#30: Organizational Efficiency, Part Two

There have been several recent posts on GW about various stampers' organizational methods. I sometimes think I love organizing more than stamping! Since I have pretty limited space, I tend to go vertically rather than horizontally.

This person's wonderfully inventive answer to the "Clip It Up" system (http://outtathisfunk.blogspot.com/2008/01/sticker-gripper.html) is similar to what I finally ended up with, although I use a much smaller space. Mine are simply tiny, short café rods attached to the front of one of my cabinets. I just slip on the rolls of stickers and use binder rings to hold packages of embellishments.

All of my decorative edge scissors are hung an jumbo pushpins hammered into the side of the cabinet, right next to my desk.

#29: Organizational Efficiency

I love to heat emboss stamped images, but found I did it infrequently because I was too lazy to haul all the equipment out and put it back for each project. Whenever I have a vexing question about how to work through a crafting issue, I turned to the delightfully generous and helpful ladies of Gingerwood, who supply endless hints, tips, tricks, encouragement, photos and how-to-do-it detail! As a result, I now have a wonderful custom-made heat-gun holder, courtesy of my DH. It has a very small footprint, allowing me to leave my embossing equipment right at hand, ready to be used and to allow safe cooling, as well.

My husband was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the ideas offered and really happy with the safety factor associated with the holder, something that has always bothered him-- the biggest concern was that one (or both) of the "craft cats" would be in the middle of the project area offering personalized artistic direction and set the place on fire.

So I showed him all the photos, hints, recommendations and suggestions from fellow GWs, and he made me this:

Perfect!

Many thanks to becky with a little "b" (for the detailed photos of the overall design), Greta in NY (wonderful suggestion to add a heat-proof ceramic tile), Mrs. C. (the idea to add cup hooks to help control cords), Sue Nelson (for putting the thought in my head that the DH could make it for a few dollars, rather than have me buy it) and a number of others who offered their help. I've done more embossing in the past week than I have in the past year!

#28: And then at the other end of the spectrum....

My last post celebrated new life; today I wanted to show you a sympathy card I recently made. There's very little stamping on it-- the cover's wording "With Deepest Sympathy" was stamped and then embossed with detail black. The card is actually a booklet, made with a tabloid size sheet of textured burgundy cardstock (approximately 12"x18") scored and folded in half.

The inside wording is computer generated on vellum which was then placed over a sheet of preprinted paper. A close friend lost her brother after a long and difficult illness and this poem spoke from the heart. I am very sorry to say I have no idea where it came from or to whom credit should be given-- if anyone knows I would be grateful for the information.

I also decided that I wanted to play around with the layout of my blog. I have a feeling it's going to require a few different attempts to make me happy. I sure wish I knew more about HTML. However, I think one of my daughter's college courses this spring includes web design, so maybe I'll have to hire her!

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"With Deepest Sympathy" Stamp by PSX

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#27: Good things to come in 2008

Our darling niece, Jenny, and her sweet husband, Mike, will be having a baby this year, after many-many-many months of hopeful anticipation. Her due date is May 14th, although we all know how accurate things like that can be.

I love the inside sentiment of this card, which I had to computer generate since I've never found a stamp that comes close. It sure sums up the wisdom of parenthood, especially for those experiencing it for the first time!

It says "You won't change diapers as much as they'll change you."

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Bunnies & Hearts Die Cuts: Sizzix

Diaper Pin Stamp: No-Name cheapie from AC Moore, stamped in VersaMark and embossed with clear EP

Ribbon: Offray

Pewter Heart Snap: Making Memories

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#26: Susan's Punches

Last fall, Susan of Gingerwood offered a wonderful 40 piece set of punches for sale, at a ridiculously low price. (Yes-- FORTY. The entire upper case alphabet, the numbers, and all the math symbols, such as +, -, x, ÷, and =, with the letter O doubling as the zero.) She then packed them up in the most ingenious way to save me shipping costs, and I've enjoyed them more than you can know.

Today, I just wanted to make something cheerful and colorful. The punches were calling to me, as well. This is the card I came up with, and every time I look at it, I smile. I might have to keep it for myself.

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I think Susan said she originally purchased the punches at Costco.
The flowers are brads, manufacturer unknown.
Ribbon is from after-Christmas clearance at Wal-Mart.
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#25: Happy New Year!

With the start of a brand-new year, here's wishing each of you great happiness in all you do.

Thanks for visiting!

~Mary

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Punches used:

~1¾" and 2" Scalloped Squares from Marvy-Uchida

~Ornamental Bracket by Anna Griffin (punched at each corner of smaller scallop)

~Card corners: Punch by McGill, name unknown

Thanks Stamp:

Stampin' Up

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