Crate Paper

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: 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.

  

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Summer Countdown Calendar - Adrienne Alvis

We love this countdown-to-school idea from CP Gal, Adrienne Alvis; a Boy's Rule summer bucket list activity board! It's a great way to say good-bye to the season while preparing for the upcoming school year.

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My kiddos are headed back to school in a couple of weeks, so I decided to create a fun countdown calendar to keep track of how many days we have left to enjoy the freedom of summer.

I chose some of my favorite journaling cards and embellishments from the Boys Rule collection and created this countdown to the first day of school.

I layered die cut pieces, chipboard frames and stickers, and an assortment of various alpha stickers and made a tag for each day.

I arranged the tags on an open frame that has wires to clip things to and used some of the Boys Rule printed clothespins to secure some of the cards.

I numbered the cards 1-10 and wrote a little activity on the back that we could do each day before school starts like "go on a picnic", "buy school supplies", and "go out for ice cream".

This countdown calendar is a fun way to get everyone ready for back to school.  It also provides a reason to get out and do the things on your summer bucket list that you may not have had a chance to do!

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Boys Rule Desk Accessories - Ashley Marcu

 

These boy-worthy desk accessories from CP Gal, Ashley Marcu, are a great reminder that sometimes, homework is a perfect excuse to be crafty! Any desk would be a fun place to hang out when partnered with a little bit of creativity, and Crate Paper.

 

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Getting ready to start the school year is a great time to organize and freshen up desk accessories at home. I decided to make a new pencil jar for my son's desk using the Boy's Rule collection.

 

 

I started with a blue Ball jar and painted the inside with a creamy white paint to match the neutrals in Boy's Rule.

 

 *Tip: When painting do several thin layers and let them dry really well between coats. 

 

I mixed and matched a few Boy's Rule embellishments that added a fun pop of color, with words that will encourage him as he works.

 

 

The embellishments were adhered together and then attached to the jar with a paper clip.

 

 

Next up, I couldn't help but make a coordinating collage. I focused on bright colors with lots of textures and interesting and inspiring things to look at. I mounted the collage on card stock, just like a card, to stand up on his desk. If your space allows for it this would also make great wall art placed in a simple frame.

 

 

The combination of the pencil jar and collage will be sure to freshen up his desk for the school year and inspire him to sit down and create special things of his own.

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: First Day Layout - Ginny Hughes

 

With the snap of a camera and many-a-photo later, the first day of school often calls for a layout, if not an entire scrapbook album. Here to share her daughter's 'middle school' moment alongside a fresh, geometric layout on the subject is CP Gal, Ginny Hughes.

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Hello Everyone! Ginny Hughes here today to share a layout I created about my oldest heading to middle school this Fall. In thinking about her taking this next academic step, I wonder how it is we got here so quickly? It is a big change for her and I wanted to take a moment to document the special occasion.

In starting my layout, first, I grabbed the geometric paper, 'Big Sky', from the Open Road collection. I prepared it as the background of the layout.  I then located the Boys Rule 6x6 paper pad and trimmed an assortment of triangles to overlap those found on the background.  I propped the pre-trimmed triangles accordingly using pop dots. They lend dimension and visual interest.

Ultimately, I was shooting for the 'graphic' look and I successfully delivered it with the two Crate Paper collections, Open Road and Boys Rule.

I added a photo and some journaling at the top of the page because I didn't want to hide too much of the awesome background paper! I continued adding lots of layers using a vast variety of fun items, including journaling tags, stickers, patterned paper, and vellum.

After a bit of sewing, I called it quits! The layout turned out as I had hoped it would...

New schools, new grades, and the first day of kindergarten–These are big moments in a child's life. It's important to document them all before it's too late. Have a great start to the school year!

Back-to-School CP Project Inspiration: Back Pack Gift Boxes - Ashley Cannon Newell

It can be a lot of fun to treat a new child to a special gift upon the arrival of the first day of school. These sweet little CP back packs from Ashley Cannon Newell make for a perfect spot to tuck away a surprise gift for a student, or teacher!

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The school bell will soon be ringing for many students (if not already). So, I've prepared some back to school back pack gift boxes that parents, fellow students, teachers, or other education professionals can use. I made a couple of gift boxes - one for a boy and the other for a girl - to hold back to school supplies. But, you can also use these boxes as teacher gifts to hold a gift card or other goodies too.

To make the gift box, you will need the following supplies:

patterned paper

a box or create your own paper box

embellishments

velcro

scissors

strong adhesive

decorative dies/stencils

pencil

scoring tool

paper trimmer

>>> DIRECTIONS <<<

- Measure all your paper to fit the box front, sides, and back and top flap. Cut flap by using    a die as a stencil for a decorative edge.

- Remove the top of the box with scissors.

- Score patterned paper pieces that will wrap around the box.

- Cover box with patterned paper. Start with the sides, then cover the front and back.

- Add velcro behind the flap to have a secure closure.

- Add goodies.

On the boy gift box, I used the Boys Rule collection. I love how the 'Attaboy' patterned paper couples so well with the 'Pow' paper. I added the wood embellishment as a focal point and the stars for decoration.

These cute boxes can also be used year round as a reward for kids. If they score a good grade or get into an organization, this would be a great way to say "congratulations!"

Here is a view of the back. The straps are simply two pieces of cardstock. I love how the checkerboard pattern in the 'Cool Kid' paper contrasts with the pop of red.

Here is a peek at the top of the box opened. I cut a piece of velcro and adhered it to the box and the box top.

I filled my boxes with an eraser, glue stick, box of crayons, and a notepad.

I also made a girly version. The femininity in the Oh Darling collection is perfect for the darling student.

I used a die to trace the shape and hand cut in order to get the decorative edge on the box top.

I used Skinny Taste's stevia box, but you can use any box you may have sitting around your home that could be upcycled. You can also create your own box from cardstock too.

On the back of the girl's back pack gift box, I used patterned paper for the straps and love how you can two patterns.

Get ready to treat your kids or teachers with these cute gift boxes. They will surely love them. But, don't forget to have fun along the way!

Nerd Love: Two Collections, Two Layouts - CP Gal Anabelle O'Malley

One of my favorite things to do is to decorate my Filofax planner each week. I have so many scrapbooking supplies and washi tape, so it was a natural extension to use them in my planner. I haven't succumbed to the digital age of planning and love being able to write down my to-do lists and engagements. Additionally, I share my spreads on Instragram and am involved with several Facebook groups. My friends and family totally don't get my obsession and, yes, I view myself as a total Planner Nerd!

I decided to use elements from the Boys Rule and Oh Darling lines to document some of my favorite planner spreads. I love how the elements from both lines combine so easily. Here is my page.

I started off by creating a mixed media background. I have been learning some new techniques and love how the background complements the vintage feel of the collections. I started by spreading Gesso onto my cardstock. Next, I added mists and blended them together. I used modeling paste and a stencil to add some texture. Then, I added color using some Neocolor II crayons.

Next, I added a piece of the star vellum from the Boys Rule line. It was the perfect way to add some pattern without covering up the background too much. After this, I selected a few die cut elements from both collections. Both lines have some neutral elements that worked perfectly on my page. I love the glitter Thickers that accompany the collections and used them to create my title.

Finally, I added my photos. I love the banner look and created it by adhering my photos with foam adhesive. I topped them off with clothespins from the Boys Rule line. Again, the neutraility of the patterns fit perfectly with my color scheme.

My next page uses the Boys Rule line to highlight my son's obsession with Minecraft. This kid is a Gamer–big time! He would live on the computer, building his world and playing online with his friends. Sometimes, I'll watch him as he has the laptop on with the game, his iPod playing a Youtube video showing him how to build something, and the phone with the speaker on so he can talk to his friends while he plays. It's crazy! But, he loves it.

I love creating pages using a grid layout. The chipboard frames from the collection are so perfect for achieving this design. I laid them out, along with my photo and then started embellishing. First, I chose the elements that reflected the Gamer theme. There are lots of them in the collection. I added some diamond glaze to the wood veneer pieces to give them an enameled look.

This frame was embellished with some of the stickers and the fun 'zap' chipboard piece.

And this one uses the wonderful acrylic stars. I love the added texture that they give my page. Clipped to the photo is a small chipboard tag. If you are as old as I am, you'll remember the Atari video games and their logo. This tag reminded me so much of that, so I knew I had to include it.

Finally, I created my title using the clear alphas. Adding some stitching and gems gave them some fun detail and tied in more colors that I used on the page.

As you can see, the Boys Rule line can stand alone or it can be combined with Oh Darling. Thanks for stopping by today and letting me share our obsessions with you!

Crate Petite: Mini Recyclables - CP Gal Jeanette Lee

Hello! This is Jeanette, bringing you the last installment of the Crate Paper's Petite series. Have you ever wondered what true potential might be had from leftover scrapbook packaging? Often times, we admire the beautiful embellishments that come inside all that pretty packaging and leave it at that. We dispose of any excess and move on. I find this routine rather wasteful and so, I've been trying to recycle my packaging for future use. Hence, the purpose of today's post is to present ideas for revamping leftovers - 'Go small, aim high'!

I started with this mini shadow box - filled to the brim with laser-cut wood pieces, it was the perfect packaging choice. The box itself reminded me of the infamous 'shadow box' used for featuring photos and other little assemblies. I thought this smaller version 'shadow box' would be fabulous as a mini album for a special loved one.

I mounted the shadow box on a cardboard base with strong adhesive and from there, I measured the size of each square and adorned them with brightly colored patterned paper.

 

Each square measured almost 2" wide - I felt it important the details take center stage, including the hand-selected patterned papers. So, each square highlights one major embellishment and other small items such as buttons, jewels and phrases.

The finishing touches were placed on decorating the cover - this particular cover conveys the joy and delight of my niece who just turned three years old. I can imagine her petite hands admiring the contents inside the album.

Had you noticed the sequin pocket? The transparent piece used to create it was recycled from a scrapbook item, too. The sequin pocket is a surprise element of cuteness! I can't get enough of sequins!

I created another album similar to the previous one. From the looks of the theme and content, you might assume it's for a young boy - you're half right. This album is dedicated to my current favorite game app, Clash of Clans.  I'm a game addict at heart. It's something that seems ironic considering how my scrapbook style differs from my actual personality, but it is very much me and embraces who I am as a person. Because the game is a part of my life, I felt it worth documenting.

I printed a saying of the game onto photo paper - and I stand by it firmly. I completed the album with embellishments that suit the 'video game' theme. One of my favorite techniques used was the placement embellishments on top the shadow box itself. It's a great way to generate more interest and depth while highlighting some elements more than others. Embellishments tend to come off "flat" inside a shadow box. It's important to break away from that monotony and give rise to 'layers'. It'll serve to heighten your piece.

After finishing the shadow box albums, I took recycled packaging another direction and tried applying it to a layout. These clear dimensional plastic covers are common sight in my scrapbook stash - it'd be a pity to not use them!

Using patterned paper and my collected covers, I arranged them in a grid-like pattern. Because the covers are bulky, I felt it best to compartmentalise them via two sections. This allowed each one to have it's own focus.

Embellishing each cover was a simple process - I envisioned them as memory keepsake pockets, or interactive shaker boxes. So, I tucked beneath them phrase labels and relevant embellishments. Thereafter, I attached them to the layout with washi tape. 

When faced with a stash of discarded packages, consider giving them a second chance. With a little creativity, these items have infinite value and potential!

 

Nerd Love: Two Time Traveling Layouts - CP Gal Lisa Dickinson

Today's Nerd Love feature caters two BRAND NEW layouts and the popular British Television series, Dr.Who - here to entertain the fun topic and grid-inspired layouts is CP Gal, Lisa Dickinson.

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My son has always been a total bookworm, preferring to read over any other playtime activity. He's a great studen as well, and often researches random topics outside of class (like quantum physics and time travel theory) just for fun. He's also obsessed with the BBC television show, Dr.Who. So the topic of Nerd Love was a perfect opportunity for me to document some of his more "nerdy" tendencies with the Boys Rule collection.

My first layout features various photos of my son as we typically see him - with his nose in a book or searching the internet! I also included a photo of him with his many academic awards earned at school. I've incorporated the photos with small scraps of patterned papers and journaling card, all cut into squares and fit together much like a puzzle. Once the biggest pieces were in place, I pulled out some of the many embellishments and accents in the Boys Rule line and used them to fill in some of the remaining spaces.

On several of the squares, I included typed journaling as well as quotes about nerds. Since my son is a self-proclaimed nerd (and proud of it!) I knew he would enjoy reading this little snippets as well as the personal journaling. It's easy to find quotes applicable to your layout with a quick Google search. In my case, I just searched for "nerd quotes" and came up with lots of options.

Because my grid design was constructed of mostly square and rectangle shapes (and other straight lines!) I opted to mix in a few circles to soften all the straight edges just a bit. Punched card stock and some of the circular wooden veneer accents contrast nicely with the squares and keep the design from looking to blocky. They also provided an ideal spot to sprinkle in a few star sequins for just a touch of sparkle.

On several of the chipboard accents, I adhered them with foam adhesive, which adds dimension and helps draw attention to certain focal points of the page. Since the eye is naturally drawn to the popped up elements, they help to guide the viewer through each part of my design.

For my second page, I've used another variation of the grid design, but this time it's a more organized and linear arrangement. To highlight my son's love of Dr.Who, I've chosen some photos of him dressed as the doctor and displaying his favorite Dr.Who book, as well as other photos that reference characters and items in the show.

I first arranged my photos and a tag for my journaling. Then I left space for a die-cut title, which is the logo from the show that I traced and cut out on my Silhouette. Once I had all those crucial elements positioned in my grid, I began filling in the remaining spots with bright patterned papers and chipboard accents that coordinated with the photos.

Even though each block of this grid is different sized, and contains varied colors, patterns, and textures, I've tried to unify them with the same rounded corners and stitched borders. I also kept the margins between each block consistent, which creates an organized design.

All the small accents in the Boys Rule collection provided lots of options for embellishing this page. I layered stickers, chipboard, acrylic shapes, wood veneers, and die cuts to add plenty of texture and detail to the grid. I tried to keep the embellishments related to the base paper by color, so the end result isn't too busy or chaotic.

Thanks for joining me for this little celebration of Nerd Love today! I hope you've been inspired to document a beloved nerd in your life!

Nerd Love: Star Wars Take Two - CP Gal Melissa Stinson

This has by far been a subject of great popularity lately - 'Nerd Love'. It's a lifestyle that just about anyone can relate to, especially the CP Gal who inspired it, Melissa Stinson. Today, she's come with more Star War adventures and a weekly 'geek-centric' insert using the Crate Paper collection, Boy's Rule.

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As soon as Christine sent the design team schedule for this month and I saw that my March post had inspired the "Nerd Love" category, I knew that I had to take another shot at using the awesome Boy's Rule collection. As you can probably tell, I'm firmly convinced that this collection isn't just for boys - it's suitable for all geeks!

I'll start things off with a layout with more photos from the same Star Wars convention that I scrapped for last month's post. Given half a chance, I'd scrapbook Celebration photos all the time!

I've been having lots of fun lately scrapbooking layouts that are anything but 12 x 12, just for a change of pace, and I'm always amazed at just how quickly an 8.5 x 11 layout can be put together! My two photos are 3 x 4, and the design is a loose grid of sorts. Basically, I mentally picture how all of the pieces of a page would look if they were laid out in a neat, evenly manner, then move them together on the page until the corners and edges are either closely aligned or even overlap a bit. Items like the piece of star vellum in the background help to add more depth and interest to the page.

By the time I'd finished this page, my scrapping table looked like a happy pile of geekiness had exploded on it! Instead of cleaning up right away, I decided to dive in and make another project with all of the supplies that were already out. That lead to another completed week in my 2011 Project Life album (which I'm slowly but surely getting finished - just one more week to go!), and it was a week that showed just how geeky things get around our house.

This particular week was light on photos, so I had the chance to use some great filler cards from the Boy's Rule Journaling Card Set. Even though there are just a few pictures, though, they really tell quite a bit about my personality and also that of my husband - we really are quite the geeky pair, and it shows in everything from the picture of the Star Wars Legos in my office to pictures that he texted to me of his Master's degree in lab work.

From those awesome transparent letters to the rad printed wood veneers, I'm completely in love with using the Boy's Rule collection to document my own geek girl tendencies!