ART on the CHEAP

As much as I love buying new art supplies, and trust me I do, I also firmly believe in using things I have around the house and up cycling as much as possible.  So an old piece of mail might become background in a piece of art.

One thing you will see sold quite a bit in scrapbook stores are chipboard and scrapbook embellishments at a hefty price (compared to the cost of actual materials).  I decided to turn some food boxes (or water boxes) into some quick, cute embellishments ~ ready to go!

First take your old box.  I have used soda boxes, cereal boxes, etc.

Cut out the larger parts for bigger pieces or bookmarks.

Punch the scraps with your paper punches and make lots of cute shapes.

I painted all my pieces with gesso because I wasn't sure how I would dress them up.

Some I used washi tape on…. like this one below.

Here are some bookmark samples. I punched a hole in the top and added ribbon (not sure where THAT photo is) :)

I used some orange washi tape on this square embellishment.

Then I used Michelle Ward's Sphere Small stencil (from StencilGirl Products) and dabbed orange paint through.  Cute, huh?

Pull out your stash and dress up some "trash" to get that exact pop of color for your scrapbook page!

On these below, I used some of my stencils, wash tape and twine.  I tried to create varieties for a different feel and some dimension.

I found them to be GREAT add-ons for my  Project Life scrapbook cards.

Whatever you decide to do with them, you are probably more likely to take chances since it cost you nothing except for a bit of your time…so go PLAY!!

Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin or like my Facebook Page at Kirsten Reed Designs.  Have a great week!

Scrapbook Weekend Girls

Every year for the past 8 years in January, I pack up two bags.  One bag brimming with pajamas, sweats and other suitable lounging clothes and one with scrapbook supplies, photos, tools and several projects to complete.  I set out on a plane and head the east coast to meet up with some of the nicest ladies I know at a rented condo and we create! 

We started out scrapbooking die-hards but have branched into other things over the years.  There has been felting, digital scrapbooking, sewing, and jewelry making too.  This year we can add clay and quilling to the list as well some painting and stencil (thanks to yours truly!)

My friend from high school, Michelle, plays coordinator/planner/hostess with the mostest, and it is because of her I was introduced to all these wonderful women!  Michelle and I were both military brats moved to new high schools from Europe to Florida our senior year and immediately bonded as we survived our senior year together!  Twenty-eight years later, we remain close friends.

THE GIRLS

Meet Michelle.  And I know she is not happy about this picture, but look at how the light reflects on to the TV and makes her look like she has a halo!!  Michelle, our Angel. LOL!!

Meet Beth.

Beth and I are like sisters from another lifetime.  We instantly clicked and formed an immediate friendship.  She makes me laugh, this one.  She also lets me fly for free each year on a buddy pass! Yay Southwest!!

Meet Natalie.  Natalie is our expert on all things medical because she is a doctor.  A doggie doctor, anyway.  We always ask her the craziest questions and she is so patient and polite to us!  Natalie has a heart of gold and she is ready to google on a moment's notice!

Meet Amy.  Amy is that person you know who never says a mean word about anyone….not even celebs.  She is so thoughtful, witty and kind.  She is a great listener and makes a mean dirty martini!  Amy has brought us the most variation with crafts to our weekend and never ceases to surprise us with her talents!

Here are a couple pictures of what Amy worked on ~ clay and quilling.

Meet Kelly.  Kelly is Michelle's neighbor and the young mom of us all.  Although she probably isn't THAT much younger, she does keep busy as a CPA raising 4 young boys and she does still have a toddler, so she makes the rest of us feel a little old.  She is the quiet player ~ listening intently and ready to put us in stitches at her one-liners!

Meet Sheri.  Sheri is resident fitness instructor, mom of three and my OCD twin.  We both like neat and tidy so it us you will see organizing all the crap through out the weekend.  Sheri has an amazing sense of humor and continuously keeps us rolling with laughter from her stories!

And Me.  Crazy jokester. Keeping my EYE on everyone!  

Thanks for the great time ladies!  SEE you next year! ;)

StencilGirl & Xyron Make a Great Team!

Having fun today with StencilGirl and Xyron products!  Come join me!

I chose StencilGirl's Stitch a Greek Border stencil (designed by Maria McGuire) to add some pizzaz and texture to my El Capitan scrapbook layout!

I had several larger sized photos that I did not want to cut down, so I made a double spread using chunky cardboard borders, paper, ribbon and washi tape.

To help adhere all my chunky goodness down I used a combination of two different Xyron adhesives ~ the double sided high tack tape and the high tack adhesive dots.  Both of these worked excellent with my slightly chunkier embellishments and larger photos. They were very strong and nothing lifted up.

After I laid out my photos and embellishments the way I wanted, I decided to add a bit of "pop" and "texture" with the Stitch a Greek Border stencil by Maria McGuire.   I love all the possibilities of this stencil, the repeating patterns and possibilities.

I used a little bit of light molding paste and part of the border to scrape in VERY lightly some texture.

After it dried, I inked it up a bit very lightly with brown ink.

I have to say this is the first time I have ever used molding paste on a scrapbook page.  I recommend a very light touch. It makes the perfect embellishment!

What do you think?

I am working on...

I am working on being patient when things don't go the way I think they should.

I am working on journaling several scrapbook projects that need the stories finished.

I am working on each room in my house, one by one, taking the desperate areas and giving them a thorough cleaning. Today I did all my bathroom cabinets and drawers. ahhhh!

I am working on being a better friend. Instead of thinking about somebody, calling them to tell them. Instead of thinking of something nice to do, doing it.

I am working on my one little word for 2011 -- grace. I am trying to see it in my daily life. I am looking for ways to photograph it.

I am working on this office. I want a better handle on what I have and what needs to go. I want it to allow my work flow to flow.

I am working on backing up all my photos on to discs. Since I lost 3 years of photos, I feel the need to have a gazillion backup plans now.

I am working on carving out my quiet time reading God's word. I am working on relying and trusting Him instead of trying to figure my out of my messes I have created.

I am working on keeping it all in perspective.

Family Photo

I decided to adopt a new tradition for the year - to take a family photo once a month. Not necessarily a fancy or formal photo - in fact, I would prefer it not be! I just want to document "us" through the year, watch the changes and reflect on times we were together. Already, my new great idea has been derailed because we saw very little of each other - together - in January!! Gasp! I have pictures of 3 of us together - but not all four...and 5 if you count Raffy. Life is already moving at breakneck speed and I do not like it, Sam I am! I did enjoy an great weekend away on my annual scrapbook journey to the Delaware coast - brrr! Made some great memories while documenting those of my children's school years. When I came back, Vince left to be with his dad in Texas; then home for a night only to leave again to Atlanta for a national meeting. So when Vince gets home on Friday I plan to take a picture of all us - no matter how sloppy or sleepy - I am going to make it my mission! In the future, be on the look out for more monthly photos and a few words to let you know what is developing in our lives.

In other news...I am still designing jewelry for my company etc designs and came out with a line of Valentine bracelets that sell for just $15! I think they are quite cute! Business was great at the holidays and I am hoping things go as well this spring. I may even consider a craft show or two. Not sure!

This week I am planning on playing catch up in my office: hook up my new printer (actually try to get the new hooked up printer working); make some jewelry for a local bridal shop; purge my old magazines to the recycle without looking through them for hours; write some snail mail (I'd really love to create some handmade Valentine's!!) and journal all those pages I created in DE!