Life CAN be Easy...trust me.

Sometimes when I create, I feel GUILTY.  Last night, as mentioned, I pulled out my Valentine's Day stamps but decided to go a completely different route in designing my greeting cards.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been chatting with people (at the coffee shop, car repair place, with Trevor...basically anyone who would listen) about how life is now overly complicated and that I hate it.   I have been craving simplicity.  I will admit that I am almost at that BIG birthday mark but  I don't think this wave length has been prompted by that.  And its funny because the complications that have been bothering me are the little ones.  For example, so you know when you go to the grocery store and you are looking for orange juice and you come across this HUGE freezer section.  There are cans with added vitamin C, no pulp, EXTRA pulp, with other fruits added, etc.  Like really?  And that's not even all.....I forgot all about the section in the fridge area with the cartoned OJ!  People.  I do not need these added choices in my life.  I want to go to the freezer section, grab the proper fruit juice and celebrate the fact that I REMEMBERED!  So many other areas of our day to day world are like this and the cumulative effect can be very draining.  Now don't get me started on the added complication now on my debt card (like why does it now say VISA!?!?!?)....

So yes.....fewer decisions.....more time to get things done and feel good about yourself.

This is where I finish my Friday night design story I started above.  I had pulled all my Valentine's stamps up into the kitchen so I could hang out with the family while designing and doing what I wanted.  My small craft room is in the basement and I hate being removed from them (at times!).  Then I brought over a piece of Crate Paper, a sheet of fun burlap and that's where the decision came in......complicated stamp choices to my left with added hauling of products up the stairs or simplified designing to my right with limited product options.  I chose the path less travelled by me.  I took a sharp RIGHT.  I chose less technique.  I chose using familiar design embellishments.  I chose PURE, simplified FUN.  Just what I needed on a Friday night.

The guilt factor came in when I realized I designed 6 cards effortlessly.  And why should I feel guilty about this?  When you work with quality products like the incredible art work by Crate Paper and Maggie Holmes and interesting textured burlap by Jen Hadfield, your incredible designs can be a snap because THEY did the work for you!  Here are the main products I began my creative process with:

Jen Hadfield Printed Burlap (12x12 sheet)

Crate Paper - Wonder Chipboard

Maggie Holmes Confetti Stickers

So the moral of the story?  Don't feel guilty EVER when you are designing.  You are spending time doing something you LOVE and whatever happens in the moment happens for a reason.  You know that little blob of ink that decided to jump on your nearly complete card?  Well guess what?  Time to view that as an opportunity to think outside the box while figuring out ways to "hide" it.  You want to pull out all one million shades of Distress Ink to create with?  Go for it!  If that is what you are feeling....you go girl.  This hobby is about adding joy in YOUR life.  Stop looking at what everyone else is creating  and start doing.  It's doesn't take much to get that creative release.  Trust me.

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

Gift Idea #2 - Mason Jar with Creative Tag

Today, as I waited for a repair man, I decided to put my down time to good use.  I thought the store needed a little cheer so I cut some beautiful coreopsis from my garden, grabbed a spare mason jar and headed to the craft room to make a little tag.  This is a great little gift that does not have to cost a fortune and you can pull together in 20 minutes tops!

I started by cutting a square from the gorgeous Webster's Pages 12x12 sheet called What a Day.  This sheet is filled with possibilities.  What I think is smart, is to chop up the sheet and have these 2x2 squares ready for when you need it.  Perfect for tags, cards or embellishments on pages.  The colours are incredible!  Here's a closer look....

The next step was to crack open a pack of Simple Stories Bits and Pieces from the "I AM" collection.  You guys all know what I think of this line!  Seriously there are tons and tons of fun in this pack.  The colours are so vibrant and what you cannot see here is all the fabulous gold foil......lovvvvveee it.

Finally a little signature twine, some gorgeous burlap/lace combo from our local fabric store (RB Fabrics) and a MFT paper flower that I already had cut from another day (yay me!) and a little distress ink.  That's it.  Done.  

This. Makes. Me. Happy.

Kim

Store Hours

Wed-Fri - 10am-5pm

Sat - 10am-3pm

All that Glitters.....

My mason jar made I showed off at The Wedding Show

...is gold!  Oh gold.  Beautiful gold.  Anyone else a gold girl like me?  It is SOOO pretty.  And have you fellow gold girls been noticing the latest trend?  Gold is everywhere and I'm loving it!  From fashion to home decor to paper crafting!  It is the perfect compliment to any ordinary item.  Look how the gold flake gave a mason jar an almost regal appearance.

I took on another project the night before the Chatham-Kent Wedding Show (hey, why not?)  Have a look at this Kaisercraft MDF cut-out..... in gold!  It is almost 3' in length and I knew it would give our booth that perfect touch.  Can't you see this on a dessert bar table at a wedding?  Or have a look at it as a prop in a photo...

 I told the kids they had to help me with my blog post this week.  They are always such good sports.

Closer look

Here is a closer look that shows how beautiful the gold flake can be.  You will notice that I added some foil washi tape to finish the base of the project.  I love the gold honeycomb design with the gold flake.

How to: 

Adding gold flake to your next project is very simple if you use the right product.  The secret ingredient....

US Art Quest's Duo Adhesive

The Duo adhesive is THE glue to use and makes addition of gold flake fool proof.  It "stays open until it is closed".  This means you apply a thin layer to your next project using a foam or paint brush and then you leave it to dry.  It is ready to use once it turns white to clear.  The gold flake will stick to the project 15 minutes after applied, 1 hours after applied, etc.  It is like it is waiting for you.  And don't let the small bottle fool you....a little goes a long way!

Here is what gold flake looks like.  It comes in a bag and you basically just "smash" it on your project. The excess gets brushed away using a textured sponge or stipple brush to use on future projects. 

Here is a video from Susan of US Art Quest showing how you use her product....

So what do you think?  Are you in love with gold too and ready to take on some projects of your own?

Kim

Store Hours
Wed - Fri - 10am-5pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Thank You - This is what it's ALL about

Look at that smile!

I absolutely owe you a BIG thank you!  Thank you SO much for allowing Jen and I to have a few extra days off this holiday season.  I know it was probably an inconvenience (and you know you can always email me if you have a paper emergency!) but because of you, I was able to spend some quality time crafting with my daughter.  We spent New Year's Day and January 2nd building "Julia's Toys".  Have a look at our creation.....

In case you are not familiar, the doll in the picture is a Monster High.

So I have to give you a little background on this toy shop.  Every day (like EVERY day) Julia comes home from school and immediately grabs the iPad.  She frequents various sites but her favourite has to be watching YouTube videos from My Froggy Stuff.  This woman is incredible.  She is all about upcycling and using products like card board boxes, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls and scrapbooking paper to make wonderful play items for your Barbies, Monster High, Ever After High and even American Girl dolls.  It is wonderful how she transforms this "trash" into affordable and playful accessories for these dolls.

We made a doll vending machine (like a year ago!) so I figured it was time to make something new!  At the beginning of the Christmas Holidays, I promised Julia we would make a "My Froggy Stuff" project.   Here is the video My Froggy Stuff created and which we based our store.  You will notice we made some changes but we were thrilled with our completed project.

The Process - Day 1

Now don't get intimidated when I say it took two days!  Really we worked on this part of the toy store  (cutting the box and adding the paper) for about an hour before my parent's and in laws stopped in for a little New Year's Day cheer.  The balance of the project took about another 1.5-2 hours.  Definitely doable in one afternoon.

 I did all the cutting with an exacto knife and used my 12x12 paper trimmer to cut all the paper for the floors and walls.  Froggy always talks about Mod Podge but to tell you the truth, I cannot stand how sticky that glue is.  I use nothing but Perfect Paper Adhesive from USArt Quest.  It is beautiful to work with (never sticky) and clean up is so easy.  We have been carrying it at The Pickle for over a decade.

 A squeegee or old credit card is a must so no bubbles form while adhering the large sheets of paper.

The Finished Product

We used fun Basic Grey, MME and Crate Paper 12x12 scrapbooking papers to dress the store's walls and floor and for the shelves and counter.  FYI, the finished project measures about 14x14.

Fun paper banners from American Crafts were strung from the ceiling to add a little charm.  I love this look!  Maybe you will even see it at The Pickle and Homebaked in the near future!

We used fun little toys (Littlest Pet Shops, etc.) and flyer cutouts to add inventory.  Julia also decided that prices were necessary so she cut out pricing ($10, $1, etc.) from the Wal-Mart flyer!  It was adorable as she asked me, "How much should this be, Mom?"  I think I am "growing" a little entrepreneur over here and I couldn't be more proud!

A top look at the shop.  Originally, we had left the full ceiling but it was almost too dark.  We left a 1.5" border around three sides of the box top and added a scalloped awning at the front of the store.  This allowed us a place to fasten the banner which was nice.  It also makes the store more accessible.

Thank you

So this is what it is ALL about!  One thrilled little girl.  She absolutely LOVES her toy shop.  I am so happy I had the time to keep my promise to her and you know what?   I had fun too!  I got to craft using my adored papers but got to create something that I would not normally choose to create.  The time we spent together will be forever remembered and cherished.  Thank you again.

Kim

PS....after some very enjoyable time off, we are energized and are now ALL business!  We are back TOMORROW so stop in and share your holiday stories and projects!  Please note we have decided to change our hours slightly and will now close at 5pm through the week.

Store Hours

Wed.-Fri. - 10am-5pm

Sat. - 10am-3pm

Homebaked (Kitchen) for the Holidays

So guys.  Ok.  I have just found you some valuable crafting time during the madness of the season.  Forget the baking this year.  Let Homebaked Kitchen do YOUR baking so YOU can do the crafting (and isn't that all you want to do these days?!?) This has been my secret for the past couple of years and I'm ready to share!  Believe me, Jen's baking is more beautiful than I could EVER make and her recipes are better than any you can find your cook books.  Have a look for yourself.....

Cardinal Sugar Cookie.  Does he not have a presence about him?
So regal.  So beautiful.  You may feel a second of grief biting his head off!  Ha.

Homebaked for the Holidays!
Hey.  They are Homebaked.  They are.  Not baked in YOUR home
but they are Homebaked (Kitchen)!
You're not lying!

These sled cookies would pair so nicely with Jen's
sled linen towels (also available in the shop).  Theme gifts are my favourite!

 Stamped Cookies!?!

These cookies were Jen's entry in the tag swap!  Ok.  Look how beautiful the presentation is!  And guess what?  She used a stamp for the design!  Don't believe me?  Have a look below at the Penny Black stamp set we have in store!  Incredible!

So what do you think?  Don't thank me just yet.  Come in and thank me after you receive all the hugs and kisses this Christmas once your loved ones open YOUR hand made gifts and Homebaked goodies!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

2014 Tag Exchange - You Guys ROCK!

Our second annual Christmas Tag Exchange took place at The Pickle!  We had TWO full groups this year (a total of 24 participants).  I have to tell you that I was absolutely thrilled with all the tags were.  I mean they were truly pieces of art!  I can't show you all the tags just yet (as the tags are only starting to be picked up today) and I want the participants to be surprised when they look in their goodie bags!  I do promise to share the tags (how about after the holidays?).

As a side note, Cupcake Red Velvet is a very nice full bodied red from California.
My sister Jen introduced me to this wine at her rehearsal party
a few years ago (how fitting!)

I can share my tag though.  I was quite excited to work with the new printed canvas ribbon we got in just recently.  When I first looked at it, it reminded me of a scarf. I loved the pattern and how distressed yet elegant it was.  This got me to thinking.....

I also knew that I wanted to make a different kind of tag, not necessarily one for a boxed gift and that also got me to thinking.....

I also knew that I like to give bottles of wine at Christmas but sometimes the wine bags from the LCBO just look tacky to me.  I mean some of those wine bottle labels are so pretty and should not be hidden in a cheap paper bag.  So that had me to thinking.....

Hey!  A wine bottle could use a pretty scarf/bow/packaging this time of the year!  It all came together with elegant ribbon, a rhinestone broach and (of course) paper and twine.  The stamp from Riley & Co was almost TOO perfect.  I was tempted to use the "He sees you when you're drinking..." stamp but decided this one would go better.  I stamped it with the new Memento Luxe pad (which is heavenly btw).  A little colour to the holly image on the stamp plus a subtle paper tape and the tag was complete.  What do you think?

Have a little fun wrapping your gifts this year.  Think outside the box (or bag)....I dare you!
Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10-3pm

Simple Superstar Christmas Card #1

It's funny how this time of the year, the thought of adding one more "job" to your list can very well be the straw that breaks the camels back!  Honestly, last night I had a little melt down because I felt like I had not had one minute to myself.  The day consisted of working for hubby, cutting the lawn leaves with the rider, climbing the roof to get the leaves out the eaves troughs, hanging the outdoor Christmas lights, making a roast chicken dinner complete with mashed potatoes and gravy, cleaning up after dinner, building lego with my son, putting the kids to bed, finally putting away my mounds of clean clothes and then.....CRASH!  Seriously.  I just had to have a little pity party just so I had a minute for ME.  Truly.  Why is there so much to do?  And I know I am not the only one!  Everyone I talk to is the same especially this time of the year.

I'm here to save you from a major meltdown.  I had the melt down.  I took one for the team so you can stay sane while making your Christmas cards this year.  Truly.  Do not put too much pressure on yourself and let your Christmas cards be the "straw" that did you know what!  Follow my lead and look like a superstar while maintaining your composure.  Here's how....

Step 1:  Choose great papers like shimmer card stocks (what do you know?.....they can be found at The Pickle!).  They are elegant and get noticed on the card wreaths next to those white, glossy boxed cards.

Step 2:  Choose great dies.....Cut snowflake heart die out of that great red shimmer card stock.

Step 3:  Cut merry word die out of gray card stock and add a little glitter.  Glue to the red shimmer card stock.

Step 4:  Create an elegant look by keeping matting square and adding lots of layers.  And you're done!  Oh, I guess I did crank the die through an extra time using white card stock to add a couple of extra white snowflakes to the bottom of the card.  But that's it really!

Easy.  Stress free.  You're composure is most definitely in check while your superstar cape flies proudly in the cool winter breeze....♥.  PS....Thanks for letting me vent!  Ha.

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Christmas Advent Calendar for Hubby

(Just in case you missed my posts from last week)....the challenge was on to get an advent calendar done for my hubby in time for December 1.  Once kids came along, I stopped making projects for Trev and I thought that was terrible. I had a few days and thanks to a great DIY kit ($22.99) and a great 6x6 paper pad (Warm & Cozy), it all got done with time to spare!

Here is a better look at the completed project!

I added extra little goodies like the star brads.

All papers including the words "Trees and Hockey" were from the 6x6 pad.
Number stickers are included in the kit.

I included a little love note (ahhhh....♥) and a chocolate for Day 1 and guess what?  I think he actually liked it and was quite surprised.  He is a man of few words but I think his shy smile said it all (ahhhh....♥!)

Tag Swap
Just a little reminder that any of you who entered our annual tag swap, your tags are due by THIS Saturday.  Feel free to come in any time during our regular store hours to drop them off.  Thank you to those who have already done!  We even had one participant mail hers in since she lives out of town (we got them Pat!).  All I can say is WOW!  Everyone's tags are incredible.  I better get on my game and try to wow you too!

December Cheer
I know you guys find the store to be warm and cozy on any given day but we thought we would add a little extra warmth for the month of December.  Stop in on Saturdays (during store hours - 10am-3pm) and enjoy a warm cup of apple cider on the house.  Don't be shy.  We'd love to see you.  And hey, why don't you bring your latest creations for a little show and tell!!

Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10am-3pm

Christmas Activity - Idea #3 - Cookie Cutter Ornaments

Ok.  How cute is this idea?  My sister Kell had seen an idea similar to this on line and said it would be the perfect combination of Homebaked plus Paper Pickle.

I should have known.  I just googled the image
Kell sent meand this is a Martha Stewart idea.
I must try the photo ornaments next!

And I couldn't agree more!  They are cookie cutters dressed up with scrapbooking paper, washi tape, ribbon, etc.

 So this ornament is my favourite!  It incorporated Tim Holtz's mini Christmas trees, ribbon and washi tape.

I must say that this came together even more perfectly than originally planned.  I picked up cookie cutters from The Superstore.  I think realized that Tim's mini trees fit into the star.  The cookie cutter was shiny silver and that just did not match my tree so I grabbed some of our wide paper tape from Little B and voila!  It was THE EXACT thickness as the cookie cutter.  A little cheese cloth and Stickles finished the bottom of the tree.  What do you think?!?  Doable?  Definitely!

Advent Calendar Update

Thought I should update you on my calendar progress.  Here is what I had accomplished last night before I turned into a turd on the couch!  Seriously I had my flu shot in the morning and I could not move off the couch between 9-11 last night.  That is so unusual for me.  I NEVER watch tv and yet all I could imagine myself doing what napping and laying down.  Tonight I hope to get a little more completed before the December 1 deadline!  I LOVE the Warm & Cozy line that Laina told me was a must to bring in.  Thank you!  It was the perfect paper to use on hubby's project!  I just love when things come together!

Am I inspiring you yet?  What projects do you have on the go?  Remember, Saturday is show and tell day at the store!
Kim

Store Hours
Wed-Fri - 10am-5:30pm
Sat - 10am-3pm