Today, I thought I would share a video I found from Christie. This video shows how she organizes her Cuttlebug embossing folders. You can see her video here. While I think it is a great idea, and some of you may love organizing your folders this way--I prefer to organize mine in a binder. Remember, organizing is all about what works best for you! I use this particular binder for all of my stamp ink colors, my Stickles, Spellbinders dies, Shimmerz & LuminArte H20 colors, etc. Click on each name/word to see how I organized each of those items in previous posts. I need to take the word "Copic" off of my binder cover because I now have a separate "Copic" binder after attending class. I may share that in an upcoming post. 
Now, let me show you how I took Christie's idea and gave it my own little twist. First I cut a lot of 2 1/4" square pieces of Memory Box paper. The reason I use Memory Box is because it has a white core. You will need paper with a white core so that your sanding will work and show you the embossing. I used scraps from my scrap box. You will want to use fairly dark paper so your embossing shows up after sanding too.
Then I quickly ran the paper scraps and all of my embossing folders and plates through my Big Shot. I did this for each embossing folder or plate that I have (Cuttlebug, Sizzix, and SU). After I embossed a piece, I used my sanding block to sand the piece of paper. I then mounted each sample on a piece of printer paper, wrote the embossing folder name down, and put it in my reference binder. Here are a few samples pages of how they turned out:
Pretty wonderful, huh? :) I really didn't feel I needed large samples so the 2 1/4" inch pieces work great for me. I love my little reference binder. It sits right on my desk, and I am constantly referring to it!! If you haven't made an "all encompassing" reference binder, I highly recommend it. It saves me so much time when creating. It's also easy to see what I have and don't have when putting together a shopping list or a wish list.
If you missed how I store my embossing folders, please see this post here. I focus on Cuttlebug embossing folders in the post but if you look in the photos you will see my Sizzix and SU embossing plates are there too and stored the same way. :)
Well, I hope you have enjoyed today's post. Have a wonderful Friday! Blessings,
Friday, June 25, 2010
Organizational {Friday} Embossing Folder Reference
Friday, January 22, 2010
Organizational {Friday} Cuttlebug Folders
When I began collecting my folders, I always wrote the name of the folder on the back with a black Sharpie. Well, I began to notice that as I ran the folder and paper through my machine, sometimes the black Sharpie ink would end up on the inside of a card! It was awful. I was ruining cards. Here is how they were previously labeled. DON'T do this! :)
Now of course I had to get that Sharpie off of each folder so I took my Magic Eraser to remove the name off of each folder. Using a Magic Eraser works GREAT! It went fast.
Then I used my labeler to print out the folder names and put them on the back of each folder.
Agh, that works so much better, and no more ink that ruins my paper! To organize them, I just sort them in alphabetical order by folder name.
Then I store them on a shelf on my Stampin' Things unit. You can see them on the right on the top shelf. Simple, easy to grab, use, and put away!
I personally love storing them this way. I use these folders a lot, and it is so much easier to grab them off the shelf instead of fumbling through a drawer. If you would like other Cuttlebug storage ideas, check out this thread and this thread on Splitcoaststampers! Enjoy, and happy organizing!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Organizational {Friday} Die Cuts & More Unit
Most of you know that I have several organizational pieces from Sue of Stampin' Things. Well, I must share my latest piece with you--the Die Cuts and More unit. Once again, I am extremely pleased with this unit! Sue's workmanship and customer service is beyond amazing. I sure wish I was gifted that way but thus I am not. LOL!
This unit works for the following products:
*Quickutz
*Sizzix
*Cuttlebug
*Nestabilities
*Spellbinders
*SU Big Shot products
*Etc., etc., etc.
This unit measures 18"x12"x14", has a swivel base, and hold dies 2"x2" all the way up to the extended 6"x13 3/4". It can hold approximately:
*Up to 60 BigZ and Original Die Cuts plus 11 BigZ XL and Movers and Shapers
*OVER 150+ Sizzlets, Embosslets, and Sizzlets Decorative Strip Dies
*All Cutting Pads (Standard, Extended and Decorative)
*All Spacer Platforms (Standard, Extended and Decorative)
*All Premium Crease Pads, Texturz Pads
*Texturz Plates, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders
*Countless Quickutz dies
*Holds many Nestabilities (when stored in CD cases)
It will also hold BOTH a Big Shot and Cuttlebug on top with dies under them. Here you can see a few Quickutz alpha dies and some Sizzlet dies (both large and small Sizzlets) in the top. And yes, I have tons of room left for a lot more here!
Then here you can see both my BigShot and my Cuttlebug on top of the dies. The dies are hidden just underneath both of my machines. And the cubbies below my machines hold all of my cutting and embossing pads and the big Sizzix Texturz plates. Again, tons of room left to grow here too.
On this side of the unit, I put my Cuttlebug embossing folders. I have them in alphabetical order by design name. I again, have tons of room left. For now I have a jar of miscellaneous buttons and two tins full of WRMK metal alphas. These storage areas here can actually hold a lot of Sizzix dies or Quickutz 4x4 dies. I just do not have that many dies yet so this works great for me and looks pretty in my area. :) I did put some of my Quickutz 4x4 storage binders on here, and they worked beautifully but I already have a different storage area for those. But you could certainly put yours on here. I do not have any of the 4x8 alphas so I could not test those for you. 
And on this side, you can see my few Sizzix dies, my Quickutz 12" border dies, and some of my large CM punches. 
One thing I noticed when I received the unit is that one side is blank. The way the storage areas have to be for the extended dies, etc., I think this side must be built as it is. But don't fear. I found a GREAT solution for the blank side. I altered a KaiserCraft memo board to hang there. I am always needing paper in my craft area so this is perfect!
Board: KaiserCraft Memo Board
Papers: Memory Box Gossamer Flitter & Gossamer Happenstance
Stamp Ink: Adirondack shell pink, SU creamy caramel
Stamp: Memory Box Branch Heart E1310
Paints: Memory Makers rose petal, Smooch vanilla shimmer, Shimmerz angel wings
Embellishments: misc. ribbon, Memory Box baby pink pearls, My Mind's Eye buttons, Bazzill flowers, American Crafts felt flower, Basic Grey dark chocolate chip micro-chip stickers, Mod Podge
You could also use hooks to hang scissors or ribbon, etc. Use your imagination to customize this side as you wish. There are also other blank wood areas around the unit as you can probably see. I talked to Sue, and she said it is not a problem to put nails, hooks, or whatever in those areas to add hanging storage as you wish. Now that's fun! Nothing more fun than expandable and customizable storage!
If you would like to see my post on the other units I have from Stampin' Things, see my post here. I hope you have enjoyed today's post. Be sure to stop by and see what else Sue has at Stampin' Things. You will not be disappointed in any piece you get from her! Blessings to each of you!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tuesday's {Tip} Big Shot Dies to Make Pin Cushions!
I think most of my subscribers know that I love to sew! I don't share my creations very often but once in a while I will. How many of you love to sew too? I think I tend to use my machine on paper more than fabric though lately. LOL!
Well today I wanted to share an awesome post I found by Angie Kennedy Juda. She shows how to make adorable pin cushions out of your Big Shot dies! And what a great way to use up your fabric scraps too! You can see her great post and instructional video here. I am definitely going to make a few of these. Such cute gifts! And be sure to look around her blog because she has other amazing fabric creations that you won't want to miss either! 
And since there are so many new subscribers to my blog, I thought I would take this moment to share again the Cuttlebug cover I made. Mom and I just adjusted a toaster pattern she had. I love my cover. Now I need to make one for my Big Shot! 
Storage Unit: Stampin' Things Elite Unit
Well, thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you enjoy looking at Angie's creations! Blessings to you!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
It's a World Record {Blog Hop}: Ad Inspiration
Welcome to our world record hop!!! How fun to see over 200 people signed up today! Can you imagine all of the amazing pieces of inspiration you will see? Wow! The blog hop starts on the Unity blog. So, if you didn't start at the beginning, be sure to start back there!
Today I used an ad for my inspiration! As soon as I saw this in a catalog, I knew what I wanted to do! Here is the ad: 
And here is my card: 
I used the Unity Hearts of Old background stamp and the Unity Simply Said set. I used my Quickutz to cut out the flowers and wire from Hobby Lobby for my flower stems. There are not any patterned papers on here at all. It is all Paper Trey cardstock! :)
And before I end today, I wanted to leave you with one of my favorite quotes/verses:
Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Organizational {Friday} & Cuttlebug Pattern Info
Okay, today's post is not going to be anything new. You all have heard of this product before. However, it is a lesson I have learned, and I will pass it on to you
How many of you have said you refuse to buy a Clip-It Up? It's too expensive. It's too big. You don't need it. You can make your own. You know all of those things you might tell yourself. That is everything I told myself since the product came out a long time ago. Well, I caved everyone! I bought a Clip-It Up last week! I used my Archiver's 30% off coupon and saved $15. Oh my goodness, it was SO worth it! Why did I stay in denial for so long? I don't think making it myself would have achieved quite the same storage that I have here now. I love this thing. Here are a few pics. 
I think I probably store a few different items than most people. First, you can see that I store my Floss-Away bags on here which contain my DMC floss. Now I am a cross stitcher, so I literally have a HUGE tub of DMC floss; however, for paper crafting, I find I only need a few basic colors. I keep the bags on a single ring then clip the ring to the unit. Those are the colors I keep hanging right at my fingertips now. So easy to find. 
And those Bazzill templates and other crafting templates--what did I used to do with those? It was always hard to find them. Now they are hanging by a ring on my Clip-it Up too. And because my Scrap 'n Cube and my new, wonderful Stampin Things Elite Organizer hold so much, I don't have too much to put on my Clip-it Up yet. I did find putting the longer packages of bling, Bazzill Just the Edge, Pink Paislee alpha stickers, etc., work great on here though. Sometimes they just didn't fit in my drawers quite right because they were so long. Now they are hanging perfectly on my Clip-it Up! 
So, for those of you that are in denial, maybe ask for a Clip-it Up for Christmas and see if you have the same reaction I did! I am one happy crafter! :)
Oh, and before I close today, some of you asked how I created my Cuttlebug cover. My mom had a toaster pattern that we modified just slightly to get it to fit my Cuttlebug. We redrew the pattern onto tissue paper, and then I came home, pulled out my favorite pink toille fabrics, and made this little beauty. 
If you sew, just measure the dimensions of your Cuttlebug and look for a toaster pattern close in size. It truly is easy! Feel free to e-mail me if you have more specific questions. Have a joyous Friday everyone!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Organizational {Friday}
Okay, I know it is Saturday and that this is late. But it is with good reason!!! I just got this unit delivered to my door by the Fex Ex man two hours ago! I knew it was on it's way, and I couldn't wait to show you! Thus the reason I did not post yesterday! 
I cannot tell you how much I love this company! I e-mailed Sue (the owner of Stampin Things) because I had some questions about their products. I received an answer within 24 hours, and then I called Sue to talk to her. Oh my, don't e-mail! Just call Sue! She is such a joy to talk to, and she truly wants to get you the right product for your needs. There are many competitor products out there, and some cost nearly double the price! Sue's product is truly amazing, and it is even MORE than I imagined! I ended up getting The Elite with the Topper. I went with the Elite because it will hold the larger Stampin Up inks. I don't have any of them yet but I wanted the ability to store them if I do buy some. Sue said that if you don't want to use Stampin Up ink pads, the Stampin Things unit is what will work for you. I will hold more stamp pads too! Anyway, look at what I am able to store here.
In my Elite unit I have Unity cassette stamps, Stickles, Copic markers, Ranger Distress inks, Adirondack inks, Colorbox inks, and more! And the HUGE bonus, the top will hold my Cuttlebug! I had NO idea that would fit there, and I was MORE than pleased with that discovery! You can see it in the first picture of this post. I have it covered with the cute pink cover I made. :)
Now, I got the Topper also thinking I would put it on top of the Elite unit as it is intended. However, it also has a swivel base which I did not realize, and it fits so perfectly on my desk. And on the top, I am able to keep my spice rack with my Primas, my metal tin full of Prismacolor pencils, my hemp, and a few other things! In this amazing piece, I am storing the smaller Memento and Brilliance inks, the Colorbox cat eyes, my glue pad with liquid refill, etc. Look how well everything fits! 
Now I still have a ton of room since each pieces has FOUR sides!!!! This is amazing, and if you are looking for a Christmas gift for yourself, this is it!!! I am telling you, I have not been this excited about a storage piece since getting my Scrap 'n Cube over 3 years ago (which I still LOVE by the way)! Oh, and did I tell you it only took 11 days to get this? That included the shipping time! Sue is amazing, and so are her amazing products! Enjoy everyone! You will not be disappointed if you purchase this little baby! :) Have a joyous weekend!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tuesday's {Tip}
Oh my goodness! If you use the Cuttlebug embossing folders, you must watch this 3 minute video! It will show you how to get an amazing background using your folders and ink! I can't wait to try this tip. And Michelle from Splitcoasterstampers posted a little tip on how to clean your embossing folders after using this technique:
"I love this technique! I just wash my folder in the sink with a little squirt of dish detergent and a sponge, then dry it with paper towel. Now, the first time I did this I used the script folder and didn't dry it like I do now. When I went to use the folder a little later, of course I ruined my cardstock. So, now, after I dry the folder, I take a second piece of papertowel and lay it flat in the folder and run the folder through the CB to get all the moisture out of all of the little spots."
Very wonderful idea Michelle. Thanks! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! And link your creations here once you try it! I am sure we would all love to see what you do! Enjoy, and Happy Tuesday!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
My New Cuttlebug Cover!
I am SO excited! I have had these fabrics for a while, and they are my absolute favorite. I wanted to use them to make a cover for my Cuttlebug. Well, Mom helped me create a pattern out of tissue paper yesterday when we went up to visit (which was spectacular by the way), and this morning I made my cover. I was going to use piping around the edges but Mom was telling me about some pillows she is making and how she was going to use some large ribbon and a button. Well, I decided to do that and add a flower too! I just love how this turned out.
Thankfully, I have some fabric left. I am sure I will find other things to sew for my scrappy room! :) Thanks for looking, and thanks for helping with the pattern Mom!! You are the absolute best, and I am very blessed to have you in my life. I love you!
