Crate Paper

2013 Design Team Yearly Review & Special Thank You

In honor of the upcoming new year, 2014, we are taking time to remember those projects from last year's design team that went above and beyond the call of duty. They are remarkably beautiful in every way possible! They are by far our favorite of the many projects that greeted us these last 365 days. One last time, we shine the spotlight on what has been an absolutely unforgettable, creative year! Happy New Years to you all!

Michiko Kato: Flea Market

 

Katie Ehmann: Maggie Holmes & Flea Market

 

Evelyn Pratiwi Yusuf: Flea Market & Close Knit

 

Janna Werner: Maggie Holmes

 

Marie Lottermoser: The Pier

 

Magda Mizera: Maggie Holmes

 

Piradee Talvanna: Fourteen

 

Deb Duty: Fourteen

 

Christine Middlecamp: The Pier

 

Sophie Crespy: Flea Market

 

Jeanette Lee: Flea Market

 

Ashley Cannon Newell: Flea Market

 

Katie Ehmann: The Pier

 

Anabelle O'Malley: Flea Market

 

Naomi Atkins: Close Knit

 

Sasha Farina: Fourteen & Story Teller

 

Rebecca Luminarias: The Pier

 A HUGE thank-you to the 2013 Crate Paper Design Team for their phenominal work this year!! We will always be grateful, today, now and always.

 

'Tis Twenty-Five - Christmas in Singapore w/Piradee Talvanna

We are counting down to some of the very last creations from our 2013 Crate Paper Design Team. Already the year is soon to retire, and around the corner, a brand new design team awaits. Also soon to reveal are three new collections, each of which you saw a sneak peek of last week. January is expected to bring ample surprises, though before we get there, a final holiday project or two, including this beautiful accordion compilation from Singapore designer, Piradee Talvanna. 'Tis Twenty-Five continues....

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This year's Christmas is extra special! Not only is it Sophia's first Christmas, but she also got to spend it with her grandparents whom travelled all the way from Belgium with an entire suitcase filled with presents for her. This is pretty much why I love Christmas the most - family, presents and celebrations. Also, it's that time of the year where you're constantly taking tons of pictures, from decorations to presents, and of course, all those silly Christmas moments.

For today's project, I created an accordion album that not only allowed me to showcase lots of pictures, but also, blends seamlessly with my holiday decor and is a great conversation starter. 

 Crate's Bundled Up collection was just what I needed - I love all it's design elements and array of embellishments. The Santa Clause face is the cutest as far as I'm concerned...

One of the challenges of this assignment was to design a project that could hold at least twenty-five photos, if not more. So, I came up with the idea to optimize a 4" x 6" photo spread with multiple "smaller" sized photos.

In stretching this idea further, I incorporated photos into my embellishment designs to save on space.

For example, I decorated this adorable tree with circle punched images captured by my camera. Around them, are gold sequins and memories of Christmas in Singapore.

Then, using one of the photo overlays along with vellum (backside), I created a pocket for including an endless number of photos from throughout the month (Sophia still hasn't opened all her presents yet).

On this page, I created another pocket, but this time using only vellum. I first sewed two sheets of vellum together along with some sequins (my take on snow) before then sewing that onto another vellum sheet to create the pocket. Then, using embellishment packaging (recycling - love the patterns! Plus, they're super sturdy!) I created a few tags for including even more pictures.

And there you have it - a quick, cute accordian album for sorting all your unforgettable Christmas moments using downsized images in a variety of settings - much happiness in 2014!

'Tis Twenty-Five - Journal Your December w/Sophie Crespy

I wish I had time to make a << December Daily >> album this year, just like past years. But, unfortunately, I didn't have the time. Like many of you out there, I was way too busy this season to keep a daily journal of our life. However, I still wanted to remember the nice days we spent as a family and all of the excitement that the season held for us.

That is why I created this layout; it's a top 25 based on the twenty-five things we had enjoyed doing prior to the 25th of December.

I decided to place most the emphasis on the journaling using large sized red numbers. I positioned a number next to each section, and anchored them to the left most side of the layout.

Because the journaling takes up most the space, I kept the remainder of the design quite simple: vertical with layers of green-blue paper and safe neutrals. I chose my favorite photos from this month and printed them inside a square grid. I placed them on 3D adhesive and layered them on top Bundle Up's awesome red triangle paper.

I love the addition of details, even on a simple layout such as this one. Under the photo, I added stitched banners, one on top of the other.  One is white and the other, green.

I chose not to add a title because the theme of the layout is quite obvious. However, the space along the right called for a few embellishments.

I created a small cluster of my favorite embellishments just beneath the photo. It includes a  wooden brad, an assortment of petite die cuts and a flair button.

I have never finished a layout without including the date. I placed a sticker underneath the bottom edge of a journaling strip and stamped the date directly on top of it.

As a final touch, I placed this lovely banner on top of my photo collage.

Well dear friends, that is it from me! I do hope you find a way to journal your December and all the excitement that lead up to Christmas. Most of all, I wish you a safe and happy New Year!

'Tis Twenty-Five - Holiday Present & Past w/Deb Duty

With Christmas having reached an end, and a pile a holiday photos awaiting you, it's time to start thinking about customizing a place in which to house and preserve them. To help out in this department, a few of the CP Gals followed through on a mission to document twenty-five winter-friendly photos using whatever method they ultimately preferred and our classic seasonal collection, Bundled Up. The very first is from CP Gal, Deb Duty - her go-to multi-photo solution this holiday season is the mini album!

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Hi Everyone - I'm excited to share a Christmas minibook created with the beautiful Bundled Up collection. When I was given the assignment to create a project that included 25 photos, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to make a minibook about a past Christmas. I used a pre-made chipboard album as the base. I cut my patterned paper to fit and added photos and embellishments. The chipboard pieces already had the holes for the rings, so I just used a hole punch to add holes to my patterned paper in the same spots.

My cover is simple with tree shapes cut from papers in the Bundled Up 6" x 6" paper pad.

Once I completed my pages, I lightly adhered them to the chipboard with a glue stick, and then stitched them in place to make sure they were secure.

Even if you haven't been documenting every day in December, you can still make a wonderful minibook after Christmas with all of the photos you take during the holidays or you can document a past Christmas. The photos in my minibook were all taken right before or on Christmas Day 2010. So, it's never too late to document one of your unscrapped Christmas celebrations!

Bundled Up Stationary Set w/Ashley Cannon Newell

This time of year brings so much cheer and happiness to our lives. I wanted to embrace the fellowship that also seems to be very prevalent in so many of our lives by creating a holiday stationary gift set. Technically, you can use it for yourself, but it can be gifted as well!

To create the book, I used chipboard, felt, thread, and patterned paper. I trimmed two pieces of chipboard to 7" x 10". After adhering patterned paper to the front and back of each piece of chipboard, I added the felt "binding" that included a pinked edge and hand stitching. I left a 1.5" gap between each chipboard to allow the book to open and close easily.

The inside of the book holds a few holiday note cards. They're perfect for sending a quick note with a gift or just a thank you note.

On the right side, there's a pocket for stamps, a pencil/pen, and envelopes. It includes what you need to get those handmade notes completed in a jif.

I made a set of four note cards to include in the pocket. I used journaling cards, which are perfect for cards as well.

I used the "Let it Snow" journaling card as a focal point and embellished the top with a pinked circle cardstock die cut. At the bottom, I used a cardstock sticker to make a scalloped border.

On this card, I embellished a journaling card with a chipboard sentiment sticker. I added it onto a card front with polka dots and ribbon.

This card has a similar layout and design to the previous, but the colors are so much more trendy and feminine. I love the look of pink, red, and aqua for a unique holiday color combination.

For this card, I was inspired by a button card and used the flairs on a journaling card. I added some ribbon on a polka dotted stamped card front.

I just love this time of year and hope you do as well. Making a stationary set like this as a gift or even for yourself to be re-used each year, will surely keep you organized and totally WOW the recipients. Just take a creative day to yourself and make one in a few short hours. Happy Holidays to each of you!

Crate Paper Holiday Pinboard: Inspiration Redefined w/Magda Mizera

During the holiday season, we are overwhelmed by tons of inspiration on the internet, in the malls and while walking past store windows. There are lots of things that catch our eye and in passing we think, "I want that" or "I love that! I should make something just like it!" But, when it comes to creating, I find myself a bit lost. It's just all too much :) So, this year, I decided to keep it simple.

Collage Source: 1.Stylizimo | 2.CMamoune | 3.Thirty Handmade Days | 4.Magda Mizera | 5.Wood Storming

This year, my Christmas will be white with just a few pops of colour, a bit of glitter and dedicated to pure simplicity. To express this idea, I created a moodboard meant to inspire. Here, you'll find glowing houses, a snowflake wreath, drops of glitter and a beautiful color combination of mint, grey, gold and a wee bit of red. I created a layout using this combination and love the way it turned out. The crisp, clean embellishments and non-traditional color palette is very much in touch with the holiday spirit.

I really like the look of uncomplicated, nature-intended Christmas wreaths. They're beautiful decor, and have only become popular in my country. I made a tiny, delicate wreath with snowflakes I punched from glitter paper. A card with such a wreath doesn't really need much else; just a petite lace bow and Crate Paper chipboard ornament.

This last presentation was inspired by light houses. I used a die to create a cozy snow village. I then cut an intricate wreath in which to frame the village on a card. The pearl drops were the final touch!

Inspiration doesn't have to complicated - within it's parts, are designs that stand the test of time and serve as a wonderful gift in celebration of the winter season!

A Special Sneak Peek: Oh Darling

Good morning everyone! We are happy to share our third sneak peek of the Winter 2014 collections. We love the colors and graphics of this one! Take a look...

Recall treasured moments of dress up and playtime with Oh Darling, the newest collection from Crate Paper that highlights girlhood. Sweetly colored florals, stripes and polka dots highlight dainty graphics of bows, bikes and dolls. A delightful palette of sweet pinks, soft mint, and sunshine yellow ensures memories of the little girls in your life will remain sweeter than pie! 

This lovely collection includes 12 double-sided papers and various coordinating embellishments, including pretty photo overlays, paper clips, journaling cards, standouts and chipboard shapes. Capture your sweetest memories with plastic letter embellishments, vellum shapes and a coordinating album.

We will also be giving you the chance to win a prize pack filled with Oh Darling products in January! Be sure to check back with us!

A Special Sneak Peek: Boys Rule

We are pleased to announce our second sneak peek of the new Winter 2014 collections! We will be showing our final sneak peek tomorrow, but check back in January to see the collections in their entirety! You won't be disappointed!

Celebrate the adventures of boyhood with Boys Rule, the newest themed collection from Crate Paper. Brilliant orange, cherry reds and bold blues bring to life retro-inspired images of robots, bikes and cars. Stylized graphics and basic shapes complement hand-drawn images of favorite childhood toys.

This collection offers 12 double-sided patterned papers, two sheets of printed vellum and a host of matching embellishments, including Crate Paper favorites like accent stickers, die-cut chipboard pieces, standouts and a colorful ephemera pack – the perfect addition to any creative project!

What did you think? Do you have a favorite item or two? Check back on Thursday for a chance to win a Boys Rule prize pack! And guess what? As a special bonus, we'll be giving away another prize pack in January when the full collections are shows, so stay tuned!

New for Winter 2014: Styleboard

Good morning everyone! We are so excited to kick off a week of collection reveals. We are starting off with the new collection from Maggie Holmes and it's completely gorgeous! Let's get started!

Capture moments of creativity with Styleboard, the newest collection from Maggie Holmes and Crate Paper. Inspired by designers’ collage-style inspiration boards, Styleboard offers vintage icons of cameras, records, florals and butterflies in bright colors complemented by gold accents.

This beautiful collection includes 12 double-sided patterned papers, chipboard, stickers, photo overlays and journaling cards. The collection also includes versatile embellishments with gold accents including chipboard Thickers, labels, an ephemera pack, vellum shapes and vintage-inspired frames. 

We hope you love the collection! Visit us every day for a chance to win a Styleboard prize pack! We will announce the details later in the week :) 

Crate Paper Holiday Pinboard: Bundled Up those Christmas Memories w/Jeanette Lee

It takes but only a little creative play and a mish-mash of pretty items to collaborate your ideas in one place these days. The presence of moodboards are growing. They've become a great way to explore all things random. Lately, it seems like we keep bumping into countless pin-worthy moodboards. We have a serious crush on them.

This week, we're dedicating space to holiday pinboards - most of which include the familiar Bundled Up and good old fashioned holiday pinning! This first one is from CP Gal, Jeanette Lee - an embroidery hoop packed with personalized embellishments and Crate's super cute red striped patterned paper, Candy Cane.

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 Christmas happens to be my favorite time of year. It is a season of hope, life and giving. Ever since I was a little girl, I envied those who celebrated the picture perfect moment I had carried in my head throughout the years;  a warm fireplace next to a glistening tree, sipping a cup of hot chocolate while looking out the window, watching the snowflakes fall to the ground.

 You might then be able to imagine the joy I felt when I finally visited the states. My first thought was to bury myself in the snow and soak in the holiday spirit. In my reminiscing about these past time Christmas memories, I looked to Pinterest for inspiration to decorate my home in the same light.

Photo Credit: Andrea Dozier

First up, I was inspired by this DIY Advent Calendar that I saw on Pinterest. How clever is this idea, to showcase little Christmas ornaments on an embroidery hoop? My version is similar, though instead of ornaments, I brought together embellishments from the Bundled Up collection.

I backed the embroidery hoop with a nice textured burlap paper and die cut some red and white striped tags from one of Bundled Up's patterned papers. I spread out a variety of embellishments across the canvas to ensure they were evenly balanced. Thereafter, I layered elements over and under each other and made sure that a few of them 'popped up' here and there.

Notice the reoccurring theme on this embroidery hoop? These cute snowmen and snowflakes bring a smile to my face as I reflect on the essence of Christmas.

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Photo Credit: This Lil Piglet

Up next, I was also inspired to make these Christmas jars that I came across at Pinterest, too. Using my die-cut machine, I cut and assembled 3-D Christmas trees. I then centered them inside inexpensive jars that I found at the dollar store.

Then the fun began! I poured a variety of sequins and confetti into the jars, giving them a fallen crescendo snowing effect. In doing this, make sure to not overpower the Christmas tree; a little is more than enough! After adding a gold star to the top of the tree, the project is finished!

Be sure to head over to Pinterest today and pin down your fave pins for Christmas! The inspiration is endless and I'm certain that the projects you embark upon will make such lovely mantelpieces in your homes. Here's wishing you all the joys of the season. Merry Christmas!

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 BUNDLED UP WINNER

We would like to formally congratulate Vicki, last week's Bundled Up Prize Pack Giveaway Winner! It was a weekend giveaway, so the time went by rather quickly. We will of course have another Prize Pack up for grabs later this week and an even bigger one the following week (just prior to the 25th)! Make sure to check in daily...

"I'm not too good at explaining things but I'll give it a try....In school one year my son made the MOST PRECIOUS Ornament Ever! An angel of himself....They took a school photo and just used his head. Attached it to a doily that had been folded around into a cone shape. Take another doily, cut it in half and glue to the back of the cone for the wings. Then take some gold pipe cleaner to make a halo. It is my FAVORITE ORNAMENT on my tree!" Posted by: {vicki} | December 13, 2013 at 06:24 AM

 

Thank you for your ornament ideas everyone! To review them, please visit HERE.