Twist and Shout

As some of you know, I am in the process of having a craft studio built in my backyard. No surprise here, it will be called the Beehive, and, please forgive me for saying this but I am buzzing with excitement! Although I have plenty of storage in our house, my problem has been not having a dedicated room for crafting. Since I am a stand-up-crafter, having to use the dining room table has left me with a permanent backache. My new high table, the Adams Craft Table/Bookends from Target has been purchased and is patiently waiting for this party to begin.

In preparation for the official groundbreaking ceremony, I have been culling my craft supplies and organizing like a madman. I’ve already completed the Washi tape storage HERE. Ribbons and lace were next on my list. My problem is that I have been storing both in a Jetmax canvas container and the only way to find anything was to either dump or dig. Searching for an inexpensive storage option I found an example of paint stick storage on Pinterest that wowed me. I haven’t finished wrapping my ribbons/lace but considering that the paint sticks are free, I was more than ready to twist and shout!

 I found that seam binding needs tape (pins leave holes) but for the lace you can use pins.

 In the Beehive little things, like pins, will be stored in vintage Jell-O molds.

 

No Michael's today!

I'm going shopping at Home Depot, Lowes and Orchard for more paint sticks.

 

How do you store your ribbons and lace? Next storage update will be for my Sizzix dies. I’ll give you a hint – passport ready for traveling. J

A Proper Lady

My mother always told me that a proper lady carried a lace handkerchief in her purse at all times. I started carrying hankies when I was in high school and even after all these years, it is an odd habit that I cannot break. The reason I call it odd is because although I own over 30, mostly vintage hankies, I would never actually use one to blow my nose.

Another thing that graces my purse is a floatie pen (which I collect and do use) and a notepad. For the last year I have been using one I received as a gift from a co-worker. Not any more. I have discovered the joys of altering mini-composition books and have made enough of them for every day of the week. 

The trick to making these is to use Mod Podge and wax paper.

I stick a piece of wax paper between the cover and the pad. Once the glue dries

just remove the paper and voila – no glue on the pad.

The husband loved them so much he asked if I would make him one.

Since he is a BIG baseball fan the paper choice was obvious!

My local CVS sells them in packages of 3 for $1.00. I'm definitely going back for more. Have you ever altered a mini composition book? Maybe now is the time.

House Hunters International

If you live in the states and have cable, you've probably heard of House Hunters International on TLC. The title says it all - it's a staged real estate "reality" half-hour show about finding the perfect home. It's kind of dumb, but I have lived vicariously through the buyers and have purchased homes in Israel (complete with bomb shelter), Tuscany (complete with vineyard) and Paris (complete with a view of the Eiffel Tower.)

Since most of Washi Tape comes from Japan, I was in search of the perfect home for these tapes that seem to propagate like bunnies in my storage closet. The minute I saw a whitewashed soda crate on Pinterest I knew I had found the perfect abode for my Japanese friends.

I purchased the crate from a buyer on eBay. The price was right, which included shipping, and I received it within the week. I have since had some communication with the seller and he deserves his 100% positive feedback.

I still have to sand it down a bit but I love the way it looks and best of all

I can fit a lot more Washi tape in the cubbies.

Bid with confidence from the seller I bought my crate from - HERE

How do you store your Washi Tape? Have a better idea than a soda crate? Please share!!