Sunday Haul #10

I got my big Holiday catalog preorder this past week.  Unfortunately two of the items that I ordered went on backorder immediately.  So, I'm still waiting for the Festival of Trees stamp set and Garden Green CS.  They should ship within the week, but I don't have a specific date.

• Motley Monsters DSP
• Color Me Autumn DSP
• Cherry Cobbler CS (8.5 x 11 and 12 x 12)
• Neutrals Collection CS
• Early Espresso CS

• Four Feathers Stamp Set
• Pool Party Embossing Powder
• 1" Stitched Grosgrain Cherry Cobbler Ribbon
• Color Me Autumn Washi Tape
• Gratitude for Days Kit
• Feathers Framelits
• Tree Punch

• Season of Style This and That Stickers
• Frosted Sequins
• Bravo Burgundy Marker
• Gratitude for Days Stamp Set
• Lucky Stars Embossing Folder
• Trim the Tree DSP Stack

Stamps and Punch Inventory

 Do you have too many stamps and punches to easily remember?  Do you reoutinely "discover" stamps and punches that you already own?  I definitely do!  And something needed to be done to help me organize.  Enter Pinterest!  I scoured for an easy way and relatively free way to organize.  I finally settled on creating a stamp and punch inventory.  This way I don't have to have the physical items always within arm's reach.  But I can still quickly look at my inventory when choosing what to use.

Stamp Inventory: I took regular white card stock and stamped every set.  I went a little further by grouping stamps by Christmas, holidays, occasions (birthdays, etc), sentiments, and no sentiments.  I then hole punched the sheets and placed them in a cheap binder.  I can keep the binder right under my desk.  Any time I want to choose a stamp, I grab the binder and flip to the appropriate section.  Easy peasy!

 Punch Inventory: Same premise at the stamp inventory.  I chose to use a set of blank playing cards as my base instead of full sheets of cardstock.  I then grouped the punches (circles with circles, scallops with scallops, etc) and started punching.  If I knew I was missing a size, I left a spot for it on the cards.  Otherwise, I tried to put at least two punches per card.  I also added the punch name and/or size for easy reference.  This guide hangs on my bulletin board above my desk for easy access.

I may end up using a different system in the future, but for right now this work's great.  Since making these, I have found myself using many stamps that I would have otherwise forgotten.  It serves it's purpose!

Sunday Haul #9

Just one little acquisition this week: July Take Ten Kit.  I'm loving the colors in this one!

I'm currently putting together my wish lists for my August Stampin' Up order...  Possibly some interesting scores for next week.

Essential Products #4: Adhesives

Let’s dive in today with a huge essential product: Adhesives.  I've come to find that everyone has their favorites and particular uses for different products.  I am no different.  The pictures below show my collections of various adhesives.  And I have to say that I use every single one.

Product Description: Adhesives comes in my shapes and sizes.  For the beginner crafter, I always recommend buying a few to find what you like best.  Once chosen, I always try to stock up when they're on sale.  There's no worse while crafting than running out of adhesive.

Choices:

• Scotch tape -- A basic role of scotch tape is perfect for taping down ribbon ends (behind card layers obviously).  
• Liquid glue -- I have a few different liquid glue choices.  I love using Stampin' Up's two way glue for small embellishments like wood veneers.  I also have a tube of Elmer's clear glue for back up.
• Snail (snail-looking tape runner)-- This is my go-to adhesive for general card making and scrapbooking.  I use this for just about everything.  I definitely stock up on the refills when they go on sale.  I also usually have a cartridge of removable adhesive on hand for non-sticking clear stamps.
• Glue stick -- While this isn't my favorite tool to use.  I find that it does come in handy for random projects.  Also, it's a good in-a-pinch substitute for when I don't plan ahead and run out of snail.
• Glue dots -- Small double sided sticky pieces perfect for securing sequins, ribbon, or buttons.  They are a go to tool!
• Dimensionals -- For when you want to pop up your piece, dimensionals are key.  They are double sided circles or hexagons (depending on brand).  I go through packages and packages of these.
• Sticky strip -- Finally I keep a role of sticky strip (two sided tape) on hand for 3D projects.  It seems to be the only thing to secure cardstock for boxes or candy holders.

My Choice Brand(s):

• Stampin' Up -- For a majority of my adhesives, I turn to Stampin' Up for know good quality.  Usually I buy glue dots, two way glue, glue sticks, sticky strip, and dimensionals from SU.
• Tombow -- For snail, I always use Tombow.  I've explored the other brands, but they just don't have the same quality to me.  Tombow is a bit pricier than some of the other brands, but quality is the determining factor for me.

Where to Buy:

• Stampin' Up
• Joann's and Michael's -- They carry Tombow and any of the store brand adhesives options.  I always try to get my Tombow refills when they are 50% off or at least if I have a 40% coupon.

Sunday Haul #8

A trip to Michael's for snail and of course I came out with more stuff.  I couldn't pass up the deals!

• Kraft Envelopes
• White Envelopes (2 packs)
• Kraft cardstock
• Cream cardstock
• White cardstock

• Snail refill
• 6x8 PL page protectors (2 packs) on clearance!
• Animal Theme pack on clearance!
• Travel Theme pack on clearance!

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.

Sunday Haul #7

Only one tiny purchase this week...  I received my washi tape order from Peachy Cheap on Wednesday.  12 rolls of washi for $10!  I'll take that.  Can't wait to play with them a bit more. I also received my backordered Moonlight DSP from Stampin' Up.  Finally I get to make some pretties with the new paper!

Essential Products #3: Stamp Cleaning Pad

Let’s dive in today with a huge essential product: my Stampin' Scrub Pad.

Back when I first started stamping in 2009, I didn't know how to clean to stamps.  I simply washed them off in the sink.  Not so great...  Then I read about the baby wipes method. Okay that worked, but this was in the between my kids time.  I just didn't want to keep buying baby wipes.  Then I bought some liquid stamp cleaner and used that with paper towels.  It was okay if I was just stamping one image, but if I wanted to do a lot, my method was extremely inefficient.  Finally, I was clued into the scrub pad from a SU demo.  Hallelujah!  This thing is a life saver!

Product Description: Basically the pad is a plastic case that contains two scrub pad pieces (think a doormat).  One side is labeled with raindrops, the other with an umbrella.  You spray some cleaning solution onto the raindrop (wet) side and scrub your stamp.  You then scrub your stamp on the umbrella (dry) side.  Abracadabra!  You have a clean stamp.  This is great when stamping a lot or using multiple stamps.  When the pad gets dry, simply spray more solution.

After a fair amount of usage, you'll notice that the stamps aren't cleaning very easily.  When this happens, it's time to clean your pad.  Simply run your pad under water until the water runs clear.  Prop up the pad to dry.  Simple solution.  I usually clean my pad once a week or two weeks depending on the amount of stamping I've done.

My Choice Brand(s): Stampin' Up sells a great scrub pad and cleaning solution (even refills).  This is my one and only choice for scrub pad.  It works great and is cost effective.

Stampin' Scrub

$16.95

Stampin' Mist

$4.50

Stampin' Mist Refill

$9.50

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Sunday Haul #6

Woohoo!  My big new catalog SU order has arrived.  I ordered on Tuesday and received on Friday.  I love living so close to Salt Lake City.  Let's open the box and take a peek inside...

• Hello Honey ink pad
• Mossy Meadow ink pad
• Blackberry Bliss ink pad
• 2014-2016 In Color Card Stock
• Real Red card stock
• Regals Collection card stock

• Starburst Sayings stamp set
• Starburst Framelits
• Sea Street stamp set
• I Like You stamp set
• 7/8" Natural Cotton Ribbon
• Dimensionals
• Early Espresso Embossing Powder

• Kinda Eclectic Stamp Set
• Hello There Stamp Set
• Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder
• Daffodil Delight ink pad
• Stampin' Mist

•  Pool Party ink pad
• Tangelo Twist ink pad
• Lost Lagoon ink pad
• Stripes/Dots Mask
• Stars/Hearts Mask

Unfortunately my Moonlight DSP Paper Stack is on back order until hopefully this week.  Overall, I'd say a pretty good haul for the week! Now to find the time to actually dive in and craft a bit.

Sunday Haul #5

Another small week in terms of craft supply buying.  I placed my June Stamp Club order on Sunday and received it on Wednesday.

• Champagne Glimmer Paper
• 2013-2015 In Color Card Stock
• Park Lane DSP
• Winter Frost DSP Stack (clearance rack)

I also made a quick stop into Michaels on Friday.  I had wanted to get some snail, but all they had was removable.  I did take advantage of the 40% all Project Life products.  I grabbed a black 6x8 album, Animal theme pack, Nautical theme pack, Design 2, 3, and 4 page protectors, and replacement trimmer blades.

Finally I received my yellow, children's book, and PL card revamp swaps back.

I'm finalizing my big June order for submission either today or tomorrow.  I'm still deciding between a few new stamp sets.  And I definitely have to pick up some new accessories.  Plus, I'm buying the ink pad caddy to help organize all my stash.  It will be a large order.  Come back next Sunday to see what I got.