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February 16, 2009

Colors of Me - Scrappy Inchies

It is rare that I will do this, but I know that many of you who subscribe to this blog do not subscribe or visit the Inchie INKlings blog. Today I posted a new creation over on the Inchie INKling blog that I thought might be of interest to you. Rather than double posting it I thought I would just share a link to that project. I appreciate so much that you continue to visit me here on Simple Dreams and will do my best to continue to post on all four blogs Ü I do run in circles sometimes don't I?!? Thanks for stopping by today Ü

September 15, 2008

A Muse Benefit for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Calendars on shelf 

Last year, Linda Carnell of A Muse Artstamps, designed a calendar to raise funds for Scleroderma Research, an illness her mother suffers from. The project was so successful, that she was determined to expand the variety of calendars, and find another great cause to support!

In honor of Victoria Nelson, an avid fan of A Muse who is undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's Disease, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this year's calendar will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This year's calendar features 16 months, and includes September 2008 through December 2009. It also includes a perpetual calendar, which is great for keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries. As well, the calendar has been designed in several different sizes.

There are THREE donation levels per calendar. The minimum donation is $4 per calendar, BUT there is also an option to donate $10 or $20 for each version.

We hope people will enjoy stamping and creating these calendars as fun projects and gifts for friends and family, while contributing to a great organization at the same time!

So please head on over to A Muse Artstamps right now and place your order for your calendar and make your donation for this important cause.


CREATING THE CALENDAR

I am so honored to have been asked to participate in this special "event". To be able to use my creativity for something positive is something I hold dear. I hope that you are inspired to create some calendars as gifts this year!

Desk setting 

In thinking about how I would use this calendar, so many different ideas ran through my head. I thought about doing a bunch of different things for different months, but I just like consistency waaaay too much - LOL! Therefore the calendars I have created all share the same concept.

When I realized that there was a Perpetual Calendar included in the package I decided I really wanted to showcase an idea that would put the regular calendar together with the perpetual one. This is an item I can see placing in a prominent position on my desktop, being I most definitely need a reminder other than my everyday pop-up calendar, to give me forewarning of the upcoming birthdays I need to plan for. Rather than binding them together in some method I opted for creating 12 individual little "stand-alone" calendars.

I began by printing off the file and cutting the calendars down to size. This particular calendar measures 4"x4" in size, with the perpetual calendar being 3 1/2"x3 1/2" square .

Next I selected twelve different stamps, trying to find ones that would be appropriate for each particular month and fit within the space I had visualized. I used a mix of A Muse Artstamps together with Lockhart Rubber Stamps to complete the 12 months in 2009.

Using an old technique called "Spotlighting" I stamped the images in Black Memento Ink on the calendar face, trying to position each one so that the "spotlight" portion would be in approximately the same place on each month. I then stamped a second image on an extra piece of white cardstock.

Figuring out the precise location of the individual elements was a bit tricky until I figured out how to get these pieces in a similar position. By positioning my little yellow Inchie Finder from the Inchie Paper Pack over the exact position I wanted to spotlight I could see what portion of the image I wanted to punch out. Then using my 1" punch I was able to select the same portion of the image as was showing through the yellow inchie finder. Voila, no more problems!

By using the same mix of Copic markers throughout this project it helped me keep a cohesive look to all the images I colored. These little colored beauties were then affixed to Black Inchie Squares being I wanted that little hint of a black outline to help the spotlight pop off the page. 

Next I selected notecards that would coordinate with the color of the month name. Again I used a mix of A Muse Notecards together with Memory Box Notecards. I cut the Memory Box ones down to the 4 1/4" square size by trimming off one end.

Perpetual Calendar Inside 

As you can see I affixed the 3 1/2" square perpetual calendar to a 4" square piece of black cardstock before attaching it to the inside of my notecard.

I love how these can be changed out on my desk with each month, knowing that I finally have a place that I can look to regularly for upcoming birthdays and anniversaries!

Jan_Mar 


Apr_June 

July_Sept 

Oct_Dec 

I believe that you can read more about this worthy cause at the A Muse Artstamps blog, as well as find links to the other amazing creations a very talented group of women have shared. Thank you so much for stopping by today - I hope I have inspired you to help make a difference!

ETA: I used the Square Format to create this version of the calendar. I hope this helps you pick the one that is right for you.

August 31, 2008

Candy Corn "Boxi-Bag"

Bring a designer look to your gifts this season! FIll these little bags with candy, cookies or your favorite crafting treats. If you are on a diet fill them with craft supplies Ü If you need a gift for you teacher fill it with pencils, erasers and other fun little "school" items. Make something special for your kids or grandkids to include in their backpacks or to have awaiting them upon their return from their first day at school. Oh the ideas I have - now just for more time to actually do it - LOL!

Mish introduced me to these awesome little "Boxi-Bags" when she created her Candy Stand Kit. Well, we have some "leftovers" in our inventory and so if you would like to grab them up before we run out then head on over to our store today. (Please note that the ribbon and other items are not included with the bags and bases.)

As you can see there are so many ways to dress these little "Boxi-Bags" up. I decided to take a different route with these and used an Inchie and brads to add additional embellishment to the little box base. 

Candy Corn_edited-1

Being that the box is a separate unit from the bag it was easy to attach the Inchie and insert the brads.

Candy Corn Closeup

To complete the Inchie I inked the edge of the white Inchie Square with my YG95 Copic marker and then covered it with Memory Box Twiggy paper. Using the 1" punch it is easy to locate what portion of the pattern to select. Just flip your punch upside down and view where it is that you are locating your pattern on the paper.

Next I stamped the IB Scarecrow on Solar Crest cardstock. I then quickly colored it with Prismacolor pencils and added some glitter to his nose, patch collar and leaves using Spica glitter pens. Simply cutting out the Scarecrow and adhering to the Inchie made for a cute little focal point on this package.

Finally I created the little tag by cutting a piece of Craft-a-Board and then cutting and embossing Key Lime cardstock. The sentiment "enjoy" seemed so appropriate for this little treat. I glued these two pieces together using Perfect Paper Adhesive. Adding a layer of Craft-a-Board to the tag added substance and made it much more durable. Simply tie the tag to the cello bag with a pretty piece of ribbon and you have a fabulous looking little gift item to share! 

Be certain to return tomorrow for a very special announcement and a link to our brand new blog "the CLASSroom"!

August 01, 2008

Stamp of the Month, August

I can't believe that school is right around the corner! We just got out a few days ago - didn't we??? I know that in the mid-West kids will be heading back to school shortly. Here in Washington State we have summer vacation until Labor Day weekend and then it's back to school for our kids.

Once again I am trying to get a little bit ahead of time by preparing some notecards to give to Katrina's teacher this year. It is a gift that teachers always seem to appreciate and are able to put to good use. So for this month's Stamp of the Month I thought I would share a little project that might help some of you get a head start as well. Not only will you be able to use this months stamps for Teacher projects and gifts, but I think that they will also be suitable for scrapping with as well.

Teacher Notes

In this month's kit we have elected to include three (3) stamps - IB Apple, IB Ruler and this wonderful AlphaNumber Backgrounder. We did not include the paper clips that are shown here being I felt that most individuals would have a supply of their own and we didn't want you to have to pay for something you probably already own. The addition of the paper clips just made it feel a little more "school-like".

This month's project doesn't really have the typical WOW that I like to include. The WOW factor for me this time round was the new Ranger Pigment pads. I could not believe how beautifully the Snow Cap or white pad stamped this image on the black cardstock. It is supposed to resemble a chalkboard. Ü 

I am going to share a picture of the ink pad being I was so surprised to open it and find a cover inside the cover. I do believe that this may help it retain its' wonderful moist surface.

Pigment Ink Pad

I colored the white Inchie Square using Y19, Napoli Yellow - I wanted it to resemble one of those old cloth tape measures. After allowing the Copic ink to dry I then stamped the Inchie Ruler using Memento Tuxedo Black. I found that by stamping on a piece of scrap paper first and eyeballing where the image was it was fairly easy to get the stamp to line up nicely with the Inchie Square. Always remember that there are two sides to an Inchie Square and you can use the back if you mess up on the front Ü

The IB apple was stamped on a scrap of Solar Crest White and colored using R14, R27, R29, YG00, YG95, YG17, E55, and E47. Yes, perhaps I went a little overboard for such a tiny little apple - LOL! But you know a girl has to have depth when coloring Ü

I finished the card by adding some basic piercing for texture. I hope that you enjoy the simplicity of this sketch and will be able to use it to create other Inchie based cards in the future.

April 30, 2008

Updates and Inchies

As many of you know there is a LOT going on in my life right now. The good news is that we are continuing to make it through each and every day and prepare for the next - LOL!

It's official we have a move date (or perhaps better said approximate move "dates"). We (hope to) begin the move on Wednesday, May 7th and (hope to) be completely finished and packing and shipping orders again by Friday, May 9th. This is all dependent on other's getting their jobs done in a timely manner and being this is out of our control we just have our fingers crossed. Our goal is to have it all happen smoothly next week being we have been working hard at preparing for this, but please know that we will be "down and out" for a couple of days. We will not be able to ship your orders on the same or next day to when we receive them for a couple of days. I do want you to know that we will have as many of the girls working on orders as possible as soon as we have our supplies unpacked in the new space so that we don't run too far behind. As soon as our new phones are connected I will post those telephone numbers here on my blog as well as on the home page of our storefront. Until then we will continue to answer the phones as best as possible at our current number, as well as try and keep up with the emails.

In addition to the above, my hip surgery is happening this Friday - so any extra positive thoughts or prayers will be greatly appreciated! Being I do NOT ever want to have to do this again I will be following doctor's orders to the letter, so the above move is going to seriously make me insane - LOL! Not being able to just get the job done by pitching in myself, causes me major heart palpitations, but...

On to some brighter news Ü

Sometimes there are times when I just get giddy over the littlest of discoveries. You know how I am a stickler for color - I am thrilled to share the latest bellies I have found. They coordinate BEAUTIFULLY with the Memory Box papers and when all piled together look absolutely scrumptious. I'm not certain why paper, flowers and buttons could ever be scrumptious - but they are! LOL!

Look at these and these!

Summer

Then there is the spring or pastel version of the buttons and flowers!

Spring

And last, but certainly not least we have a neutral version (buttons and flowers)!

Neutrals

Simply scrumptious I tell you Ü Well the card I was planning on making is going to have to wait being I am off to Katrina's music concert. I do have the new stamp of the month card that I will show you tomorrow - I am so excited about it. I hope that you like it as much as I do - LOL! Be sure to check out the Inchie INKlings blog for some new material as well. Thanks for stopping by and I plan on some eye candy here tomorrow Ü

April 21, 2008

Inchie INKling Update

Just a quick reminder to let you know that we have a new Inchie Challenge posted over at Inchie INKlings, as well as the submissions posted from last month's challenge!

Cupcake_2

But before you go, make a guess as to what this month's theme is based on the Inchie above Ü

March 25, 2008

Inchies from A-Z: C is for...

C is for Crazy

Life is crazy busy. My little one has come down with a cold and fever and there is always so much to do, so no surprise - I'm running behind yet again. Can you see me huffing and puffing along Ü

Guess what - I did it! I did get the new blog, Inchie INKlings, started and have posted the challenge AND my next letter C post there. This will allow you to easily take in the Inchie information if that is your primary interest AND it will give you a "yard" (get it - Inchies/Yard - ha, ha) to see what others will create for the Inchie Challenges. I hope that I can make it a fun little gathering spot for all things Inchie related. I couldn't help myself - I did keep the tag-line - habitat for those who are inchie "challenged". I know - pretty corny - LOL! So go and check it out and let me know what you think.

Product Update:

Just a quick FYI - I have my fingers crossed that we will be receiving the NEW Nestabilities and tags soon!!! Keep stalking our store come Friday (maybe Saturday) - I'll try and let you know here when I know for certain, but it will be soon - I am SO excited to give those new dies a try AND I can hardly wait to share some new ideas twirling around in my head Ü

March 19, 2008

Inchies from A-Z: C is for...

C is for Cupcake

C_cupcake

Created using IB Cupcake, Prismacolor color pencils, Sakura Clear Glaze Pen, Quickie Glue Pen, Ultrafine Glitter

C is for Challenge and Club

As a paper crafter one of the most fun ways of creating is to take on a challenge. Mish just hosted an Inchie challenge amongst fellow blogging friends - you can see the response to their challenge here. If you haven't had an opportunity to view this challenge yet be ready to have your socks blown off. These girls never cease to amaze me!

So here is my first challenge for you!!! Many of you have purchased the Inchie products that we are carrying in our store, so I know you now have the goodies ready to put to good use, so let's have some fun!!!

Spring - March 20th, that's tomorrow, (or perhaps today by the time I get this post completed - LOL) is here! I am SO very thrilled to see my Camellia blooming, the plum and cherry trees starting to bud and blossom. Oh it feels so good to have a little sunshine in the area. I would like to invite you to become a part of our very own Inchie INKling Club. Yep, you heard me right - I am starting another blog that I hope to reveal following Easter weekend - Inchie INKlings: Habitat for those who are Inchie Challenged - oops I mean want to be challenged by Inchies - LOL!

It will be a place where we will hold a monthly challenge. We will set up an album so that you can see what everyone else is creating. We will be sharing Inchie Sketches (card layout ideas as well as little "templates" for ways to divide up your Inchie - I bet you didn't think that was even a possibility on such a small canvas Ü) and a copy of our Inchies from A-Z will be located on that blog as well. There is more to come, but I can't dish it all right now because I need to get going on the challenge and the remainder of this post!

So let's run with our theme, Spring! I would like to invite you to join the Inchie INKlings by making an Inchie that shows what about spring appeals to you. It will need to feature a Lockhart Stamp Company image and be entered in to our gallery by April 20th. Details for how this will happen will be located on the new blog, so please stay tuned.

C is for Cottage Flowers, Crop and of course Challenge continued

I can't propose a challenge without playing myself! So here goes - I'm going to cover as many C's with my challenge creation as possible.

Being that it is the flowers that begin to sparkle and shine I picked a stamp that started with the letter C, Cottage Flowers, and focused on the element of spring I love the most.

Finder

Using the Inchie Finder included in the Inchie Papers I located the area of the stamp that I wanted to crop. Cropping an image can lead to all sorts of possibilities. Finding the right part of an image for an Inchie is so much easier if you use an Inchie Finder.

Finder_cut

Using a Retractable Blade Crafe Knife I carefully cut out around the Inchie finder being careful not to cut the Finder. You can also trace around it with a pencil if you are afraid of cutting it with your knife.

Copic_one

Begin by coloring your image with your lightest color tones.

Copic_colors

Complete your coloring with a range of Copic colors and a little airburshing.

C_is_for_cottage_flowers

Be sure to add a little sparkle with your Copic Spica Glitter pens or some Ultrafine Glitter.

Just a couple of quick tips using the Inchie Pins (or nail head look) as well as the background above.

Pins

Insert the pins through your cardstock before mounting on the Inchie Square. I use a foam pad beneath so that the pins can go all the way through the cardstock. I then remove the pins and affix my decorated surface to the Inchie. Next I reinsert the pin into the hole and hold the base between my thumb and pointer with my left hand and push the pin through the mat board using a spare Inchie Square to protect my right hand fingers as I push (I am right-handed). Once it has gone through the mat board I complete the other pin and then turn my Inchie over pushing the pins firmly into place. Put on a pair of safety glasses and using wire cutters snip off the excess pin.

Color_swatches

Copic markers ability to revert back to their original color is truly amazing. To create the color "swoosh" above place the Medium Broad tip of B23 against the Medium Broad tip of V01 - press firmly together. The color will transfer from one marker to the other. The next step is to just color your strips and voila you get these wonderful mixes. Continue to color with your marker and soon you will have your original color back again.

I used my trusty old Snap Stamps to create the word Spring. Oh how I wish someone would come out with a new variety of these flexible stamps!

C stands for some other very important Inchie elements, so watch for a continuation of this post soon.

So let's get the party started ladies - put your thinking caps on and start your creative process. I hope you will consider entering into our Spring Challenge and join the Inchie INKlings, becoming an Inchie INKlet. Watch for more details soon!!!

March 14, 2008

Inchies from A-Z: B is for... continued

Product Updates:

Nestabilities have just arrived in Phoenix today! Can you see me doing a happy dance? So what does this mean for timing? It means that unfortunately our waiting game will continue just a little longer, but I want to assure you that these items will be included in our sale on Monday, March 17th as Preorder Items. If you haven't looked at or received our Newsletter Coupon please let us know so that we can forward it to you in time for Monday's sale. Or join our mailing list at the bottom of our homepage and we will try and get a current copy of our newsletter to you before Sunday evening at 6:00pm. It will be essential for you to enter this code to receive the discount.

Our Copic supply is also not quite at the levels we would like. We are awaiting the arrival of more sets of CD24D and Copic Gotta Have It All's. Our delivery dates for these items will be the end of March, so with perhaps a little anxiety (OK - so maybe it is more than a little being I truly like to ship your orders immediately) I will go ahead and put them up as Preorder items as well so that you can use your coupon.

B is for Bunny GIrl

Bunny_girl_edited1_7

Created using: Bunny Girl (this is the last opportunity to pick up this darling stamp being it will no longer be available once our inventory is gone); Copic Markers - Custom Y21, RV11, RV34, E55, E27, E39; Pale Gold Leafing Pen; Gold Glitter Pen

B is for Background

1. Basic Copic Background

Copic markers on the White Inchie Squares are BEAUTIFUL! There are so many ways to create intricate backgrounds, but for that post you are going to have to wait all the way until W. Can you make any guesses as to what the letter W stands for? So for today we are going to look at the Basic Copic Background.

Creating backgrounds for basic designs is simple. By basic design I am referring to an Inchie I create when I stamp directly on an Inchie Square. There are not a lot of layers to this type of design.

Inking_inchie_2

Begin by placing your stamp, rubber face up, on your work surface. Ink the surface of your stamp image determining where it is that you would like to position your Inchie on the image. Being that this stamp had recesses in the rubber on either side of the Inchie I was able to easily set my square atop the stamp. If I didn't have this recessed area I would have used my little "pull tab" for the back of my Inchie Square.

Inchie_placement_3

This pull tab is created using Blue Painters Tape. This tape is ideal for this application being it will not mar your surface when you remove it from your project.

After inking your Inchie Square using Adirondack ink it is essential to heat set your square. I have found that the porosity of the Inchie Squares does not allow the ink to sink in to the surface as readily as the Neenah paper and therefore if you go straight to coloring on a stamped surface you will more likely than not cause the ink to bleed.

As I colored the background of the image I began with my new Y21. (See this post for information as to how to make your own custom colors.) To create the sunshiney window effect I did pick up my darker Y21 from my palette and added it around the edges.

2. Paper Covered Background

So what can you do with all those bits of paper that you have left over from a large project? Well turn them into 1"x1" squares of course!

Inchie_papers_small_2

Or if you are not fortunate to have saved all your scraps then we do have a packet of Inchie Papers available for you to purchase. This fun collection of 108 patterned paper 1-1/2" squares will keep you supplied for quite some time. You can die cut or trace and trim before attaching them to your Inchie Squares. Each of these packages also contains two (2) Inchie Finders. These little 1" squares of yellow acetate are the perfect tool for "finding" a section of a prestamped image or part of a pattern. Simply place, trace and trim. The yellow color will hopefully help you spot it easier amongst the mish mash that occurs on most of our tabletops when we get in a creative swing.

Karen always has the best organizational tips! I absolutely adore this beautiful box she has put together to keep her Inchie backgrounds prepped and ready to use.

Inchie_squares_color_collection_sma

When sorted by color it makes it easy to find the perfect background for your art. Prepare some of these backgrounds for your projects in advance if you are not feeling "it". You know those times when you would like to relax and create, but you just don't have a long-term vision for what it is that you would like to create. Then start at a later time to create the elements or embellishments to complete your Inchies.

Patterned_paper

I will be sharing more of the backdrop for this little assortment at a later date. For now I just want you to focus in on the assortment of papers that Karen used on these little creations and how she added the focal points to each Inchie. I have to admit I am a bit envious of her beautiful handwriting Ü I would hate to think about how many beautiful Inchies I would ruin if I were to write in cursive on them - LOL! So if you are like me perhaps you might consider printing and cutting out words or stamping them and adhering them to the finished creation instead.

3. Other Background Ideas

  • Stamped Backgrounders
  • Prismacolor Color Pencils
  • Twinkling H2O's or Watercolors
  • Old Book Pages
  • Word Documents such as Definitions, Special Words

These are just a few of the ideas that I could come up with today/tonight. I hope that they inspire you to try a myriad of different background techniques when creating your Inchies!

March 11, 2008

Inchies from A-Z: B is for...

Before beginning on the letter B I want to forewarn you to the fact that when you link to Inchies on my storefront it comes back with a blank. This will change tonight! I wanted to ensure that it would be fair to all our newsletter readers and customers that you would all receive the same chance at receiving the Inchies that Karen and I have created to give away with your purchases (see details in newsletter). Please know that the links will all become live tonight, Tuesday March 11th at 8:00pm PST. Thank you for your patience and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter where all details are provided! Click this link and scroll to the bottom of the page to join our mailing list. Our newsletter will keep you up to date on our store promotions, news, and fabulous tutorials and tips. Don't forget to click on the link to the soldering tutorial in the latest newsletter - it has been receiving rave reviews Ü

B is for Bride

B_is_for_bride 

Created using Bride, Prismacolor color pencils, Spica Clear glitter pen, Sakura Stardust glitter pen, and Ultrafine glitter.

B is for Binder

The question became quite apparent as Karen began producing her Inchies - how would she keep track of them? where would she put them? It was at that time that Lisa of Inchie Arts went in search of a solution. I absolutely LOVE the solution she came up with! This binder is such a cool concept! It is made out of recycled corrugated cardboard and is 100% recyclable. The most unique feature of the binder is that the metal spine containing the rings can be removed from the binder allowing you to lay it flat for decorating.

Inchie_binder_only_edited1_copy

Simply remove the screws from the metal rings and detach the rings from the cover, lay flat and personalize. Cover with decorative papers, paints, stamps, embellishments and Inchies of course! Reattach the ring spine once complete and you are ready to go. Being that the cover is completely removable you can also change out your covers after they become worn or if you determine that you would like a new fresh look.

Now to inspire you with some binder decorating ideas. Each one of you will have a look that is distinct to you. As I designed my cover I let a creative side of me show that I rarely expose. I love the grungey look and so I decided to bring that side of my creative personality out in this cover.

Ellens_binder_side_shot

The wonderful thing about corrugated cardboard is the textural quality it has. I began by removing bits and pieces of the cover surface. This was NOT easy - LOL! This cardboard is VERY well made and so it took me a bit to work it off as I did so in a systematic fashion. I then followed up with two different colors of Distress Crackle Paint - Antique Linen and Old Paper. After allowing the paint to dry I then followed up by sanding the surface and then sponging and rubbing Distress Ink - Tea Dye and Old Paper - over the entire surface.

To enlarge the area of the focal point I stamped the Grid Paper backgrounder in Beaux Arts Blue. I also wanted to balance out the front surface of the binder and have been patiently biding my time hoarding my wonderful Kim Hughes Silhouette Blooms I for the perfect occasion. These stamps coordinate beautifully with Tim Holtz Nature's Moment Queen Anne's Lace. The scale of the two together made me giddy - LOL!

I then set about creating an Inchie "puzzle" using the Lockhart Hydrangea stamp. One might at first wonder how on earth you would incorporate a Lockhart stamp in to a grungey look, but it was SO fun to bring a new look to this otherwise colorful stamp. I began by creating my Inchie definition background using Word. (I still hope that I can figure out how to link up a document here on my blog. If anyone has any suggestions I would truly appreciate knowing how to do it. I have read the Typepad information, but... just not enough time in the day to figure it out without spending a ton of time.) I then stamped my Hydrangea image onto Solar White Cardstock. Next I stamped and created a mask with my Eclipse tape and placed it over my stamped image. I then sent my cardstock through the printer and achieved the results shown below.

Mask

Karen has recently been describing a wonderful artist technique referred to as grisaille to me. I do believe that she has some upcoming classes that may include this technique. After looking it up on the internet I learned that it is a multi-layering art process. It is begun by applying shades of gray to your work surface. So using the many Warm Gray's and French Gray's in my Prismacolor Colored Pencils I played with this concept.

Grays

This is then followed by the addition of muted color.

Grays_colored

I scaled the image to a 2" square and cut it into quarters applying it to Black Inchie Squares. Then these were adhered to a Black Mat Board Base and using a silver tag holder I attached the binder title.

Ellens_binder_closeup

I did have to laugh being in the end my grungey look still has a sense of elegance to it - oh well, what's a girl to do?

Now I want to share a polar opposite of this binder to spur on your creativity and bring you a completely different look. Karen is the queen of covering!!! Her ability to cover boxes and books and... is extraordinary. I so admire the amazing detail and crisp quality of everything she creates.

"Country Kitchen" are the words we are using to describe Karen's binder. It has a warm, cozy feeling to it.

Karens_binder_front_2

The details are incredible. First I want to tell you about the framed square - it is metal! So you know what that means - she can change the Inchie on the front with a whim.

Karens_binder_closeup_2 

Karens_binder_magnet_2

Being that Karen is so meticulous she also covered the inside of the binder!

Karens_binder_inside_2

Look how beautiful the details are!

Karens_binder_inside_1

This view shows the inside of the binder. In this picture you can see how the Inchie Pocket Pages work. In each pocket Karen has inserted a black piece of cardstock to give each Inchie a unified background. After journaling in the Inchie Index regarding each Inchie it is then inserted in to a pocket or put out for display. Much more will be coming on ways to display your Inchies as well as more information regarding this storage system.

Well it is apparent to me that Typepad is not on my side today - LOL! I have just been switched over to the Edit HTML method of posting, being my post has become too complex - aargh. I don't know HTML - LOL! So this last part could be rather interesting when it goes live. I'm going to give it my best shot to wrap up now.

B has many more entries that could be posted about - backgrounds is one that is essential. I hope to share more regarding the letter B tomorrow. I'd best just make this post go live now. Thanks for hanging in here with me and have fun playing with this whole concept!

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