Crate Paper

Craft with Crate - DIY Envelopes

 

When I was little, I remember that my mom used to make pretty envelopes with us kids. Once the new year was here, she would collect photo calendars from family and friends and during upcoming winter days (probably when we kiddos were really nagging and it was raining outside....) she would take out these calendars and we would all craft to classical music ;) The good old times...

It's actually a very SIMPLE process, let me show you :) 

Step 1. Find a cute envelope that you would like to replicate. Open it up, so you can use it as a pattern. Trace with a pencil and cut out the shape. 

 

Step 2. Now you've got the shape of your envelope. Now you'll want to score the lines to be able to fold it. This is easiest with the help of a ruler and folding bone. 

 

Step 3. You're almost done :) Fold over all the corners and get your hot glue gun ready to go! I just prefer this method, because it's instant and really hold the paper together. If you don't have one, use whatever adhesive you usually use for paper.

 

Step 4. Fold the side flaps over first, then fold the bottom part over the flaps. Glue down, and you're done with the envelope!

 

Step 5. Yes, I said you were done, but I couldn't resist making a second, smaller envelope. It's nothing special, just some beautiful matching paper. 

 

Step 6. To top it off, and to make it prettier, I added little flower embellishments as a closure for the envelope. This really adds some serious charm!

 

You see, it's really easy to make beautiful envelopes and surprise someone special with a heartfelt note!

Hope you enjoyed the lil' tutorial - Happy Scrappin'!

Craft with Crate - DIY Envelopes

 

When I was little, I remember that my mom used to make pretty envelopes with us kids. Once the new year was here, she would collect photo calendars from family and friends and during upcoming winter days (probably when we kiddos were really nagging and it was raining outside....) she would take out these calendars and we would all craft to classical music ;) The good old times...

It's actually a very SIMPLE process, let me show you :) 

Step 1. Find a cute envelope that you would like to replicate. Open it up, so you can use it as a pattern. Trace with a pencil and cut out the shape. 

 

Step 2. Now you've got the shape of your envelope. Now you'll want to score the lines to be able to fold it. This is easiest with the help of a ruler and folding bone. 

 

Step 3. You're almost done :) Fold over all the corners and get your hot glue gun ready to go! I just prefer this method, because it's instant and really hold the paper together. If you don't have one, use whatever adhesive you usually use for paper.

 

Step 4. Fold the side flaps over first, then fold the bottom part over the flaps. Glue down, and you're done with the envelope!

 

Step 5. Yes, I said you were done, but I couldn't resist making a second, smaller envelope. It's nothing special, just some beautiful matching paper. 

 

Step 6. To top it off, and to make it prettier, I added little flower embellishments as a closure for the envelope. This really adds some serious charm!

 

You see, it's really easy to make beautiful envelopes and surprise someone special with a heartfelt note!

Hope you enjoyed the lil' tutorial - Happy Scrappin'!

Crate Paper Spotted + Pinterest

 

 

 Crate Paper has joined the ranks of other avid users at the very popular website, Pinterest. The last couple of months, we've been working on building our boards with all kinds of enticing, crate-worthy images. So far, our board count is at ten, and our pins, five-hundred +, thanks to our contributing DT Members and Crate staff! Of course, we're looking to add to those numbers, so to help out with that, we're turning to YOU, Crate Paper's biggest fans!

Of the ten boards established, one is devoted exclusively to your Crate Paper projects; "CP Spotted"! How might that be? Well, nearly everyday, Crate Paper's crew is out and about looking for your lovely CP creations via popular online galleries and blogs. They're then added to our "Crate Spotted" board. And as an extra special reward, each month, we pick a favorite from the board to win a Crate Paper goody box!! The winning project is posted here, at our blog, as part of our monthly Pinterest line-up, scheduled the first of the month. 

You've a couple of ways to have us find your work. First, share your Crate Paper creations at your favorite online galleries. We regularily peruse the galleries as we love to see what you're up to with our collections! Also, blog about'em. More than likely, we frequent your blog or know someone who does! Lastly, you're always welcome to email us your project'(s) at [email protected]. Please make sure to include your info.

Already, the Crate Spotted board has taken on quite a few Crate Paper creations. Below is small sampling of our faves thus far...

 

CP Spotted :: Jessy Christopher

 

CP Spotted :: Waleska via Elle's Studio

 

CP Spotted :: Kari Stiles

 

CP Spotted :: Dulcinea Silva

 

CP Spotted :: Teka Cochonneau

 

CP Spotted :: Shellye McDaniel

 

 

CP Spotted :: Danni Reid

 Of course, this is just a very small selection of beautiful projects from our CP Spotted pinboard. If you'd like to see the rest, check them out directly at Pinterest. And if you're not yet a follower of our boards, sign up here! 

A Crate Story w/Shanna Noel

 

 

Hiya friends! I am so excited to be joining you today. I wanted to share some personal things I have had going on these past couple of months. My husband and I have been married over 12 years (we were 18 when we got married, crazy... I know) and we have never lived in our home state where all our family is. Instead we were up for any adventure, and found ourselves moving all over the country. We moved to Minnesota (brrrrr) for college, to Washington State (stationed at Ft Lewis), to Oregon (hello BEACH!!!), to Nevada (SUN!) and finally back home!!! We were both so excited to be back home. Imagine our surprise, in that exact moment my husband was deployed to Kuwait. Of course we all miss him like crazy, but being in the military you expect these sort of things. What is really astounding is the fact that this was his first long term deployment, and it coincided with the moment we were with family. During this deployment I have a village of friends and family around to surround the girls and I with support! How lucky are we? It would be easy to get down about the fact that my husband will be gone for a year, but isn't it just more fun to be grateful for the timing in it all?

I find that most the time when something big happens in life like this, there are many things to be grateful for!

 

I'm a HUGE fan of WORD art around my house and I wanted something that would remind me and the girls to be thankful for all the things we DO have in this time. I searched pinterest for some ideas..and WOW, they're a great source of inspiration!!! I came across this: Gratitude. I love the graphic feel of it all! And this sentiment really spoke to me as well: Happiest.

I ended up just falling in love with the following quote:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie

I also found this fun tutorial and wanted to give it a try using Crate Paper as the background: Four Leaf Clover.

 

So, I had my father-in-law cup up an old fence board and mount it so I could hang it on the wall.

 

Then, I picked out my favorite Crate Paper patterned paper to use as a background!! I just ADORE this paper, but haven't found the perfect project...I knew this was it! I think the boldness of the pattern will help it stand out.

 

Then, I designed the word art using Silhouette software and Ali Edwards word art. I trimmed it from vinyl I had left over from another project. Once I cut it all out, I put transfer paper on top of it.

 

I followed it up with a thin layer of Martha Stewart Gesso, and allowed it to dry for about thirty minutes. Don't wait too much longer as it will tear the paper when you peel up the vinyl.

 

Finally, peel the vinyl off and enjoy your new piece of art!! I just love coming down the stairs to this little reminder every morning!

What are some of your favorite quotes that might make for beautiful word art? 

Crate Paper Product 5 Ways :: Suzanne Sergi

 

 

One of my ABSOLUTE favorite Crate Paper products is the chipboard shapes! You'll find a variety to select from, and they're all perfectly tucked onto a 12" x 12" chipboard sheet. They're easy to use "as is", however; today, I'm going to share five techniques on how to get more from your chipboard! I created mini tags, and mini treat bags from the Story Teller Collection. I also mixed in Pretty Party on one of the tags. I love the instant dimension that chipboard adds to my layouts, mini books, etc. There are so many creative uses for them, too, as you're about to find out! 

 

As you can see, Crate's Story Teller chipboard shapes are made from the most wonderful shapes and colors. They're also versatile enough to cover a wide spectrum of themes, Spring and Summer especially. 

I love creating tags. They're easy to make, and are a perfect decorative touch to just about any kind of gift. I've taken to making a few for today's tutorial. And if you look closely, you'll notice that each tag houses a chipboard piece that's been altered in some fun, unique way! I'm going to share with you how chipboard can be: Altered, Embossed, Glittered, Layered, and used as an adornment on a sweet package. Let's get started! 

 

 Altered Chipboard

On the first tag, I wanted to use this endearing chipboard butterfly. Now, this is one of those pieces that could probably stand alone "as is", but I'm going to demonstrate how easy it is to alter it. Maybe you have a project that calls for a specific color or pattern chipboard piece, but the chipboard you'd like to use doesn't fit the requirements. This is a super easy way to solve the problem.

 

I used three things to transform the butterfly into something a bit softer for the tag; patterned paper, an exacto knife, and a sanding block. Really, it's all you need to transform any chipboard shape into your own unique embellishment. First, trace the chipboard outline onto patterned paper and trim accordingly. Adhere the patterned paper butterfly onto the chipboard and sand down the edges. And for the center, as further decoration, I used a scallop circle and the "me" sticker from StoryTeller's Phrase Sticker collection.

 

Embossed Chipboard

Another one of my favorite "go to" techniques is embossing via the traditional embossing folder. Rarely will I scrapbook without them. And even though I have a variety of them to work with, I always seem to come back to the Swiss Dots folder from Provo Craft. It's neutral enough to go with anything and everything!

 

It's here that you can see the embossed circle chipboard sentiment in the center of the tag. Note how the chipboard suddenly "pops off" the tag and takes on instant character. As far as I'm concerned, if something can be embossed, I'm going to give it a go! 

To make the process of embossing a chipboard shape a little easier, remove a layer of chipboard from the back of of it. This allows it to fit better while rolling it through a die-cutting machine. For embossing, I normally turn to my Cuttlebug, but when the element is a bit thicker, I go to my second machine. I've never had a problem with embossing chipboard, but just in case, I save the best machine for last!

 

Chipboard on Chipboard

Next, on this tag, I simply layered chipboard on top of chipboard. In the center of the bicycle wheels, I positioned chipboard buttons and vellum. Doing this gives the bike instant charm, and a whole lot of extra dimension!

 

Glittered Chipboard

I love glitter, especially around the holidays. However, sometimes a bit of glitter is necessary for certain projects no matter the time of year, such as with this mini treat bag and cupcake. I ran the cupcake through my Xyron machine face down and dusted glitter on top it. It's the perfect topping for the sweet, freshly-baked cupcake!

  

Adorned Chipboard

Finally, with this last mini paper sack, I backed a photo with a chipboard polaroid frame. Honestly, it's never too early to think of Father's Day! However, the element I want to share with you is the Circle Number, 75. Amazingly, the chipboard pieces are easy to punch through, and serve well as an adornment on a paper sack, or mini album. I regularily add chipboard to my mini albums this way :)

~

Again, chipboard shapes are so versatile, and there are many techniques to try with them. Today, I shared only five, each easily duplicated and fun-oriented - I hope you'll at least look at chipboard differently now that you've seen them all! Enjoy altering, glittering, embossing, layering, and my favorite, adorning, your projects with Crate's latest chipboard shapes! Have a wonderful Monday! 

April Crate Color Challenge

Hello-hello Crate fans! Tara here today to kick off the month with a brand new Color Challenge! Do you know what the month of April is? I'm happy to say that this April makes 1 year that I've been posting the Color Challenges here at Crate! ~ Here's to another year of color! 

Alright, back to business. With Summer vacation right around the corner (only 6 more weeks!) I've been daydreaming about how we are going to spend 3 glorious months of no homework or hectic schedules! This month's color combination is very much inspired by vacations and traveling.  

The color palette for this month is: Fuschia Pink - Map Blue - Canary Yellow 

and the inspiration wire for this month: 

Just a few guide-lines for the challenge before we start:

- You may submit a card, layout or project to be eligible. Projects need to be submitted by midnight (EST) April 15th. Please email your work to: [email protected]

- You may use the colors in any proportion you wish, as long as you use all 3 colors in the palette. And you may add black, white or kraft paper to the colors.

- Projects must use at least 75% Crate Paper - you may mix any paper lines you like, old and new.

- The winner will be announced on April 16th and I'll share some of my favorite projects here on the blog.

- The winner will be selected based on creativity and quality of work.

~

For my first project, I decided to go the road less traveled and create a shadow box. I happen to pick up this frame from Ikea over the weekend and wanted to create something that included an A and a R (my husband's and my onw last name intials), for our front entry room.  I forgot how much fun using a shadow box can be, especially when you like to use lots of chipboard pieces and foam pop-dots!

I started this piece by hand cutting a few butterflies from the Story Teller collection. I played with the arrangement of chipboard pieces and the butterflies until I liked the configuration and then used lots of foam pop-dots to add height to each of the layers of paper.  

These pretty flowers were cut out of Random's - Vintage paper. 

 

and here's my finished Shadow Box frame, hung and displayed! 

 For my second project, I wanted to create a very small piece of framed art. I sometimes find it challenging to work with such a small size, this frame measures slightly larger than the size of an atc card. However, much like the shadow box frame I created, I layered little bits of paper in the center and used a snippet from a vintage map as my base paper. 

I also tucked in a vintage gold foil photo corner in between some of the layers of paper. I really like combining contrasting textures and colors into my projects!  

 

It's your turn now! I hope you'll be inspired to create something lovely using Crate's April color combination!  I'll be back on the 16th to showcase some of my favorite entries and to announce the winner of this month's color challenge. Good luck everyone and Happy Creating ~ Tara

 

 

April's Designer Gallery

 

 

Just in time for Easter, a gorgeous set of treat baskets from our altered crafts designer, Roree Rumph. Filled with Easter's most popular yellow icon, "peeps", these baskets would put a smile on just about any early riser come Easter morning! They're cuter than cute!

*The baskets are generated from Cricut's "Spring Cottage" cartridge using a Cricut Expression II machine and our "Pretty Party" patterned papers.

 

Catering to a similar "party" theme, Suzanne Sergi, celebrates her two daughters via a night on the town! She's used the perfect Crate Paper collection for it too, Pretty Party! Note the layered chipboard frames, Gift Box accent cut and Party Time sticker. A great use of all three!

 

In Lilith's own words..."I'm an avid paper lover, and the Pretty Party collection nearly stole my heart. The colours are so beautiful and soft, but not too pale. I really wanted to use the pinks even though the layout is about my boys (DH and youngest son). Who says pink is only for girls? I also wanted to incorporate some geometric shapes (another of my latest crazes). I decide to go with triangles which in my opinion, make all the difference. A zest of blue and a splash of yellow and another memory recorded and ready to be placed in our family album."

 

Sasha Farina surprised us with this sweet "Thank-You" card a few weeks ago. It's linear construction includes Sasha's signature sewing and a collage of elements from Crate's Farmhouse and Random collections.

 

In Anabelle's own words..."I love how confetti pockets have been showing up on layouts recently. The confetti adds such a fun and whimsical touch to the projects. On this page I decided to made circular pockets filled with confetti. I cut the circles from a page protector, stitched them and added the confetti before finishing off the stitching. I think they gave the page a fun feel and added lots of texture, as well."

 

Piradee deliver's a vacation layout that show's off StoryTeller's travel-friendly side! If you have plans to travel in the near future, grab a StoryTeller collection kit before you go! That way, you'll be more than ready to scrapbook upon your return home..

 ~

And there you have it, another round of creativity from the Crate Paper Design Team! As usual, feel free to pin your favorites! Also, make sure to stop by again tomorrow to check out Tara Anderson's latest color challenge palette - WINNER takes home a Full Collection of their choosing {w/embellishments}, either Pretty Party or StoryTeller. See you then! 

Hand Stitching + Diamonds w/Sasha Farina

Hey everyone :) I'm here to show you how to add some simple stitching to your layout. I'm sure you know that I love to handstitch on my layouts. This time, I used the Handpicked patterned paper from our Farmhouse collection as my inspiration piece.

 

After sketching roughly how I want my layout to look like, I use my metal ruler and pencil to draw some lines to guide me. I wanted to stitch diamonds on my layout, so I drew lots of squares, then drew x's inside them.

 

Now it's time to use your paper piercer and poke holes for stitching. You can try stitching without the addition of holes, but I find that the stitches are neater when the holes are created in advance. I realize there are a lot of lines, so just ignore the squares and concentrate on the diamonds :)

 

When you're done piercing, erase all the pencil lines - this is what you get!

 

I use DMC for all the stitching I do. Usually, I separate the skein and use only 2 ply. If you've never separated a skein before, afraid not! It's actually easy to get them apart without tangle! Just hold the floss as shown and pull out one ply at a time with your other hand's thumb and index finger.

 

My favorite part, stitching! Leave a tail of thread at the back and tape it down with some washi tape. I use washi because it holds the thread without adding bulk. And, I try to use my least favorite washi so as to save the nice ones for an actual layout!

 

All done! You can see that I changed the washi from Black to Green. This is my usual washi for stitching. I just couldn't find it when having started - and wouldn't you know it, the whole time it had been right in front of me! 

Yes, the back of the layout is rather messy. I've been stitching for 21 years and still can't produce neat backs on paper, or linen. You shouldn't let the messiness bother you, or at least that's what I've been telling myself. ;)

Now it's time to finish the layout...

I cut squares from the Handpicked patterned paper and adhered them inside the diamonds. Love how they look nestled inside like that. The rest came together pretty quickly using papers from our Paper Heart Collection, and stickers from the Pretty Party collection.

 

I pinned the quote a few weeks ago as a reminder for myself. check out our Pinterest boards if you haven't already!

I hope you'll give handstitching a try. It's really not that hard. A little bit fussy, but so worth it in my opinion :)

Be happy friends! I'll see you soon!

Pages of my Book w/Kaori Watanabe

Since the evolution of the Crate Paper blog, there's been a long-standing design team member committed to sharing her graphically tailored design style with us. You've more than likely seen her name here numerous times, as well as her creations. Nearly everything she makes is beautiful, seamless and inspiring. Last month, Kaori Watanabe shared news of her challenge site with us, Pages of My Book. Upon introduction, she inquired as to our sponsorship of April's challenge, "Shine". Given how truly thankful we are for her constant presence, we happily volunteered and made available a sampling of Pretty Party Papers, Stickers and matching American Crafts glitter paper as the end-of-the-month prize!  

The challenge site details are as follows...

"Pages of My Book is a Japanese scrapbooking challenge site. It was established in October of 2011 by myself, and Michi. The both of us wanted to create a site where everyone could visit, have fun and be inspired by words and images, especially the growing Japanese scrapbook community! Fortunately, the site has been successful thanks to our participants, and talented design team members. We're grateful, and honored, to have Crate Paper sponsor us during the month of April."  

"Lilith Eckels is this month's guest designer - she's been assigned the task of selecting April's challenge winner!" 

 

Crate Paper Designer :: Lilith Eckels

 

PMB Designer & Founder :: Michi 

 

Crate Paper Designer :: Kaori Watanabe

Best of luck to those that'll be playing along with the site's challenge this month! And don't forget, the winner takes home a box of Crate Paper's very own, Pretty Party ;) The winner will be chosen the end of April and announced at the Pages of My Book blog.