CRAFTY Kindness

Christmas Wallet Folio

I have often told people that I have THE nicest customers in this town. You really are! I have a theory that those people who enjoy crafts are generally more loving and giving individuals. I mean you almost have to be to spend two hours making ONE card or two WEEKS making a scrapbook only to give it away!

Thank you to those who sent us Christmas cards this year...how nice of you!  They are all on display at the store so stop in an take a peek and get a little inspiration for next year's cards!

I wanted to take a little time to showcase two very special gifts that were given to me by customers/friends before Christmas.  You guys really do not need to make me anything, but oh am I so grateful when you do!  ;)

Christmas Wallet Folio by Barb McNaughton

Let's have a look inside

So you all know that I got this adorable little "Polaroid-like" camera this year for Christmas.  I just love it!  I took pictures of some of my favourite moments over the holidays.

So I had this deck of photos and did not know where to put them to keep them safe.  I checked on line for possible albums made for the the Instax photos.  They were all so plastic-y and boring.  Then I wondered about an Instagram album from We R Memory Keepers but the photo sleeves were not the right size.  Then I remembered about this beautiful album, Barb gave me as a gift for Christmas (how sweet of her!).  This little folio was the PERFECT (I mean perfect!) little album for my very special pictures.  Have a look.....

View once opened

There is a waterfall of 4 cards in the centre
with an additional pocket to the left

Another look at the stacked waterfall cards

Photos can go on both the front and back of waterfall cards

I love the look of the washi tape on the corners
of these vintage looking photos

Here is a look at the additional cards.
I journaled my thoughts and memories on the back
of one of those cards

Barb's inspiration came from a YouTuber named Sabrina Radeck.  I am embedding the video from November 19, 2014 here for your reference just in case you want to make one of these too!

Please note that Barb altered Sabrina's project as she wanted to use her 6x6 paper pad from Authentique called "Believe".  Here are Barb's notes:

• In Sabrina's video, she uses card stock cut to 8.5" x 11"- I cut mine to 6.25" x 11"
• I used her same score lines
• I did my flaps 4.75 x 3.25,5 x 3.25, 5.25 x 3.25, 5.50 x 3.25 ( I scored all at .50)
• Optional pocket 7.25 x 2.25, scored .50 on 2 short and 1 long side

I think Barb may have me wanting to make many more themed wallets!  This is MY kind of scrapbooking project for sure!  What do you think?  I love it!!

Jingle all the Way Shadow Box by Laina Millson

When Laina asked me to order in Teresa Collin's paper from her 2013 Christmas line, I knew she had something special in mind!  I was so glad I could still get it too.  Never did I imagine I would be a recipient of one of her lovely gifts!!

Here are the details:
Laina was inspired by Kerri Bradford's tutorial from October 30, 2013.  I am attaching the link here now.

Laina told me she made these projects in various sizes based on the shadow boxes she picked up.  It is just gorgeous and looks nice on a sofa table along with other "props" or on the wall.  This project will be put some where very safe (once it leaves the store) so I can admire it for many more Christmases to come!!  Thank you again, Laina.

Both projects are at the store for if you want to have a closer look!  I hope this has inspired you.  I know it has inspired me!  Looking out the window at this moment, I can forecast a little crafty time in my VERY near future.

Kim

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

2014 Tag Swap - Get ready to be WOWED!

I heard a few of you were curious to see the creations from this year's tag exchange.  For those of you who participated, you would have seen only HALF of the entries as we had TWO full groups!  How cool.  For those of you who did not participate...shame on you!  Ha.  Just kidding.  But truly, I would love to see even MORE people take part in our exchange.  All of the tags were wonderful in their own unique and creative way.  I know YOU would be an amazing contributor to this FUN and calorie-free Christmas exchange.  Just think about it....you've got a little time.

Without further ado, here are the masterpieces.  Please note they are in no particular order (only the way blogger wanted to upload them).  Also, I will apologize in advance as my photos of the tags may not do them justice.  Please stop by the store to see them in person in all their glory.

I love Tania's little details from
the rhinestone on top of the patterned tree
 to the washi tape border.
The embossed background was also a wonderful touch.
Adorable.

I think Tim himself would give Jasmine two thumbs up
for her design and use of embellishments.
There are wooden snowflakes, burlap, raffia, twine and more.
Sewing on the burlap was a subtle yet perfect touch.
Rustic.  Classic.

Again it is the little details that make Lou's tag outstanding.
That little vintage lace at the top is perfection.
And check out the large eyelet and metallic charm.
Great job.  You have a great eye for colour.

Kathy's tag is one that MUST be seen in person.
Honestly every little detail was carefully thought out
from the wooden button to the jingle bells on top
to the tinsel snowflakes around the tree.
Truly a classic.

Is this tag not a work of art?  I may have to ask Pat just how she achieved that
perfect silver metallic finish on the skate blades.
Even the whites of the leather have been "roughed up"
a little.....definitely the skates of someone who loves the ice.
Incredible.

Erin's watercolour background and pastel colour choices
really made her tag stand out.  She even used embossing paste
and a MemoryBox stencil to add to the whimsical feel of the design.
This makes me happy.
I want to live in one of those cute little houses!

Jenny's tag is simple yet the perfect addition on any gift.
You can't see it here, but she used a glitter pen
to outline the stamped image.  What a great touch.
Very nice.

Carol's design is clean, elegant and classic.
The foil tapes in gold and silver are the perfect way to add to the design.
I will have to ask which embossing folder she used.
Perfect.

Ok.  How cute is this guy?
No matter how hard I tried it just kept fooling around while I took his picture!
Anyone would love how playful Carolyn's tag is!
Very charming.

Donna's creations are always so detail oriented and
 I have such an appreciation for her work.
This wreath was hand stitched!
The little holly stickers are perfectly in place.
Beautiful.

Debbie's tag is incredibly elegant.  It is full of regal sparkle and shine.
I love the use of gold mirror paper used on the candles and holly.
Is that pearlex powder that adds that beautiful shine to the snowflake background?
Very nice work.

Debbie just loves her little birds and so do I!
I love the layers of greenery, embossed background
and use of rhinestones and sequins.
It's like that little guy is looking up at the
25 and thinking "Yay.  It's here!"

This photo does not show it very well,
but the dimension on Helen's tag is really what makes it!
Check out the subtle stamped background, the waxed twine and gold flourish.
Very, very nice.

Hilary has always been my technique girl.
I will have to get all the details next time I see her
but I am pretty sure she used a stencil (or is a stamp?),
watercolour markers and a little pearlex powders
to create her one of a kind background.
 Ok and look at that adorable tag on a tag!
Great.

Barb is known for using only the prettiest papers.
Look at the gold mirror and pow glitter used on the ornament.
The paper piercing along the edge of the tag
and the white on white snowflake flourish
have to be my favourite aspects of the tag.
Beautiful.

After seeing Heather's tag, I almost changed my entire design.
I wanted to be FUN too!!
Look at this...it is simple yet so playful and cool.
Nice work, Heather.

Barbara has mentioned a couple of times about her love
of LaLa Land stamps and I was so pleased to see her tag entry.
Isn't she adorable?
The snowflake border, poinsettia and rhinestones are great!
Too fun.

What a wonderful choice of colour, Jody.  It is so pretty and elegant.
The shape also adds to it's classic design.
The shimmering snowflake and ribbon at the top are a great addition.
Gorgeous.

Anyone who likes to heat emboss MUST re-create Nancy's design.
She has die cut the reindeer, tree and flourish and has heat embossed
those three pieces PLUS the outer edge of both layers of the tag.
It is finished off with a beautiful blue wired ribbon and bell.
Rich and rustic.

I love how rustic and unique Becky's tag is!
She and her daughter cut out a star using card stock
and then used that template to cut a star out of real burlap!
The crafty buttons in such bright colours makes this tag so playful.
Such a sweet country craft.

Kell worried that her tag would not be "good enough".  Really?
Sorry for the glare off the foil washi tape but this tag is
regal, masculine and very on trend with its gold detailing.
The wired gold ribbon and bells are just a couple of the "wow" factors.
Gorgeous.

I loved how Jen put her own spin on the tag swap idea!
She did was she does best (baking)
while adding a little stamping fun!  The green background is a stamp!
Lovely AND delicious!

I had posted my tag before Christmas but I thought I should
include it here with the rest.  I too wanted to design something different.
Wine is one of those gifts I bring as hostess gifts
but I always hated throwing the pretty bottles in plain old bags.
This is where my idea come from!  And that stamp....love it!

All of these tags are now in store as they deserve to be on display for a little while.  So much work had gone into them from the design choices to the minute details.  I am so impressed with the amount of effort and love you have shared with your fellow crafters.  Now isn't THIS too what it is all about at Christmas?  Taking the time to enjoy your love of the hobby while creating something beautiful for someone else?  You get doubly rewarded when you craft....you are rewarded while doing the crafting and also rewarded once you see the recipient's reaction.  Ahhh....Keep on sharing that love!

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

Open Tomorrow!

Hello and Merry Christmas!  Hope you are enjoying time with the family and enjoying time to yourself!  I have had some wonderful days off. Check out my new gift above.  It is the new version of a Polaroid camera!  I cannot wait to "smash" these pictures and other special ones I took over the past week.  So fun!

The Paper Pickle and Homebaked Kitchen will be open tomorrow (December 31) from 10am-3pm. Stop in and get your crafty supplies and goodies for some lazy holi-days!  The kids and I are all ready for a New Years Day full of crafty fun!

Please note the store will not reopen until January 7th so stop in tomorrow if you need anything. Otherwise, you can email me and I will do my best to accommodate your request!

Kim

Two Days to Shop

Good morning!  Just wanted to remind you that we are open Tuesday, December 23 10am-5pm and Wednesday, December 24 10am-2pm for your last minute shopping needs.

We have great stocking stuffers including all the Tim Holtz mini distress inks, gift cards, paper pads and more!

In case you missed it, here are our holiday hours for the next couple of weeks.

Keep smilin'.....we are almost there!

Kim