Crate Paper

Final 2012 Crate Paper Designer Gallery + Crate Paper Reveal!

There is some very EXCITING news ahead as we enter 2013! As you very well know, CHA is just around the corner, literally, and a brand new season is about to begin. To get ready, Crate Paper has been busy preparing in a multitude of ways. We've got a couple of important dates you'll want to make note of, especially those of you awaiting Crate Paper's BIG collection reveal!! First, the Crate Paper Spring/Summer Debut Party starts January 8th of next week!! There will be three beautiful collections to share with you, one being "extra special" for reasons you'll soon find out (it's a "first" for Crate!) Second, the CP Gal Crew is welcoming fresh talent - Crate's 2013 Design Team is almost officiated! The newly updated team will announce on January 21st. Finally, lots and lots of giveaways!! January is your time to claim the latest and greatest Crate Paper Goods. All THREE Spring/Summer Collections will be up for grabs throughout the month! 

Mark your calendars accordingly - Party Time starts next week!

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A final set of CP Gal creations from 2012...

Janna Werner

This year I decided to create a reminder for my OLW 2013, just to make sure I'm aware of it and won't forget it during the year. My word is FOCUS (I have to admit I cheated a bit and gave it a subtitle.."taking things slow"). I created a 12" x 12" scrapbook page using lots of my favorite Crate Paper alphas and mixing elements from Acorn Avenue, On Trend, Little Boy Blue and Sleigh Ride. I will hang this page right next to my desk.

 

Sasha Farina

 

Piradee Talvanna

 

Sophie Crespy

 

Anabelle O'Malley

I'm finally getting around to scrapping LAST New Year's photos. On Trend was the perfect collection to do so. The clock motifs and bright colors go so well with the colors in my picture. I added touches of gold in through the Thickers and glitter colored wood veneer circle. I wanted this layout to have the fun, party feel of Philly's Mummer's Day parade and using the banners, chipboard and papers from On Trend, I was able to achieve that. 

 

Ashley Cannon Newell

 

Kaori Watanabe

 

Megan Klauer

I decided this year, I wasn't going to get behind and realized in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holidays that I needed a last minute card or tag for a gift. Using the Sleigh Ride collection along with a few assorted items from my December Daily stash, I created six simple cards. They will be kept in a small basket where I can quickly grab one when needed. Less last minute stress means happier holidays for everyone!

 

Rebecca Luminarias

Vellum Page Toppers - When I received my box of Sleigh Ride goodies last month, I was immediately drawn to the vellum embellishments..and have subsequently been hoarding them! I had so many ideas for them and because I want to use them for many different things, I thought I should make my own to top my Christmas gifts this year. 

I took a sheet of Accent Cuts, trimmed them down, and then covered each piece with vellum. I sewed three sides closed to create a pocket. Before closing up the 4th side, I poured a few sequins inside to get the shaker effect. In the end, I had soft but fun accents to add to my packages. Some I attached with washi-covered mini clothespins, and the others, I simply taped to the present - so easy!

2013 Crate Paper Pin Board :: Sleigh Ride Pinterest Winner

 

CP Spotted Artist :: Katie Ehmann

If there's one thing we don't do enough of around here, it's bragging about your projects, rewarding you for them, and then showing them off here at the Crate Paper blog. One of our BIG goals for 2013 is to hand over our platform to you more often. Our collections shine brightest when in your possession, all cut-up and reassembled in ways that make producing Crate's designs well worth the time and effort. We just never know how they'll be transformed and made into something spectacular. Thankfully, there are places like Pinterest and other popular online galleries at our disposal for those final moments, when we go searching for true Crate Paper happiness. And surely, there's much to see, today being a prime example of that; The winner of last week's Pinterest contest, and a sizable sample of other "pinned" Crate projects are today's main attraction. Take a look! 

CP Spotted Artist :: Katie Ehmann

Grand Prize Winner

We thought Katie's creative use of Crate's pattern paper border strips was clever beyond belief. And the hanging Sleigh Ride tags are simply adorable. They're small details we just LOVE. Congrats Katie!! 

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CP Spotted Artist :: Maureen at Celestial Charms

This charming, playful paper wreath nearly took our breath away. Maureen was inspired to create it when she happened upon a similar wreath at Creative Breathing. 

CP Spotted Artist :: Kate Vickers

With the pink and red removed, Sleigh Ride takes on a cool, winter-like feel. That's what we love most about this layout by Kate Vickers. 

CP Spotted Artist :: Jeanette Lee

This gorgeous tray as giving away as a Christmas gift to someone special. Imagine opening a box to find this inside it, awaiting you. How wonderful... 

CP Spotted Artist :: Jen Kinkade

We recognized Sleigh Ride's patterned papers in Jen's layout right away. The mixture of elements and torn papers is random and fun, as is the sprayed backdrop. 

CP Spotted Artist :: Lynn at Small Town Scrapbooking

Lynn's simple, classic arrangement of photos, Sleigh Ride papers and stickers is perfectly composed and beautifully made.

CP Spotted Artist :: Chantalle McDaniel

Yes, we "spot" cards too. This heavily detailed card is crafted from one of our favorite color combo's; Warm Olive Green & Wild Onion Purple. Lucky us, we found it at Two Peas!

CP Spotted Artist :: Wilna Furstenberg

We are a regular follower of Wilna's work because her artistic scrapbook style is always whimsical and a joy to peek at. This latest layout is no exception - we LOVE it! 

 We're ending it here, but that doesn't mean we still won't be hanging out online, seeking out your Crate projects and giving away prizes galore!! We promise, more Pin Boards ahead! Happy 2013!!

Christmas Gift Box Tutorial w/Michiko Kato

 

Hello CP Fans! Michiko here to share with you a special "how-to" about how to create a bits & pieces, eclectic "Christmas Gift Box". Trimmed with the help of my Silhouette Cameo, creating the box took very little time and effort. If you're without a Cameo, that is entirely OK! The tutorial is still really easy, so lets give it a try! First, here's a peek at the supplies you'll need - feel free to change the design/colors/embellishments/patterned paper, etc. 

:: General Supplies :: 

Sleigh Ride Blue Christmas Paper {680113}, Sleigh Ride Silver Stripes Vellum {680124}, Sleigh Ride Phrase Stickers {683095}, Sleigh Ride Vellum Die-Cuts {683106}, Sleigh Ride Chipboard Accent Stickers {683098}, Sleigh Ride Brads and Buttons {683101}, On Trend Glitter Clothespins {683061}

 

Find a ready-made box to use as part of this project - a pillow box is just one type of box available {Sample}, though there are an infinite number of box styles to choose from. Select a box design that best fits that task at hand - it should be large enough to house your gift! This one is about 4" x 5". After cutting out the box, assemble it and temporarily set it aside.  

 

Decide which elements you'd like to combine to create a "topper" for the gift box. The trick is to incorporate as many patterns, textures and shapes that match well together, but are still different enough to be of interest next to one another. 

I trimmed a leaf from white cardstock using my Silhoutte. Lots of "leaf" designs out there - pick a leaf that suites the eye! Here are a couple of great examples: Fern, Leaf Branch, Flower Branch, Botanique Branch. Apply an even coat of gold glitter onto the shape. Set-aside to dry.

Moving right along, I then trimmed a silver striped notched circle from Sleigh Ride's Silver Striped Vellum.  I kept the size of the circle at about the same width as the leaf. Next, I punched a hole on-center the chipboard snowflake shape and positioned a brad to the area. 

 

Tie the vellum and paper tags with red twine, and then attach them to the box with an assortment of other embellishments as shown. Finally, attach a gold glittered clothespin to the top, just behind the snowflake. 

I love to layer with embellishments and paper - the more, the merrier. I think it looks so gorgeous! And with an added hint of gold, a favorite color of mine, you can't go wrong - it's this year's Christmas-y hue! 

 I'm really looking forward to Christmas and can't wait to celebrate it with family and friends! I wish all of you a Happy Holiday, enjoyable New Years! Thank-you for joining me today! 

 

A Christmas Canvas Tutorial w/Rahel Menig

 

*There's been an extension set forth for Creative Weekly's CP Ornament Challenge! You now have until Thursday, December 20th to submit an entry to cpblog@cratepaper.com. Full details are published HERE. Please ensure that your entry arrives either before, or by the noted deadline. The Grand Prize Winner will announce Friday, December 21st, along with the three "prize earning" runner-up's!! Winners take home "Sleigh Ride" + space at the Crate Paper Blog and Crate's "Christmas" Pinterest Board. Help us to create a Merry and Bright Christmas for all with your CP Exclusive Ornament Creations!

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When I was thinking about my assignment to use paint on a project, I remembered that I had that one canvas for a while sitting in a corner. I didn't know what I wanted to do with it, just that it would be a wonderful painting. Now, I don't actually paint, other than a little bit of watercolor.

So, one fine day with enough courage in tow, I took out the blank canvas and started adding color to it. Around lunch time, I showed it to my husband and the only response I got was "It kinda looks like someone went to the carnival and...." Yes, he really hit the nail on the head with his comment. It didn't look pretty at all. So, I decided - frustrated with myself - to paint a layer of white on top of it and start again. 

Long story short, it was one of those happy accidents. The white paint covered most of the unattractive color beneath it, but didn't forgo the patterned paper that I had covered the canvas with originally. Now, the canvas is hanging on the wall, proud and all!

So, how did this happy accident happen? Let me share this tutorial with you so as to create your own peek-a-boo effect with paint and paper! It's actually a great lil' effect suited for just about any project, including the ol' traditional layout! 

Select a patterned paper {Sleigh Ride "Happy Holidays"} that has interesting color or pattern going on. It'll contrast against the white, so choose something bright, or that has a bit of "pop" to it.

 

Add white acrylic paint to the paper, squish it around with some cards (playing cards or retired plastic work fab!) and allow the paint to dry before continuing with the page. When you're done, you'll have randomly painted sheet of patterned paper and a cool, must-keep card for another project.

 

To add texture and further interest to the layout, use some Puffy Paint that is readily available at the local craft store and add it directly to your photo'(s). Since my image features "snow", it worked out perfectly for this particular technique. Of course, adding the puffy paint is an optional deal. Do what works best for your photo'(s)!

 

To top off the entire page, add lil' snowflakes to the rest of the layout with puffy paint. Simply create little dots with the brush and allow them to dry for a few hours. Don't forget to include them directly on top some of the embellishments - scatter the snow throughout!

Adhere the beautiful layout to a 12" x 12" canvas using either a spray adhesive, or a gesso of some kind (rolled on with a brayer roller). Allow it to dry and when ready, hang it on a wall, or set it on top a shelf/dresser for family and friends to admire.

 

 Hope you enjoyed the tutorial! Happy Holidays Crate fans! 

Crate Paper Guest Designer :: Maggie Holmes

 

Hi There! I'm so excited to be with you again as the guest designer today! I've had a blast, as always, playing with Crate Paper's products!!

Considering that it's December and the fact that I'm in full-blown holiday mode now, I thought it would be fun to create something of a "Christmas Theme". And not to mention, I have been anxious to play with the Sleigh Ride collection! When I first saw this line of products, I was literally giddy and jumping with excitement! It's the first Christmas line I can remember ever loving this much! I fell in love with the color scheme, the vintage looking elements, the sequins and of course, the GOLD touches! I really can't get enough of it!!

I created a mini album from the collection, along with a few other things from my personal stash like shipping tags, glassine bags, and of course, more sequins! The pictures I used are from last year. We snapped them on Christmas Day and they hadn't found a home in my album yet. I knew this would be the perfect project to feature them and my favorite Christmas products all together in one cute lil' album! 

 

What I love most about albums like this are that you aren't constrained by a particular size. Each page can be totally different from the next and you can mix in a variety of page types including the tag cuts from the line along with shipping tags from the office supply store. I hope this inspires you to pull out the Sleigh Ride collection and make a little mini album of your own!

Happy Holidays to you and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and fabulous New Year!! 

December Creative Weekly :: Ornament Central + Ornament Challenge Reminder

 

 

Hello everyone! Kimberly here with you a special Creative Weekly post devoted to sharing a couple of ornaments I recently made and a full set of instructions for creating each one. This time of year is especially fun for me as it's full of magic & joy, and keeps me smiling all month long. I LOVE all the bright colors, twinkling lights, and the cheerfulness that fills the air everywhere I go. I find that it's contagious, don't you? 

So, with the two ornaments, here's the exclusive on how to make them, and what ultimately inspired me to create them in the first place. 

 

There are a number of favorite catalogs that reach my mailbox and I love thumbing through them for creative ideas. While checking out the latest Sundance catalog, I found this ornament made from tiny, individual clothe-bound fabric pieces. It immediately got me thinking about trying the same concept from paper, rather than fabric. I just love the look of it, the vintage feel and modern underlying design. 

 

To get started, you'll need the following items: One large/medium styrofoam ball along with several small ones, an assortment of patterned papers and a hot glue gun. I went through my Sleigh Ride collection and picked out several papers that displayed a savory blend of stylish patterns and colors. I LOVE the teal in this line! It's a perfect compliment to the reds and pinks, don't you agree?

Cut your patterned papers into 3" x 3" sections and wet them down with some water. You'll want to let them dry until they're just damp before forming them around these tiny styrofoam balls - this is primarily to avoid ripping the paper.

 

Upon completion of the wrapping, heat up your glue gun and begin placing the pieces around an individual large styrofoam ball. Squish them in nice and close as shown in the above photograph. 

 

T'daaa! When finished, you should have a fun ornament decoration that is colorful and cheery like this one!

 

With this next one, I thought of the idea while finishing up the ball ornament. I happened to have a few posy flowers laying next to my table, and thought how fun it would be to make an ornament from them. This design calls for the addition of different sized circle punches (scalloped/non-scalloped is fine) and once again, a large styrofoam ball and hot glue gun. 

Start by punching out several circles of various sizes from different patterned papers. Again, I chose papers from the Sleigh Ride collection, as well a few brads & buttons.

 

Cut around and into the interior of the punched circles in a spiral fashion. 

 

Shape them by turning them around your finger (or tweezers) so that they look like flowers. Apply glue to the centers to hold their shape. 

 

Like before, attach them to a large styrofoam ball with the hot glue gun. I added some brads to the center of mine for fun. Feel free to add whatever you'd like; brads, buttons, sequins, etc.

 

When finished, you'll have another beautiful holiday ornament decoration! 

Thank-you for stopping by the Crate Paper blog today! I hope this spurs you creatively to make decorations of your own, or to share with your loved ones. Happy Holidays!

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Don't forget that Crate Paper is hosting an extra-special "ornament" challenge with this month's Creative Weekly!! There are MULTIPLE PRIZES to be had, an opportunity to have your work shown exclusively at the Crate Paper blog, and free link-ups if you're a crafty blogger who loves paper crafting as much as we do. It's your time to "SHINE"!! Check out the contest details HERE. 

 

December Creative Weekly :: Ornament Central

 

 

Rebecca Luminarias

Bring on the snow! I'm an East Coast transplant living in Southern California and I always miss the snow this time of year. So in place of the real thing, I decided to surround myself with handcrafted snowflake ornaments instead. I wanted a very layered and textured look for my ornaments, so I took wood and chipboard snowflakes, tulle, lace, and patterned paper punches and built several ornaments from them. I painted the wood and some of the chipboard flakes silver and gold and then layered all of the other pieces on top of them. I finished off each ornament with a fabric brad, seasonal tag, or a small wood bird or tree. I think these will definitely help to fulfill my wish for a snowy Christmas!

 

Michiko Kato

When my daughter was little, I made a mini bag shaped like a sock and tucked Christmas presents inside it. I then put it next to her pillow at night. When she woke the next morning and opened the bag, her expression was of delight and excitement. I'll never forget that moment as it brought me great pleasure to see her so happy. Today, even though she's all grown up, she still uses the "stocking". I'm extremely greatful that she treasures the precious gift and as a tribute, I created ornaments from patterned papers that look just like the sock I'd made her so long ago. On top the ornaments, I layered soft, ruffled ribbon and pieces of Sleigh Ride's colorful chipboard. I plan to give the ornaments to my daughter alongside a gift come Christmas. I can't wait 'til she see's them! 

 

Tami Gookstetter

I don't know about you, but this time of year is busy, busy, busy for me! So I'm always looking for ways to multi-task, which is what I love about these simple ornaments made with paper from the Crate Sleigh Ride collection. Not only are these quick to make, you can also make this project with your kiddos, the perfect thing to keep them busy while they are home on Winter break. As an extra bonus, these could also double as unique and crafty package toppers for your holiday gifts! All you need for this project is some colorful double sided patterned paper from the collection, stapler, hole punch, and twine. Cut the paper into strips as wide as you like (I varied mine from 3/4" to 1" widths) and then cut two each; short, medium, and long. Gather together at one end and staple, then push the other ends down until they all line up and staple again. Punch a hole to hang, or tie on, and add your twine. If you like, you can add an eyelet to your hole for a little something extra. I always have good intentions to make some really original and detailed "fancy" decor this time of year, but in the end, I have to be realistic, can you relate?

December Creative Weekly :: Ornament Central

 

 

Anabelle O'Malley

One of my favorite ornaments to create around the holidays is a tussy mussy. Originally, these were delicate floral bouquets that were held in small silver cones. Suitors often brought them to young women when they were courting. But, now they have evolved in many different ways. I decided to create one that holds a variety of Christmas themed elements. The Sleigh Ride collection was perfect for doing so. My tussy mussy is an ornament that could be hung on a tree, a door knob, or any other place that needs a decorative touch.

To create this project, I cut a cone shape from the Sleigh Ride paper. I rolled it up and adhered it with strong double sided tape. The cuff at the top was made with a fan-folded strip of paper that was hot glued onto the cone. Then, I embellished the front with some chipboard pieces and a vellum tag. I tucked some holiday floral picks inside and added more Sleigh Ride chipboard. I finished off by adding a couple of small chipboard circles to decorate the pink berries on the pick. 

 

Ashley Cannon Newell

Handmade ornaments can add just the special touch to your holiday tree. Not only is it a fun activity for the entire family, but it holds such a sentimental handmade quality value. With just one 12 x 12 sheet of paper, a trimmer, and some glue, you can easily assemble your own handmade ornament too. Here's how:

1. Trim a 12" x 12" piece of patterned paper into 1/2" strips and fold one end towards the middle.
2. Fold the other end towards the middle and secure with adhesive. Repeat for all strips.
3. Adhere all folded pieces together.
4. Add adhesive to the middle.
5. Assemble each folded piece separately until the shape is complete.
6. Add cord to hang ornament.

 

 

Naomi Atkins

I wanted to make a dimensional paper ornament, so I decided to make a snowflake ornament with a few "extras"! Crate's Sleigh Ride collection is just AMAZING, and all of the little extras in this collection are fabulous! I made six diamond shapes from one inch strips of paper, and then glued them together. I used the leftover four inch strips and made smaller triangles to go inside for extra dimension and also, to make the ornament more sturdy. I then added glitter glue and some course glitter to the top. I then die-cut a snowflake from the awesome silver and white striped foil/vellum sheet from the Sleigh Ride collection. I then added half a doily, a chipboard snowflake, some vellum tags and a Sleigh Ride fabric brad. I punched the brad through all the layers, including the chipboard snowflake so it would stay together well. 

For the second ornament, I made a mini book. I love this concept because I bought little framed ornaments for each of the kids and once I had five, that became unrealistic to do every year. I made a page in the mini book for each child, embellished and sewing it a bit, and used gold thickers to show each child's age. I then sewed this red and white ribbon to the top to hang it and then clipped it closed with a gold glitter clothespin from the "On Trend" collection. It's now ready to hang! For all of the pages, I sewed some pieces of paper, embellishments and also, a doily on most of them. I added touches of gold to almost every page so it had a cohesive look. It was so much fun that I think I'm going to make one every year! I will treasure opening the "first" every year as well!

December Creative Weekly :: Ornament Central

 

 

Megan Klauer

I love to pick up these old embroidery hoops at the backyard sales. I stretched a bit of old fabric onto the hoop & using no-sew fabric adhesive, I added an assortment of embellishments from the Sleigh Ride collection. These are the perfect quick gift for the Holidays! {Great Gift Topper, too!}

 

Sophie Crespy

I made a Christmas Wreath with the Sleigh Ride Collection: To create such an ornament all you need is a wooden wreath for the base, a few sheets of patterned paper, and some chipboard embellishments. I chose to add fabric brads and vellum tags, too.

I used my Cameo to cut stars and feathers out of my favorite Sleigh Ride patterned papers. I then assembled the shapes onto the wreath using pins and strong adhesive. I mixed a bunch of shapes and textures; paper stars, fabric brads, chipboard, vellum tags and a cute gold clothespin. However, I chose only three colors; red, cream and blue (with a hint of gold here and there). I chose this minimal color palette because the ornament is already quite busy with ample details. As a finishing touch, I twisted red ribbon around the top and a pretty bow.

 

Heathyr Hintz

Who doesn't love making holiday crafts? I definitely do! I was so excited to make ornaments this month; if I would've had it my way, I may have made 25, or maybe even 50!! I love photo ornaments and while unpacking my holiday decorations this year, I noticed it'd been awhile since I'd made one. It was time for a new addition :)

I used the Sleigh Ride 6 x 6 patterned paper pad and the chipboard shapes to decorate my photo ornaments. The glittery paper clips from the "On Trend" collection screamed "holiday" to me as well, so I topped off each ornament with a clip! The ornaments were so much fun to make and I look "extra" cheery hanging from my tree! 

December Creative Weekly :: Ornament Central

 

 

Photo Credit :: My Little Porch

'Tis the season to be crafty on behalf of the many holiday festivities that are common place this time of year. We're playing hostess to ornament making this week, a very "crafty" endeavor to say the least. If you've still room on the Christmas tree for an ornament or two, then consider the possibility of a surprise early gift 'cause with this week's challenge CP Santa is being extra generous - he's giving away Crate Paper prizes galore; the full Sleigh Ride collection & three Sleigh Ride collection kits. The details are as follows:

* Ornaments of any kind :: 75% Crate Paper Product - any paper lines will do.

* A mix of materials is welcome so long as Crate is included at percentage specified.

* Must be freshly made for the holiday season & of an original design

* Submission Deadline is Monday, December 17th, 2012 :: send to cpblog@cratepaper.com

* Grand Prize Winner {Sleigh Ride Collection} & Three Runner-Ups {Sleigh Ride Collection Kits} announced Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 

* Winners & favorites will be shared :: please include full name & blog address {if applicable}

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 An ornament is a quick, easy sit-down project. It truly doesn't take much time to put together a few, either as a gift or as a memento for the tree. There are a vast variety of ornament designs to choose from and one doesn't have to look too far for ideas if not sure where to start. To help in this department, we enlisted the CP Design Team to create for you a week's worth of DIY ornaments. The very first is totally worth a "pin" if a Pinterest fan; an Ornament Board for the office or home from our designer, Stephanie Degan.

Stephanie Degan

"I love the concept of pinning things on a board. So, I wanted to do this with Christmas Ornaments. I cut several circles from Sleigh Ride's pattern paper collection, mixed them with an assortment of embellishments (including miniature ornaments) and pinned them to my board. It's a way to decorate the office like you would a tree!" 

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Have an ornament in mind that you think would qualify as a major win for this week's challenge? Well, get to it! We'll be awaiting your ornament submission at the Crate office while Santa gathers the prizes inside his big red bag!! Four early Christmas gifts for four lucky CP Fans who's ornaments will no doubt, bring CHEER to all!