Lists posts, including past classes I've taken.
Find my List Love board on Pinterest here.
DISCLAIMER | I am an affiliate, as well as a sponsor, of the 30 Days of Lists class and will earn a small affiliate fee if you use any of my links to purchase the class. As you can see by the number of times I've taken classes, I believe in this adventure and think you will enjoy it, too.
February 23, 2015
wright now | february 2015
Wright Now is a sometimes monthly, mostly random series where I share a handful of things I'm crushing on at that moment in time.
1 | I've been going back and forth between wearing a stack of bracelets and not wearing anything at all. When I posted that photo, Lisa Leonard liked it AND started following me...I think that's pretty cool! I've only been wearing silver bracelets and found this simple chain bracelet, which I love for it's simplicity and the price.
2 | I do love ballet flats and fear the day my favorite pair might bite the dust. I've had them for a few years now and still adore them so very much even though they are beginning to show some wear. I found this company, but can't really decide which color I like the most of all.
3 | Mr. wRight picked this eye cream up for me at Walgreen's recently {he said he asked a clerk about eye creams and she said this one was wonderful...I wish I could have been there to see him doing that...and I've been using it {mostly} faithfully twice a day to see if I can see the difference they say it can produce.
4 | I use this shampoo 99% of the time and I might just cry if they discontinue this line. Okay, I will cry, but promise to do it in private. I actually buy it in the liter size, so I don't run out as often. Sometimes I think I can get away with another brand, but it never works out for me. It's the perfect blend of moisturizing shampoo and deep cleansing shampoo without making my hair flat or greasy. Yes, at nearly 51, I still have oily hair. Sigh.
What are you crushing on right now?
February 22, 2015
advice
February 20, 2015
we have power!
After 4 1/2 days without, our power came back on early this morning at 3:30. Can I have a HOORAY for hot showers?
I'm working hard to ship out all orders that have been delayed, but wanted to share my gratitude with you for by offering this 20% off discount offer:
February 15, 2015
silence
February 13, 2015
30 days of lists | march 2015 registration is open
Who's in for joining me in the March 30 Days of Lists class? I love that each day there's a new list prompt that makes me stop for just a moment {or five} and think. And ponder. And create a mini scrapbook layout in my journal using bits and baubles from the kit and from my very large stash.
WHAT I'M USING
THE CLASS
Registration is now open for the March #30lists adventure! If you like lists, journaling and challenges, join the thousands of listing fanatics and register today. {affiliate link} I say, It's always a good day to make a list!
You can find that cute mini book you see up there in the I Love It All shop.
Similar 30 Days mini albums are here.
WHAT I'M USING
I'll be using this mini book for my March lists. It's similar to the other journals I've created for past classes and I like that continutity. But, you could use this journal if you like to write lengthy lists and if you don't mind using the back sides of pages, or adding more than one list to a page, these would be fun journals, too.
Registration is now open for the March #30lists adventure! If you like lists, journaling and challenges, join the thousands of listing fanatics and register today. {affiliate link} I say, It's always a good day to make a list!
MORE LINKS
Similar 30 Days mini albums are here.
Read more of my 30 Days of Lists posts, including past classes I've taken.
Find my List Love board on Pinterest here.
February 9, 2015
one little word mini album | mini albums with monika
The wonderful days of 2015 are now upon us. And how lucky we are to have had the gift of another new day, each and every day! It's something I remind myself of when my day just didn't go the way I had planned, it's good to dwell on the little things that can make a day a good day.
This isn't something you don't already know, but it does bear repeating...so many MME collections coordinate and blend and work so well with one another. After going through my older stacks of 6x6 Designer Paper Pads, I chose muted patterns {all of these are B side papers by the way} because I knew that I was going to use decorative elements from the current Jubilee and Just Sayin' collections.
Can I show you some detail shots?
Flair pins are not just for pinning anymore. I used some foam dots to attach it to my decorative chipboard pennant flag.
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I added this cheerful little piece of chipboard goodness just because it makes me smile. I added some enamel dots to the flowers and the wheels just because I could.
And now, my one little word. Simplify. Even though I've used multiple decorative elements in creating my 3D mini album, it feels calming and simple and open to me. And here's a little secret I'll share, it's hiding lots and lots of paper behind there that's not nearly as nice to look at as this cheerful piece of art.
Have fun exploring your word of the year in a 3D mini album!
Find more One Little Word posts here.
This month's mini album project for my Mini Albums with Monika feature at My Mind's Eye is a little bit of a stretch, but as I work toward living my word of the year, which is simplify, I've been keen to use up my stash and clear my work space of the clutter. And that's how this idea popped into my head. In my effort to simplify, I've used a frame and paper I've had in my stash and documented my One Little Word in a 3D mini album
This isn't something you don't already know, but it does bear repeating...so many MME collections coordinate and blend and work so well with one another. After going through my older stacks of 6x6 Designer Paper Pads, I chose muted patterns {all of these are B side papers by the way} because I knew that I was going to use decorative elements from the current Jubilee and Just Sayin' collections.
Can I show you some detail shots?
Flair pins are not just for pinning anymore. I used some foam dots to attach it to my decorative chipboard pennant flag.
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I added this cheerful little piece of chipboard goodness just because it makes me smile. I added some enamel dots to the flowers and the wheels just because I could.
And now, my one little word. Simplify. Even though I've used multiple decorative elements in creating my 3D mini album, it feels calming and simple and open to me. And here's a little secret I'll share, it's hiding lots and lots of paper behind there that's not nearly as nice to look at as this cheerful piece of art.
Have fun exploring your word of the year in a 3D mini album!
Find more One Little Word posts here.
February 8, 2015
the car lot
February 3, 2015
i love you more
I'm a fan of a simple style of crafting and this card couldn't be any simpler. The design combines a few of my favorites...mason jars, hearts, my own handwriting and layering.
Looking for a Valentine's Day gift packed with love for your Sweetie? Be sure to check out this post! Find more manila shipping tags in the shop.
I highlighted around the jar and the lid with a light tan Copic marker to give it a little dimension. I am no expert in the art of shading, or markers, but I tried.
I am a fan of our family of 5 and often incorporate the number into my projects. The 2 of us plus the 3 kidlets, equals 5...so I punched 5 hearts to include inside the mason jar.
I hope my Sweetie likes his card...simple, but full of heart.
I hope my Sweetie likes his card...simple, but full of heart.
Looking for a Valentine's Day gift packed with love for your Sweetie? Be sure to check out this post! Find more manila shipping tags in the shop.
February 2, 2015
heart string art
Love is in the air today with a quick and easy project using baker's twine, nails and a random wood plaque I had in my stash. While I was pulling out some our Valentine's Day home decor I wondered if there was anything I could add. Why yes, there is and here it is...
TUTORIAL
Find a wood plaque and glue some random book page strips to it before adding your nails. I chose a heart shape and used a die cut as my guide.
Remove the die cut shape and you'll be left with your heart shape.
Rather than call it a fail, I went to Plan B. Plan B had me painting the border of my wood plaque, which worked wonderfully. Then it looked very stark compared to the stained book pages. I then added a light layer of stain to the painted edges as well to mimic the book pages. And then I really loved it!
You can see that I strung my baker's twine around the nails to form the heart shape and added a love pennant to the plaque as well. Be sure to outline the shape of the heart in addition to just wrapping across the heart.
Aaaah, much better.
I also added a little pennant banner. I had to. After the project was finished, I realized that my heart shape was not centered and I thought that the word pennant kind of tricked the eye.
MORE BAKER'S TWINE PROJECTS
MORE BAKER'S TWINE PROJECTS
Go To Washi Tape Book Mark
February 1, 2015
let it snow
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