
Excitedly, starting today, Crate Paper is introducing a brand new series of trend-motivated blog features. Each is designed specifically to help you keep pace with the latest and greatest ideas in both the scrapbooking and crafting world using our gear. One such trend making headway right now, is everyday storytelling! "Project Life" is a sure example of this, as is our latest release, Storyteller. We love the idea of preserving the small moments, along with the big, using methods that are scrapbook friendly and fun for all. So, we went ahead and designed a new tutorial feature called "A Crate Story". In capturing the everyday, our designers will share their own take on the subject by showing you personalized projects that go beyond the bounds of the multi-pocket page. Each project will be slightly different, though still noticiably "Crate Paper", and will include a follow-up tutorial w/an occasional surprise giveaway!
Our very first "A Crate Story" tutorial is from our CP Gal, Piradee Talvanna:

Ever find yourself wondering what you did a few weeks ago, what exactly your friend said that was so so funny, or the name of that new local band playing at the bar that you just love? Well I do, and it's these little details that I just can't seem to remember at times (still trying to figure out the name of that band). And therefore, in telling my everyday story, I thought I would share a little something to help me capture those spontaneous moments without ever having to worry about forgetting them again :)

In introducing the today's project, here's a peek at the inside of the album. It's a set of "Days of the Week" index cards created using the Random Collection and self-made "Day of the Week" page tabs. The cards serve to collect small post-it notes written throughout the week (I'm trying to make it a habit this year to write down the little details, including the when, where, who, what, and why).

In taking a closer look at both the Monday and Tuesday cards, they should give you a general idea of how each page is crafted and set-up. Notice the "open" space for storing post-it notes.

In introducing this next card, I want to share my creative process in putting it all together. Starting with grabbing all the goodies from the Random Collection, I first cut "the days of the week" tabs and coordinating file folder using the silhouette machine (days of the week tabs are from Loni Stevens designs and the file folder is Silhouette designs).

To get started, I cut the base for the Wenesday card from CP's "Denim" patterned paper. I chose a matching Random accent card to go with it and then went about placing everything together; only gluing things down when I was pretty much sure where everything would go.

Again, then comes all the embellishments, color comparisons, mixing and matching of elements, and trying to figure out where everything should go before actually adhering it down. Sometimes, to help with the process of sticker placement, I use clear sticker sheets to assist in finding the best location for it.

Also when working with sticker elements, sometimes I find myself reaching for the baby powder; especially when I prefer to "pop up" the sticker. First, I position the foam dot'(s) onto the backside of the sticker. Then, before peeling the paper from the other end of the pop-dot'(s), I sprinkle a smidgen of baby powder onto the backside of the sticker. This is to avoid the "unwanted" areas from sticking to the paper later on.

Once I have all the elements glued down exactly where I want them, I then remove all the access details with either a cutter, or craft knife.

And lastly, when it comes to using brads, I tend to cut off the metal pieces before adhering or popping them up on my projects (especially if there's a lot of layering). It saves from having to poke through one's paper/page to create a hole for brad placement.

And there you have it, my Wednesday card...

Here are two more cards from the album - I kept the design simple and left extra room for post-it notes...

And there you have it, a little something to help me keep track of my daily adventures...Thanks everyone for stopping by!
