Crate Paper

Rogue CP Vintage :: Ephemera Adorned Layout

Every find yourself procuring stashes of ephemera from ages ago because you love the look of 'old meets new'? There's something miraculous that happens when you add a bit of rarity to a project - vintage lends character that wouldn't otherwise exist. We challenged the CP Gals to mix and match 'old & new' with the Crate collection, Notes & Things, and Lisa Dickinson was first to give it a go–her layout is totally retro!

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One of my favorite things about the new Crate Paper collection, Notes & Things, is that it mixes perfectly with the vintage ephemera that I love to collect! The softer, aged color palette blends seamlessly with the old advertising and marketing pieces that populate my stash.

I have an old parchment advertisment and vintage ticket booklet that I've been wanting to use on a page, and after pulling out a few of the Notes & Things pieces, I knew that together they would create the look I wanted. Because the ad was somewhat fragile (and likely not acid or lignin-free!) I opted to photograph it, reduce the size, and print it on a piece of cardstock:

By photographing and printing the ad (rather than using the original), I can use it again in the future and there's no risk of damaging my photos or scrapbooks with unsafe products. 

I chose to cut the ad into strips and create a striped background on my page, adding in some of the Notes & Things papers and vintage tickets. It was an ideal background for these photos of my daughter dressed up for a 1950s-themed spirit day at school.

Before stitching the strips to my cardstock, I distressed the edges with a file to give them an old, worn appearance. Once stitched down, I gently lifted the edges on each strip to add texture and dimension to the page. All the machine stitching helps add to the vintage feel, as well as referencing the journaling, which talks about sewing a poodle skirt for this occasion.

The die-cut tags from the collection provided frames for my photos, and topped with natural jute twine, they also have that vintage vibe!

The striped background has plenty of color, pattern, and texture, so I kept my embellishments to a minimum, using the layered butterflies from Notes & Things, as well as several cork and chipboard accents from the Styleboard line (which just so happens to mix beautifully with this new release!)

So if you're wanting to put a dent in your ephemera stash, be sure to pick up the Notes & Things collection. It's a wonderful way infuse the old with the new on your next scrapbook page!

 

Trending Now :: Pretty Gold Gift Tags

If you hadn't already been able to tell, we are GOLD fanatics here at Crate Paper. Notes & Things is filled to the brink with loads of metallic gold, as is Maggie Holmes' Open Book. Not surprisingly, gold is still very much a 'trend' right now, and we're catering to it! Come see for yourself with CP Gal, Rebecca Luminarias.

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If there has been one thing I can't get enough of lately, it's GOLD.  My eye is automatically drawn to it whenever I see it and the sight of it gets my creative ideas flowing.  If I see a gold item in a store, I'm nearly compelled to buy that item, even if--as is usually the case--I don't need it.  If I see it in a paper collection, such as Notes & Things, I must use it (or hoard it).  So to celebrate all of the beautiful metallic gold bits in N&T, I thought I would make a few irresistible gift tags to pretty up some packages.

 

 

Shiny gold really pops when paired with kraft so when I found the die cut tags in the Tag Ephemera pack, I settled on them right away.  The chipboard frames add dimension and do just what they are intended to do: surround and draw attention to the focal point of each composition.

 

 

This "INSPIRED" tag set was incredibly simple.  I adhered the gold dot frame to the journaling card, and then added the kraft tag with the clothespin.  I love the way the words underneath show through the cutout letters and did not permanently attach the kraft tag so that it could be turned or removed to reveal the card's inspiring words to live by.  Paired with the metallic cream journal here, how fitting is this for a college-bound student?

 

 

Here's a fun one!  It's a bit tricky to see the star kraft tag here, but I put it inside the vellum confetti envelope that came with the journaling cards.  It's full of gold sequins and with the patterned banner sticker peaking out from behind the "perfection" frame, this definitely makes me think there must be a party inside this box!  

 

 

I used the pink sleeve with the see-through window as a pocket to house the "LOVE" tag here.  I also removed the little "kiss, kiss" insert from the above vellum envelope and placed it behind the die cut word.  One "kiss" remains visible in the O.  With it's obvious romantic theme of kisses, lovebirds, and togetherness, what a pretty tag for a wedding gift.

 

 

One of the best things about Notes & Things is that there are touches of gold on so many of the embellishments.  And by touches, I mean, just hints of it, which is really nice because too much of it all at once can overwhelm a project.  On this tag, I kept it subtle by choosing just the butterfly standout with the gold foil stripe and backing the "TODAY" tag with a gold foil sticker.  Plastering a project with gold isn't necessary to achieve an elegant look.

 

 

Notes & Things is an absolute breeze to work with...just about all of the embellishments in the collection could have been used here.  Everything works so well together and I just wanted to keep on making tags!  And those touches of gold?  I intend to hoard use up every last bit of them! 

 

CP Minimally Made :: Notes & Things Handmade Embellishments

 

 

We are a BIG fan of this next new feature–Minimally Made. Sometimes, there are only a few minutes in a day to dedicate to crafting/scrapbooking. Our CP Gals want to help you make the most of those minutes. Here with a 'minimal' concept for creating your own pre-made embellishments is CP Gal, Stephanie Bryan.

 

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I love everything handmade and I love embellishments, so I can't think of anything better than handmade embellishments.  Simple layered papers and punched shapes can create the most beautiful additions to a project. 

 

 

These pretties are not only easy to make, they are fun, carefree and rather addicting.  Once you get started, I guarantee you won't be able to stop!  They are as easy as 1, 2, 3.  

Let's take a look!!

 Start by punching out your base shape.  For the example above, I'm using a pinked circle.  

Next, layer on a smaller punched shape, scrap of fabric or ribbon.  Be sure to get creative here!  Anything goes with these layers.  I like to create a contrast in this step, so I usually alternate between lighter and darker colors.  The greens and pinks from the new Notes & Things collection really pop when you place them against the warm cork and woodgrain papers!!  The final step is to add on some type of dimensional element (butterflies, wood veneer, flair, sequins).  Be sure to curl up the edges to give your lovely a little dimension!  I always finish my embellishments with a quick run through my sewing machine.  This helps to bind all the little bits together!

 

 

As you can see, once I got started, I couldn't stop!  I was inspired by the butterfly paper {HONEST} from Notes & Things and actually punched out those butterflies with my American Crafts butterfly punch.  The punch almost fits those butterflies perfectly and those little butterflies definitely sparked my creativity!!

 

 

I placed all of these pretty embellishments in a candy jar on my desk and now I have them ready and waiting for me whenever I need to add a special little touch to my projects!

 

 

 

These embellishments would be perfect in mini albums, Project Life cards, layouts and even gifts!

 

Here, I've used one of the lovelies to dress up a vellum gift bag!  They add the perfect pop of color and dimension to the bag!  I can't wait to send this pretty gift to my sweet friend!

 

Out & About :: A Special Trip to Africa and Accordion Mini Album

Ultimately, it's the world around us that inspires–with this message in mind, we asked our CP Gals to seek something outside the home that inspires them directly and to craft about it. For CP Gal, Naomi Atkins, her latest inspiration was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa!

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My daughter Katlyn and I recently returned from a trip to Africa. We traveled with the American Foundation for Children with Aids and did photography and missions work near Bullawayo, Zimbabwe. We also were in Johannesburg, South Africa and got to see Victoria Falls in Zambia at the end of the trip. It was a life changing experience...

Both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time–so many people with so many needs. AIDS is a crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, and many children are left orphaned.

We built two playgrounds (out of very rudimentary materials) for children in two different primary schools. We sewed 150-200 hygiene kits for girls with hand-crank sewing machines so that they can stay in school...they lack basic sanitary supplies, so we made them something they can re-use. We also taught many AIDS widows how to sew the kits so they could start a small business.

We delivered livestock (goats) to families that are caretakers of AIDS orphans. Each family got three goats, with a promise to breed and return three to the foundation within three years.

Most of all, we held hundreds of little hands and cuddled and held more children than you can imagine. They left such an impact on our hearts! They have nothing...most of them walk 3-4 miles to school and back, many without shoes. Their food for the entire day, a small cup of watery porridge that we gave them, but has a days' worth of vitamins and minerals in it. But, they were happy! And so were we...

we lived without electricity, running water, toilets and many other basics for two weeks...and it changed our lives! We didn't have access to electronics, etc. Allowing us a chance to unwind in a very needed way, even though we were working hard!

Most of my project is created with Open Road. The collection comes with an awesome little mini album that can easily help you record your special trips and memories. I put some of my favorites inside, and used the pocket with the journaling card to record a few things I didn't want to forget.

The photos meant so much to me. I felt like I didn't want to overly embellish around them. I used some chipboard frames, die-cuts and journaling cards, and some of the stitched borders. I added a bit of stitching, buttons and tied twine around the album to close it.

Even though summer is winding down, make sure you take the time to record and journal your special 'summer' memories..all of the pretty products and paper aside–that is why we do what we do!

COLLECT :: Notes & Things Daily Planner Redo

 

With the announcement of two new CP collections, Notes & Things and Maggie Holmes' Open Book, these next couple of months are going to be entirely devoted to them and awesome corresponding CP Gal creations. On the planner are a series of brand new features, fresh and ready for the taking! We'll introduce them one-by-one as we strive to emphasize the various ways in which Crate can be a part of your everyday crafting lifestyle, from DIY to Project Life and so much more! No matter your craft-of-choice, you will LOVE what's ahead, so make sure to tune in daily and LIKE us on Facebook!

This first feature, COLLECT, highlights the benefits of pairing Crate Paper with desk leftovers–here with the feature's first project post is CP Gal, Anabelle O'Malley.

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I love paper paper crafting! Not surprisingly, I've jumped into the planner trend and am loving it, too. I recently received my new Filofax Ochre Malden planner. It had been sitting on my scrap table, waiting to be set up. Coincidentally, I received my box of Notes and Things goodies and, like peanut butter and chocolate, I knew they would go together perfectly! I decided to use the collection in my planner and love how it turned out. Let me share what I created.

I started off making dividers for the different sections that I use. I utilized the ones that came with my planner as templates. I traced them onto the Notes and Things papers, cut them out, laminated them and added label stickers to the tabs. Then, the fun part began. I used the chipboard frames, tags, die cuts and stickers from Notes and Things to decorate and add dimension to my dividers. Since this particular binder can hold a lot, I was able to create this dimension. Using just the stickers, die cuts and tags would have worked fine, as well. Here's a look at my first divider and the ones behind it.

As you can see from the rest of my dividers, the colors and motifs in the Notes and Things collection were just perfect for this project!

Once my dividers were finished, I decorated my 'dashboard'. This is the page that I see first when I open my planner and this Project Life card was absolutely perfect! I love everything about it, the message, the colors, the gold polka dots...It just makes me happy to open up my Filofax. I added the stickers, as well.

My decorating doesn't just stop there, however. I love to decorate my weekly pages! On this spread, I used some washi tape from my stash. Then, I added stickers from the Notes and Things collection. The butterfly Stand Out serves as a page marker. And the Project Life card was added as an additional 'to do' list.

I love the message on the back of it!

Finally, I decided to create some page flags/clips using paper clips and papers from the line.

 

 
I added small bits of paper from the 6 by 6 paper pad and embellished them with the smallest bits from the die cuts pack.

 

I also used small punched die cuts and finished them off with some clear gems. I tucked the clips into the front pockets of my Filofax so I can use them when I need them.

 

 

As you can see, my new planner isn't just collecting dust on my table anymore. It's all decked out and ready to help me keep my life organized!

 

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And the most best news of the day - the Maggie Holmes' Open Book Prize Pack winner from last week's collection reveal. Thank-you to all who shared their favorites with us! We can't wait for you to see this new collection in person..it is too cute for words!

This collection is over the top fan-tab-u-lous!!! Oh, how I dream of scrapbooking with it!!! I can't just pick one thing, but I am drooling over the glitter thickers! Posted by: Amy Mallory | August 20, 2014 at 02:01 PM

Congratulations, Amy! Please forward your info to [email protected] and we will arrange for the shipment of your much coveted goods.

New for Fall: Open Book

 

 

Welcome to the CP blog! My name is Lisa Parkin and I'm the creative director at Crate Paper. I'm excited to be taking over the blog today to share a new Maggie Holmes collection with you: Open Book.

Scrapbookers are the ultimate storytellers. They capture their memories and preserve them for family and friends to enjoy over the years. The new Open Book collection is full of everyday scrapbooking, storytelling and photography elements that will make your life story and open book that will be cherished for future generations.

Maggie's collection is full of colors & gold with a strong black and white contrast. It is the perfect color palette for Fall and Winter but works for everyday layouts and projects. One of my favorite new items is the ephemera flowers. That product is full of flowers and leaves you can piece together and with gold and glitter they shine. One of my all time favortie Maggie Holmes products. I'm so grateful to have the chance to work with Maggie. She is a talented scrapbooker, photographer and crafter. We love having her in our Crate Paper family!

We hope you enjoy her new collection!

 

 

 Maggie Holmes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Vellum Paper

Gold Vellum Paper 

Gold Paper

 

 

 

 

 

 Maggie Holmes

 

 

 Maggie Holmes

 

I'm absouletly in love with this collection! The details in this collection are what make it one of my favorites...the embsossing, glitter and foil add texture and depth to this collection and make it just beautiful. Also, did you see those layerd tags and the ribbon tags? They are must have for me! Open Book will be available in your local retail store mid Sept.

 

 

We would love to hear your favorite part of the collection. Leave a comment below and you could win a Open Book prize pack! The winner will be announced on Monday, August 25th. Good Luck!

Maggie is having a blog hop and she is also giving away Open Book on her blog. Go by and check it out. You won't want to miss all the fun.

 We loved having you come by today to see our newest collection. Thanks for all the support you give to Crate. We love being part of your storytelling. We are also thankful to our talented CP gals and appreciate their beauftiful work.

I'll be back soon to share some love from our new Valentines collection. XOXO

 

 

 

 

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Oh Darling Dry Erase Board - Katie Ehmann

Tomorrow, August 20th, we have some very exciting news to reveal–a brand new, fresh-off-the-press Maggie Holmes collection! It's typical 'Maggie' style, but with a hint of Fall season flavor, gold galore and plenty of shimmering sparkle. Chime in tomorrow for the full scoop and a must-not-miss giveaway!

Here's a final farewell 'Back-to-School' project idea from CP Gal, Katie Ehmann. We have a fresh line-up of projects and post themes reflecting CP's latest collection, Notes & Things, starting Friday, August 22nd.

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I have to admit, the last thing I'm looking forward to is the end of Summer and going back to school! In order to make the transition a little easier, however, I decided to create a fun project for my oldest daughter to use this year to keep herself a little more organized–a fun To Do List!

It only took me ten minutes to create this cute 8" x 8" shadowbox frame with Oh Darling patterned papers, bow garland, a stand-out sticker accent, and Thickers from Open Road.

I simply cut two strips of patterned paper, machine sewed them to my 8" x 8" trimmed background, stapled the garland, added my Thickers and finally, the doll stand-out. Then, I placed it all inside the frame. Now, each day I can write her 'To Do' list in dry erase marker on the glass frame. It easily wipes away with a paper towel.

Thanks for joining me today, Crate Fans! Happy Back to School {grumble, grumble...}

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Embellished Tea Tins - Adrienne Alvis

 

Here is a simple back to school gift idea for teachers–a reusable metal tin filled with flavored tea bags customized and decorated using some fabulous Crate Paper products!

I found these adorable metal tins at my local craft store.  They had many different sizes and shapes available, but I chose these in particular because they had a clear plastic top.  I placed an assortment of different flavors of tea inside the tins which can be reused for storing small desktop items or more tea!

I embellished three tins, one for each of my children to give to their teachers, by trimming pieces of patterned paper to the size of the front of the tins.

 

Next, I layered a contrasting piece of paper on top of the first piece, sizing it a bit smaller so that the patterns of both pieces could be seen. Then I stitched them together using my sewing machine.

 

 

I adhered the paper to the tins using an adhesive tape runner and embellished the front using items from the Boys Rule and Oh Darling collections such as stickers, die cut pieces, and alphas.

 

 

This simple and easy teacher gift is perfect for starting the new school year off right!  Who doesn't love a nice cup of hot tea after a long day?  These tea tins could be handy for any small gift idea and are great for storing other small items.  

 

 

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Pretty Pockets, Tags & Pens - Jeanette Lee

 

These graduation gifts from CP Gal, Jeanette Lee, were created exclusively for her high school students. They include personalized pens, prim and proper pockets and multi-layered tags from Crate Paper collections, old and new. They are stunning!

 

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As some of you might not know, I am a high school teacher in Singapore. Every year, I prepare personalized gifts for my students who will be graduating and sitting for their major examinations. This year is no exception. Even better, I have been blessed with a class filled mostly with girls. Hence, there was no hesitation in creating these tag pockets to their prettiest state.

 

 

My first batch of tags showcase an array of repetitive elements such as delicate floral die-cuts and ribbons. The intended goal was to create heavily textured tags using multiple layers of various product, flowers and ribbon included. I also added smaller embellishments, a stamped sentiment and a personalized name-tag for writing words of encouragement. 

 

Each student was also to receive a personalized pen. The simple process of combining Maggie Holmes' decorative tape and a sentiment attached with white string, makes an average everyday pen look more glamorous.

To break the monotony of the previous design,  I started a second batch of pocket tags. This time around, I focused on phrases and sentiments. I dug out sentiments from prior Crate Paper collections, and layered them over and under each other. Not forgetting the floral die-cuts and ribbons, the tags were complete.

 

 

 

Given the sheer number of tags I had to create, I was able to save some time by using similar elements throughout. It made the process of creating 'quicker', and more enjoyable. In the end, each tag was somewhat similar yet different, befitting of how every student is different in their own way as well. Ultimately, this was the outcome I was hoping for. 

 Thanks for having me here, today. Have a splendid weekend!

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Desk Organization Ideas - Jina Jean

Jina Jean has a couple of really great ideas for preparing a motivating work environment, just in time for the start of homework season. Lucky you, there's a video, too–watch and sing along!

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Today, I'm going to show you how to manage desk clutter, including my own, with the help of Crate Paper's 'Boys Rule' collection! The key to this challenge is the production of pocket files made from gorgeous patterned papers and a few, minimal details; a mini pocket, vellum envelope and tie closure. The small additions are helpful for maintaining easily-lost items such as notes, photos and receipts.

 

As a matching accessory to the files, I wrapped a small notepad in paper, along with a few stickers. When I need to jot down a note, I happily grab the pad–it's a nice change of pace and is far more attractive than the usual standard yellow paper.

And now for the best part–a video presentation of the files-in-action. I hope you'll consider making your own desk supplies from your favorite Crate Paper collections. Cutting clutter doesn't have to be mundane–let Crate's patterns be of inspiration in making your desk area cleaner, and prettier.