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New Discoveries #7: Paper Issues Swag Bag

I love getting embellishments, but don't usually want an entire pack of say 50 die cuts.  I want a sampler of sorts.  Thankfully I found a great monthly subscription that's all about various embellishments: Paper Issues Swag Bag. Here's a pic of August's swag bag:

High points:

  • No two kits are the same. You get a bit of everything.
  • You are not automatically billed each month.  You will receive an email with payment instructions. You have about half a month to pay before your forfeit the kit and lose your spot on the list for next month.
  • Cancel option: You can cancel anytime by emailing paper issues.

If you want your own Paper Issues Swag Bag, sign up here!

And a pic of my kit deconstructed:

Contents include:

  • Prima stamp {Chevron or dots, random pick}
  • May Arts Yellow Twill ribbon
  • Studio Calico Gold sequins
  • Studio Calico Gold flag clip
  • Pink Paislee Solstice gold foam stickers
  • Pink Paislee Solstice ephemera
  • Tim Holtz metal number plate
  • Fancy Pants Nautical ephemera
  • Studio Calico wood veneer stars
  • Die cut map stars
  • Little B. Anchor dimensional sticker
  • Papermania blue bow
  • Webster's Pages Ocean Melody Sentiment Sticker sheet
  • Webster's Pages Ocean Melody Vellum Frame
  • Webster's Pages Strawberry Fields Squares
  • Ruby Rock It Gold transparency
  • Crate Paper Styleboard gold dot kraft 3x4 card
  • Bazzill Dotted Swiss-Salt 3x4 card
  • Pink Paislee Solstice Panama City 3x4 card
  • Pink Paislee Solstice Bali 3x4 card
  • Pink Paislee Solstice Bora Bora 3x4 card
  • Webster's Pages Ocean Melody Deep Blue 3x4 card
  • Webster's Pages Ocean Melody Sea Breeze 3x4 card
  • Webster's Pages Ocean Melody Anchors Away 3x4 card
  • Dear Lizzy Daydreamer Paper Planes 3x4 card
  • Bella Blvd Molly Refuse to Sink 3x4 card
  • Fancy Pants Be Different Too Cool 3x4 card
  • Lily Bee We R Family Buddies 3x4 card
  • Studio Calico Brighton Pier gold stars vellum flag die cut
  • Webster's Pages Strawberry Fields Field of Gold flag die cut
  • Canvas Corp Navy Mini Dot flag die cut
  • Lily Bee Buttercup Rain Label die cut
  • Webster's Pages Strawberry Fields Balloon Bouquet label die cut
  • K & Co. Die Cut Label
tags: New Discoveries, Paper Issues
categories: Craft Supplies
Thursday 08.28.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New Discoveries #6: 30 Days of Lists

 

Have you heard about 30 Days Of Lists?  Created by Kam of Campfire Chic and Amy of Lemon and Raspberry, 30 Days of a Lists is a semi-annual journalling challenge.  In March and September, they provide you with one topic a day.  You then run off and create a list.  I've known about this for at least a year, but always found the idea scary.  How do I have time to create beautiful embellished lists everyday for a month?  I thought it couldn't be done.  But then this year as August rolled around and registration opened, I realized that I didn't have to make my lists complicated.  I didn't have to do a separate album or embellish everything.  I could add the lists to my regular PL album.  I could even prep the cards ahead of time.  That way, all I need to do for the day is write my list.  I figure that if I have time, I will embellish.  But if no, no big deal.  Here are my prepped cards using already owned PL cards (most from WRMK), some numeral stickers, and a journaling pen.

If you want to join me on this great challenge, head on over to 30 Days of Lists and register!

tags: 30 Days of Lists, New Discoveries
categories: Other Crafts, Project Life
Thursday 08.21.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New Discoveries #5: Evernote for Organization

Who here has trouble organizing their blog post ideas, craft ideas, etc?  I know I do!  It seems that I think of things in the shower or getting ready to bed.  I used to write it down on a random piece of paper and promptly lose it.  And then I found Evernote! J actually told me to buy Evernote for my computer a few years ago.  Up until then, I had been using a notebook and was relatively organized.  He convinced me that this little app would change my life for the better.  He was right!

I now use Evernote for a variety of organization needs.  I created a notebook for each blog.  I have one for general blog post ideas.  I have one for keeping track of monthly goals.  I have another notebook for Project Life and one for vacation ideas.  I even have one for meal planning.  But for this post, I want to highlight my calendar notebooks.

I created a notebook for each year with separate notes for each month.

You'll note notecards for "July Life" and "July Craft."  I tried to combine the two notes for the two blogs and I was hopelessly lost within a week.  So I try to keep them separate for my sanity.  Within each note, I have written each day of the month with the day notation in front.  I went even a bit further and separated out the weeks to help see the break points.  Each month I go through and write my blog post title on the corresponding day.  If the post doesn't exist in some form on the blog, but is only an idea at this point, it gets an asterisk after the title.  Once a post is completed, I strikethrough.  This way I can see what I have scheduled and what is needed to be finished with a quick glance.  No more wading through each of blogs trying to determine what needs to be done.  My Evernote method has kept me more consistent with my blogging.  I have also cut down on the number of times that I publish a post that isn't finished.

While I use my calendar notebooks daily, I've recently started a separate notebook for upcoming blog challenges.  I really want to start participating in these more often, but usually forget until the day they are due.  This easy, I'm hoping Evernote can help me work ahead a bit.  This notebook will also include my upcoming swaps and blog hops.

I have seen many bloggers that keep a paper notebook or a Filofax for their blog organization.  My thought is: whatever works for you!  I've found that Evernote is my best friend.  I don't know how I would blog without it at this point.

tags: New Discoveries, Organization
categories: Craft Supplies
Thursday 07.10.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New Discoveries #4: New SU Products

Today's New Discoveries is highlighting some of my favorite new products from the Stampin' Up 2014-2015 Annual Catalog.  The products featured are new this year and all available to order.

Fabulous Four Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$14.95

Documented Bundle

$17.50

Sea Street Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$16.95

Age Awareness Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

Love Who You Are Wood-Mount Stamp Set

$7.95

Watercolor Thank You Wood-Mount Stamp Set

$8.95

Bordering Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

Kinda Eclectic Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$19.95

Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack

$6.95

Park Lane Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Playground Project Life Card Collection

$15.95

Hearts & Stars Decorative Masks

$2.95

Stars Framelits Die

$26.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

tags: New Discoveries
categories: Craft Supplies
Thursday 06.05.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New Discoveries #2: SU's Paper Pumpkin Kits

I'll admit it: I was not a fan of the paper pumpkin kits when SU debuted them last year.  I thought "Why would I want such a limiting kit?"  But since then, I have realized their value in the paper crafting world.  Some people want all-in-one kits.  Some people have only a few minutes to craft and would like to spend it on crafting instead of searching for supplies.  Some people doubt their ability to think up their own designs (even though they are probably highly creative people). Paper Pumpkin kits are a great way to move behind these issues and get to crafting.  Everything you need comes in the box.  You have the option of following the example or striking out on your own.  The choice is yours.  This is a stress-free crafting kit.

I received a sample kit with my demonstrator starter order.  I thought I would share it with you today.

Everything comes in this handy little box.  Great for keeping your supplies together.  And I can think of a million things to use it for afterwards.

Here's the inside:

This kit featured a bicycle themed greeting card kit.  Each month varies in terms of the type of project.  I've seen some 3D projects in past kits, but they seem to be overwhelmingly greeting cards.

Breakdown of supplies included (adhesive is not included):

  • 4 Whisper White Envelopes
  • 4 Precut and Prescored polka dotted card bases
  • 2 Sheets of yellow honeycomb stickers
  • 9 Triangle stickers
  • 1 Bicycle Stamp
  • 1 "Thank You" banner stamp
  • 1 Bermuda Bay Stampin' Spot
  • 1 Baked Brown Sugar Stampin' Spot
  • Instruction sheet (below)
 
 

My completed projects

Card #1: I followed the example card exactly. Clean and simple.

 

Card #2: I decided to flip the card on the horizontal, but one bike seemed too plain.  So I added a second bike and got creative with the "flags."

Card #3: Back to the vertical orientation. And I decided to play with repeating patterns.  I made sure to stamp my bicycles off the card to give it a continuous look.

 

Card #4: Finally, I was left with three stripes of yellow stickers and two flags to use.  This is what came out.

Highlights:

  • Simple, easy to follow example designs and simple instruction sheets
  • Everything is included -- Although my kit did not come with a clear block, SU is now including a special thinner clear block in your first kit.
  • Only $19.95 a month plus tax (shipping is included)
  • SU now offers prepaid 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions -- Perfect for gifts!
  • Can skip a month or cancel anytime, no penalities

How to Order:

  • Learn more at http://mypaperpumpkin.com
  • Order a one month, three month, six month, or twelve month prepaid subscription here
  • Be sure to use me, Tobe Buffenbarger, as your demonstrator
  • Enjoy!
tags: New Discoveries, Paper Pumpkin, Subscription Kit
categories: Craft Supplies
Thursday 05.15.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

New Discoveries #1: Take Ten Kits

A new weekly feature on The Craft Sea. I would love to share my new crafting discoveries with you.  These may be specific products, websites, techniques, or general crafting ideas. Today on New Discoveries, I would love to highlight a relatively new monthly project life style subscription kit. Colie Kumar from Card Stock Option has created a great, cheap ($10!) monthly kit.  I signed up for the first kit in March, but I was regulated to the wait list.  Thankfully, I made it onto the actual list for April and now for May.  So far, I've received two kits and I am in love with them.  They are fun, coordinated, and actually useful.  The kits are designed, but they haven't moved in to the super-trendy category like Studio Calico's kits (have not been a fan lately, and super expensive in comparison).  The quality of the products is great.  The cards are one-sided, but of great cardstock weight.  I love the option of rounding the corners yourself or leaving them squared.  I prefer rounded corners, but I know many don't.  Overall, this is a great little addition to my crafting stash.

April's Kit:

  • Stamp set -- Three border stamps.  Colie offered an add-on stamp that featured words that fit into the border stamps.  I didn't buy it, but it was pretty cute.
  • Silver thickers -- Always love some alphabet stickers
  • Embellishments -- Chipboard geo tags, one piece of button flair, two manilla tags, sample of washi tape.  She offered more matching washi tape as an add-on.
  • 11 3 x 4 Cards
  • 3 4 x 6 Cards

May's Kit:

  • Stamp Set -- Cute little clouds, rain, etc.  I really enjoy this stamp set and can't wait to use it.
  • Green alphas -- Always a welcome addition
  • Embellishments -- Clouds and sun wood veneers, button flair, enamel dots (always use these!), and transparent leaves.
  • 11 3 x 4 cards (embossed!)
  • 3 4 x 6 cards

High points:

  • $10 monthly cost plus shipping: Colie keeps shipping around $2-3 per month.  So your total cost can be as low as $12.
  • Add-ons are offered: If you want to buy some great coordinating products, she offers some great add-ons. The best thing about the add-ons is that you should be able to actual get them if you log onto the Facebook page the first day of the month.  I haven't bought anything, but I have been very tempted...
  • Opt out option: If you aren't a huge fan of the kit, you can opt-out for the month with no penalty.  All you have to do is cancel the invoice.  You still keep your place on the list for the next month.

If you want your own Take Ten Kit, sign up here.

tags: New Discoveries, Subscription Kit, Take Ten Kit
categories: Craft Supplies, Project Life
Thursday 05.08.14
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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