Crate Paper

Trending Now :: Glitter Splatter Notes & Things Card

We are still premiering September's 'Trending Now' theme - Metallic Gold. Today's presentation includes a glitter splatter technique and handmade Notes & Things card from CP Gal, Wida Miller.

 

.......

 

Hello Everybody! It's Wida Miller with you today to show you 'step-by-step' how to make a card using my favorite metallic hue --> GOLD and also, my favorite technique, GLITTER SPLATTER. 

 

Step 1: Apply glitter splatter to a card stock base. This technique can best be seen HERE.
 

 

Step 2: Gather your favorite little embellishments (stickers, wood veneers, patterned paper in the shape of a banner, label stickers etc). These pretties came from the Notes & Things Collection. 

 

 

Step 3: Pick a few of them to arrange on your card until you are happy (remember to vary the shape and length of the various embellishments). I like to grab a photo so that I remember how to arrange them at a later time, after assembly. 

 

 

Step 4: Punch a hole at the top of each embellishment and string them onto the twine. I allowed the twine to naturally 'drape' across the card, but you could tie a bow, or a knot.

 

 

 Step 5: Apply the beautiful embellished drapery to your card with pop ups!

 The great thing about this embellishment set-up is that it compliments an already 'gorgeous' background. Also, it shows that with just a few, minimal supplies, you can get a sweet generic card to be used for any occasion!

 

Crate Card: Step-by-Step Card Making Tutorial with Melissa Phillips

 If you have ever pondered how Melissa Phillips works such beautiful magic as a card maker, watch as she delightfully pieces together this butterfly-themed, shabby chic card from the new Notes & Things collection. Such prettiness.

.......

Hi there! Melissa Phillips here with you today, sharing a Crate Card, which means I'll be showing, step-by-step, how I created this card. 

I have used the sweet, new Notes & Things collection for my card. It seems I am immediately drawn to the soft pinks and pale greens of this collection, mixed with some florals, and of course, GOLD accents...who can resist?

My card came together very easily and quickly, so let's get started :).

Step 1: I selected my materials first, choosing a color palette I loved, a journal card with a phrase that I couldn't wait to incorporate, a couple of chipboard frames I could nestle and layer one with another, and a dimensional embellishment.

Step 2: I adhered my die cut from the Notes & Things Journaling Card package, directly under a die cut journal card from this same package. I let the bottom of the tag peek out from underneath just a bit. I stapled both of these to my white card base, slightly to the left of center.

Step 3: I then stapled my gold frame, directly over the quote on my journal card. I love using my stapler as as form of adhesive, especially with the Notes & Things collection, as it fits the theme and feel of this collection perfectly :).

Step 4: Next I added a smaller, floral frame on a diagonal, overlapping my gold frame, with a bit of the quote on the journal card showing through. For this step I used dimensional adhesive.

Step 5: Now comes the sweet, butterfly standout sticker near the lower, right corner of the floral frame.

Step 6: A simple cream button to the center of the butterfly, and a gold arrow sticker from the Accent Sticker package, adhered across the lower left corner of the gold frame. Layers are among my most favorite things to add on my cards, and this particular card, though simple, has many.

Step 7: A star sticker near the upper left corner of the floral frame, followed by a few cream/white sequins. If I ever feel like my card needs just one more little detail here or there, sequins always come in handy.

Step 8: I added a bit of torn silk trim across the bottom of my card, directly to the center of the top of my tag. Necessary? No...but a fun finishing touch? Yep.

That's it! So grab your Crate Paper chipboard frames, a journal card, and a few stickers, and create a card of your own and then share it with someone special. That's the funnest part about creating handmade things...sharing them when they're complete.

Enjoy your day!

Melissa

Crate Life :: Savoring Life's Smaller Moments

 

On occasion, it's the day-to-day activities that mean the most–the tiny stuff. CP Gal, Stephanie Buice, introduces a fab, easy way for documenting such moments using traditional pocket-page scrapbooking & the Notes & Things collection.

 

.......

 

Pocket style scrapbooking is so much 'me'. It's always a nice change of pace to work with smaller sized cards vs. the regular 12 x 12 pages. I usually work on my project life album once monthly, but occasionally, when I'm in a scrapbook rut and want to change things up a bit, I pull out a divided page protector and let the ideas flow.

 

 

 

Instead of doing weekly or monthly spreads, sometimes I prefer to document just one activity or event on a spread.

 

 

It's fun to create multiple little mini pages from various cards.

It allows me to experiment with new styles/ techniques before jumping into using them on a full sized layout.

 

I find it easier to print the journaling and then sew it onto my cards. I like the 'cut and paste' feeling it adds.

 

I like the title card to stand out a little bit more, so I emphasized it using multiple embellishments and a clearly defined title.

 

The Notes & Things collection color palette went perfectly with my pictures. All the bits and pieces leave you with so many options for dressing up your cards.

 

Lately, I cannot get enough of the little garland bows from the Oh Darling collection. Even though this layout is about my son playing with one of his favorite things, I tried to use them in a way that didn't scream "girly".

 

If you're a project life'er like myself, I highly recommend creating an 'everyday' spread such as mine. By documenting just one subject, it simplifies the creation process and the page is quickly accomplished. 

 

Recollection :: Heart of a Memory

Recalling the past is central to the heart of scrapbooking and the products we design on behalf of the hobby. We thought it only right to highlight the subject further by dedicating a feature limited to just 'memory keeping' with the help of our talented CP Gals and Crate's various eye-catching collections.

Today, Jill Sprott scrapbooks about her loving grandfather using the everyday collection, Notes & Things. 

.......

How do you recall a time that you really can't remember?

This is the question that came to mind as I studied a photograph of my infant self in my grandfather's arms. I have no memory of the moment, being far too young at the time, but just looking at the photo causes warmth to well up within me and brings a gentle smile to my face. What I remember is that my grandfather loved me, and I feel that love to this day; it is alive in the love that I share with others.

The Notes and Things palette of pastels mixed with a few brighter hues is right at home on a page featuring my tow-headed baby self, while the florals in the collection enliven the page and represent continuity.

To soften the floral 'Be Kind' background paper and make it more welcoming for the layers to come, I placed a sheet of 12" x 12" vellum over the page and stitched around it. Over this, I arranged a series of rectangular blocks, which include embellished patterns, journaling cards, tags, and a photo and frame. The title block features metallic gold letters from a sheet of Notes and Things accent stickers. I love the way that the letters shine when the light hits them just so.

One of my favorite items in the Notes and Things ephemera pack is the stitched pink half-envelope, which I used as a pocket for journaling.

My words reflect on the legacy of love that is at the heart of this page and at the heart of a memory that I cannot fully recall, but will never forget.

Minimally Made :: Notes & Things Tag Mini Album

 Minimal design can encompass an array of project ideas, including mini albums. One such example of simplicity at it's finest is this Notes & Things Mini Album from CP Gal, Adrienne Alvis.

.......

Hello CP fans!  Lately, I've been striving to create projects that express minimal and simple design. I enjoy digging through my stash and selecting only my favorite items and embellishments before beginning a project like today's 'Tag Mini Album'–created using the new Notes & Things collection from Crate Paper.

 

 

I admit that mini albums used to send my stress meter soaring when I first started making them.  I would focus too much of my energy on materials and sizing, or the "theme" of the album, and not enough time on what was really important–the photos and memories that I wanted to document.

 

 

To start the album, I chose lots of mixed tags from the Notes & Things collection.  I also used several journaling cards from the same collection to mix up the page sizes–lending a more layered look.

 

 

I punched a small hole using a hole puncher at the top of each card so I could easily slip the journaling cards onto the metal ring holding the album together.  

 

 

I printed most of my photos at 2 x 3 and 2 x 2, leaving plenty of room for minimal embellishing and other small additions. 

 

 

Every few months, I end up with lots of random photos of things on my computer that I adore for one reason or another, and that end up on my Instagram feed.  I love to make a mini album now and then for housing the photos in a special place, like I did here.  The Notes & Things collection was a perfect fit for the photos because the collection isn't theme driven.

 

 

 

I left some of the tags and journaling cards "as is" because they were perfect just the way they were for my mini.

 

 

 

 

I used several of the chipboard frames from the collection, as well as a few of the stickers to embellish some of the photos in my album.

 

 

 

  

 

Keeping it simple is a great way to focus on the things that really matter, such as your 'favorite photos' and the memories that go along with them.  A mini album doesn't have to be complicated or take a lot of time to create...it just has to be filled with what you love and what is important to you. 

 

COMP :: Cute, Trendy Notes & Things Handmade Cards

Today's edition of 'COMP' is committed to card making and angled painting using CP's modern and noteworthy collection, Notes & Things.

....... 

Pinterest is bursting with great ideas for composition. The elements of almost any picture can be broken down, studied and put towards new creative ideas!

 

Photo Credit: Evanyaru

 

This picture, of concrete painted candle holders grabbed my attention almost immediately. There are so many fun, trendy elements going on, I was inspired and ready to create!

 

 

First up, I wanted to recreate the stacked feel to the picture. To do this I took a journaling card from Notes & Things and found three colorful embellishments and adhered them to the card from largest to smallest, just like the pictured.

 

 

Since the background of my inspiration was mostly white, I chose a larger journaling card that matched this idea to be the background of my card. I love the playful colors popping out in the picture so I have a few colorful surprises above and below the smaller journaling card.

 

 

The sentiment was the finished the card and adds a natural element too! 

 

 

I had to make one more card because the angled painting in the inspiration picture is SO amazing! I mimicked the angles as best I could, again using papers from Notes & Things.

 

 

The rest of the card is playful and layered but allows the angled paper to make a bold statement at the bottom of the card.

 

"What kind of inspiration in composition can you find? Happy creating!"

 

- CP Gal :: Ashley Marcu -

 

InstaCrate :: Instagram Prints & Crate Paper

Whether an Instagram addict or iPhone camera guru, grabbing photos on the go and putting them to paper has never been so easy and fun. There are a plethora of ways to scrap them pretty square photos. We're here to help you score some ideas for savoring your insta-moments. Say hello to 'InstaCrate'–a new installment we think you'll find extra handy.

If you haven't yet discovered us at Instagram, simply search 'Crate Paper' and 'follow'. Easy peasy.

.......

With a majority of my photos being taken with my phone and posted to social sites like Instagram, I find I'm using them more frequently on my scrapbook pages as well. I love looking through my phone's photo feed for page inspiration, and with so many portable printers and printing apps, it's easy to print them off and get started on a page. One of my favorite ways to showcase square Instagram prints on a layout is with Crate Paper chipboard frames. 

I've selected a variety of frames from Notes & Things and The Pier collections to use on this layout. Most of my photos were square, but I also threw in a few rectangles for good measure. A simple grid design is an easy way to mix photo orientations and sizes.

I added in both color and texture by tucking patterned papers behind my frames. The 6x6 papers pads, with their smaller patterns, are ideal for this type of layering!

My title is a die cut word combined with a gold word sticker from the Styleboard line. I also added some other gold stickers to several of the chipboard frames to carry the gold color through the design.

I typed my journaling on two different tags from Notes & Things and slipped them in behind two of the frames. If you plan to do this, just use adhesive on three edges of your frame, leaving one open to slide the tag in.

So print out some of the Instagram photos and grab some Crate chipboard frames - together they make a perfect pair!

- CP Gal :: Lisa Dickinson -

 

Trending Now :: DIY Glittered Leaves

No doubt, we LOVE metallics and right now, so does most the crafting community. CP Gal, Naomi Atkins, has a great idea for adding a bit of bling to your next project. It's super simple, too.

....... 

I love how the metallic trend has continued to gain momentum in scrapbooking sphere. It's one of those trends that I never grow tired of! I love an accent of gold or silver in almost everything I create!

I decided to use some of the gold accents from Notes & Things in my layout, as well as some added bling that I created. I love this photo of my little girl in the leaves, and with the cool weather that has arrived already here in the northeast, I'm in the mood for fall!

I got some plastic leaves from the craft store, and then modge podge and glittered them. It was so fun! I made a whole pile of them for decorating and for other project I'm working on. I just love leaves, and the glittered ones are even better!

I wanted to layer some things under my photo, so I used the triangle graphic paper, 'Schedule', from Notes & Things (on of my favorite papers). I also wanted something that looked a bit gold and crinkly underneath. Because I couldn't find anything just right, I spray painted some plain white computer paper and then distressed it a bit. I also punched some leaves from it. I layered the glittered and punched leaves over the vellum pocket containing gold sequins, as well as one of the gold frames.

To keep the layout looking 'natural', I added some burlap 'ric rac' above my photo. I also placed a wooden brad on top a tag sitting in the upper right hand corner of the layout. Finally, I stitched around the outside of the photo, creating a 'frame' to highlight it's importance.

If you're loving the metallic trend like myself, consider the benefits of 'glitter' the next time you sit down to scrapbook, or craft. Just about anything, with the help of modge podge, is open to a layer of glitter and sparkle!

Crate Letterhead :: Notes & Things Handwritten Note & Envelope

'Crate Letterhead' reflects the simple, old fashioned tradition of the handwritten note and matching envelope. Even though the tradition has faded some, it's beauty and meaningful expression is still greatly coveted by many. Here to share the very first installment of Crate Letterhead is CP Gal, Rebecca Luminarias.

 

.......

 

It's a lovely thing to get a handwritten note these days.  With the advent of email, social media, and  texting, the art of letter writing is a dying one.  How wonderful would it be if sending good, old-fashioned, personally crafted snail mail began to see a resurrection?  There are campaigns for it all over the web--on people's blogs, Instagram, and even Etsy, whose marketplace is saturated with gorgeous notecards and paper greetings.  I combined my love of these tangible goods with Crate's Notes & Things to handcraft my own stationary.

 

 

When I was younger, probably around the early teen years, I received a set of pretty trifold notes, complete with address labels and seals.  I remember thinking how convenient they were because no envelope was required.  I simply had to write my letter on the inside, fold it up, and seal it closed with a round sticker.  I addressed the front, added postage, and my correspondence was all set to drop in the mail.  What could be easier--and there was no icky aftertaste from licking the envelope!  It was the best thing!  I don't see this type of stationary too often anymore, but I thought that, with all the beautiful patterned paper in the N&T collection--in every CP collection, for that matter--it would be a nice idea to make my own.

 

 

It seriously took no time at all.  I chose papers with eye-catching patterns on one side and subtler details on the other.  In this case it was "Be Kind," "With Love," and "Schedule."  I cut each piece down to 6" x 9" and then scored them 2.5" down from the top and up from the bottom, leaving a 4" x 6" panel in the center.  (It's the same as folding a business letter.)  Even though the inside designs are simpler, it still might be slightly difficult to read hand-writing over them so my solution was to adhere the N&T 4x6 journaling cards to the middle section and write on those.  If you're lacking journaling cards, trimmed down plain card stock works just fine, as does a larger sized index card--no cutting required!

 

 

I wanted to fancy up the insides a bit, although this step is not necessary.  It's best to keep it simple and stay away from bulky items.  Stickers, rub-ons, paper tape, vellum, and die cuts are fine choices.  I was even able to sneak in some chipboard in places (*but not too much or you may have to pay extra in postage).  I used a lot of sequins, too, and sewed them in place to be sure they weren't going anywhere.

 

 

Here, instead of a letter, I chose to have a more card-like layout with the large "it's a lovely day" design.  There's still room on the lower portio to write a brief salutation and sign my name.

 

 

When it came to the outside, I tried to keep it simple, though I still wanted to add a few pretty details to the front.  But since the idea of these is to go through the mail sans envelope, I had to be sure that all of my embellishments were firmly in place--and again, limited bulk.  Rub-ons are awesome for this!  I also used lots of stickers, dabbing extra glue on them since they're a tad thicker and heavier than standard mailing labels.  While this may not have been necessary after the extra glue, I stitched them into place--just to be safe!

 

 

You might be seeing all the embellishments piled onto the woodgrain note and wondering what's the deal there.  Well, I just couldn't stop myself from layering on the embellishments!  And, if you really want to use an envelope, how about a glassine envelope?!  (They'll go through the mail just like nontransparent ones do.)

 

 

For the flap, simple label stickers will do just fine.  And an option for keeping your contents private:  Small, clear, round seals to fold over the sides.

 

 

Because I didn't want to have you go to all the trouble to make these sweet things, only to find out they will be "returned to sender" should you try to mail them, I made an extra note to send to myself as a test.  And guess what?  I got it back fully intact!  I sent it through the US Mail on Friday and received it on Saturday.  It was delivered just as any other regular card would be.  There were a few scuffs, but otherwise, all was in place and nothing fell off!

 

 

I do hope you'll join me in bringing back letter-writing--it only takes a few minutes and is a wonderful way to brighten someone's day.

 

 

Three Unlikely Ways :: Notes & Things Mixed Tags

Often times, when thinking about paper crafting supplies and how to use them, there is infinite potential to be had! So, for this brand new feature, 3 Ways, we invited our CP Gals to show off three techniques using a CP product of their choice. First on stage {Marie Lottermoser}–Notes & Things Mixed Tags.

.......

I like to keep a variety of shipping tags in a little bowl on my desk. They come in handy for so many things and I find myself reaching for them time and time again. Here's just three ways I like to use them.

1. Organizing Supplies

 If you're anything like me, your workspace can quickly turn into a mess and it's easy to forget where you put things. Using a shipping tag clipped to a storage box is an easy way to remind you of what's inside, and the best part is they can be changed often when you get new supplies.

2. Gift Tags

I love using tags to add a small note with a present. In this case, I used a rub-on from the Notes and Things collection to add a little message to a friend.

3. Journal Spots

When I don't have a ton of journaling to do on a layout, a shipping tag filled out with my typewriter can be just the right size.

So, There's a few ideas on how I use them! Do you have any suggestions for new ways to use shipping tags?