Weight Loss Journal

What better way to start off the New Year than with a New Year's Resolution!! So, I decided to begin my journey back to size 12 and chart my progress along the way!

To make this handy little book, you will need 6 brown coin envelopes, 2 pieces of chipboard (4x6) ink, and any other embellishments you choose.

First, remove the flap from each envelope and ink the front, back and edges of each one. Use a small punch to punch out a semi-circle at the opened end of each envelope (this will make it easier to remove the contents!). Next cut six 3x4.5 pieces of patterned paper and adhere one piece to the front of each envelope. Be sure not to adhere it directly in the middle as it may interfere with the binding. Add a tag on to keep track of your measurements and I used three rimmed circle stickers to record my monthly weigh-ins! Be creative with you embellieshements keeping in mind what information you want to record each month.

Once your pages are finished, adhere patterened paper to the front and back of both of you pieces of chipboard. Don't forget to think of a cute title :) I used a Zutter Bind-It-All to bind, my book, but you can use ribbon, jump rings or any other method you choose!

So here I go on my journey....wish me luck :)

P.S. I plan to put a photo in each envelope every month so that I can see my progress.

Hope you've enjoyed today's project!

Racquel

Valentine Themed Mini Book

This ia a little something that I cooked up for my hubby for Valentines Day! Is is very easy to make and makes a great personalized gift for that special someone!

First think of 5 (or more) things that you love about your special someone. For me, I thought of little things that my husband may not know that I notice :) For example (shown below), Thank you for....driving me to work - eventhough it makes you late!

Another page reads, Thank you for letting me sleep in the middle of the bed - eventhough you have to squish to one side.

To create the book, I used five pieces of chipboard that are 3'' x 3''. I covered each piece with a Valentine's Day themed paper and used stamps, brads, and sticker to embellish. For a more personalized touch, I chose to hand write my sentiments on each page. I punched a hole in the top left hand corner of each pae and used a metal ring to keep the pages together. Adding an eyelet to each hole makes the project look more polished :)

Lastly, I tied some coordinating ribbon to the metal ring and my project was complete! Give it a try...I would love to see your interpretations of this project!!! Thanks for looking!!!

Racquel

Valentine's Day Lollipop Treats

I always try to do something a little different and scrappy for my girl's Valentine's Day cards for their classmates. So when I found this idea in the current issue of Scrapbook etc., I had to give it a try and it turned out great. All you need is a lollipop, a scalloped punch and a circle punch, ribbon, some adhesive and a marker.

Simply layer your circle on the scalloped circle and attach with adhesive. Use a journalling pen to add the names onto the inner circle. Attach another scalloped circle to the back and tie a small piece of ribbon on the stick. It is as easy as it sounds!!! Give it a try.

OPTIONAL: Get a vase and put some florist foam in the bottom. Add some "sizzle" or tissue paper to hide the foam and then stick your lollipops inside. Now you have a cute little flower-pop display!!!

Hope you've enjoyed today's project! Enjoy the weekend!

Racquel

Handmade Christmas Ornaments

These ornaments are so easy to make and look great on the Christmas tree. Each one is made with a silver lid on that is found on the top of a can of frozen juice.

First, wash and dry the lid. Then cut two 6.5cm circles from your choice of patterned paper or solid cardstock and adhere the circles to either side of the juice lid. Next, embellish one or both sides of your ornament with stamps and stickers. Last, punch a whole in the top and add a string for hanging on the tree.

ALTERNATIVE: Because of the thickness of the lid, I have to use the Crop-A-Dile Big Bite II to punch the hole. If you don't own this tool, before you adhere your circle to the lid, use a liquid adhesive to attach your string to the lid, once it dries, you can attach the circle.

Thank for looking,

Racquel

Kraft Paper Bag Album Tutorial

This album is made with three brown paper bags folded in half to create a six page album.

Step One - Making the Album

• Take your 3 paper bags and fold them in half .
• Rotate the middle bag so that the opening is facing the opposite direction.
• Use a stapler with extended reach to attach your bags together. (You can also punch holes and use ribbon for a different look)

Step Two - Creating the Pages

• Cut enough paper to cover each page. For this album, I cut two 5x5.5 pieces of patterned paper for the front and back cover and six 5x5.5 pieces for the inner pages.
• Adhere your papers to each page.
• Cut and adhere a 4x5 mat for each page. I inked the sides to make the mat stand out.
• Add your photos

Step Three - Embelish!

• Use your embellishments to decorate your pages. I used the October Afternoon Night Light cardstock stickers.
• Use the pockets to add more pictures or journaling.

Hope you've enjoyed today's project! Thanks for looking!!!

Racquel

Envelope Album ~ Tutorial

I love making these albums!!!

They take a little time, but the end result is always worth it!

STEPS:

To create this album, you will have to make two templates. First take a medium sized envelope and open it up to create the first template. I use a 5.5x7 envelope, but you can use whatever size you choose. Trace your template onto a piece of double sided cardstock and cut it out. I used paper from Sasafrass Lass' Bungle Jungle Collection. Use a scoring tool and a ruler to recreate the envelope's score lines. This will be your INNER envelope.

For the OUTER envelope, take original envelope and lay it onto a piece of cardstock. Using the envelope as a guide, trace another envelope that is about 1/4 - 1/2 an inch larger than the original. Once you cut it out, add your score lines just as you did with the inner envelope.

To make the accordion album, cut a rectangular piece of cardstock that you can fold into three equal parts. The size of your album will vary depending on the size of you envelope; I used a 4x12 piece. Score and fold to create the accordion album. Cut and adhere a mat for each section of the accordion album, then add your photos.

After you add your photos and embellishments, adhere the accordion album to the inner envelope, and then adhere the inner envelope to the outer envelope. You can use Velcro to keep your album closed.

Optional: Add a cute embellishment to the closure that hints at the theme of your album :)

TIP: To fold: Close the inner envelope first by folding the sides, bottom and then the top in that order. Repeat the same order the fold the outer envelope.

I hope you'll give this project a try! Thanks for looking!

Racquel

Thank You Magnet

This gift magnet was very easy to make and doubles as a great little gift!

Simply take a small envelope and open it up to create your template. Then, use the template and trace the envelope shape onto a double sided cardstock (I used papers from Sassafras Sweet Marmalade kit).

Once your template is cut, re-create the original envelope folds using a ruler and a scoring tool.

Then measured the inside back panel of the envelope to determine the size of your magnet; make sure that it will fit inside.

Cut the background from a colored paper and add a piece of cardstock in an accent colour ( I chose red) to your design.

Add a coordinating flower and use letter brads and stickers to spell out a sentiment of your choice.

Use some rhinestones or any other embellishment to complete the design.

To make the yellow bow, just take a piece of scrap paper, ink the edges, fold it and attached it with a stapler.

Once your design is complete, cut a piece of magnet that is the same size of the background paper and adhered it to the back.

You can find sheets of thin magnet that can be cut and found at your local dollar store.

To insert the magnet into the envelope, just cut small slits in the top left and bottom right corners. Once your magnet is inside....voila.....your work is complete!!

Racquel

Reward Charts for Kids & Altered Treat Tin

Well, I purchased the Sweet Marmalade Collection Kit by Sassafras and I was so pleasantly surprised! The colours and patterns were beautiful and I decided to use the kit to make a few creations for my little girls. My first two projects were reward charts for each of them. Both charts are 11.5 X11.5 mounted on a piece of 12 X 12 white chipboard with double sided tape.

The pink symmetrical floral pattern of Candied was perfect for laying out the grid pattern that I needed for the design that I had in mind. I simply evenly spaced out each lady bug and used 1/4 inch strips of cardstock to create a grid pattern. I adhered the strips with double sided tape and then used my sewing machine to add the yellow stitching across each green strip.

I mounted the words "I Can" with a piece of chipboard covered with coordinating cardstock, then I inked the edges to make it pop. The stickers for the title came from the same kit. I attached a snap at the end of each green strip and used brads to separate the ladybugs.

For the next chart I wanted something different , so I looked through the papers, and boy was I inspired! I took the Sugary Sweet patterned paper and used the design as the basis for this chart. Again, I used 1/4 inch strip of green cardstock to divide my page, and because I knew what I wanted my daughter to use her chart for, I only needed four green strips.

In order to make the strips go under the red flower, I had to cut the shape from the second piece of paper that was in the kit. Once it was cut out, I attached the green strips with double sided tape, stitched along each one, inked the flower and attached it to the page. The butterflies are also adhered with Velcro circles.

For the title, I decided to mount each letter on circle punched from a piece of coordinating cardstock. Again, I inked the edges to make it pop! To attach the charts on the wall, I used a reusable adhesive called HandiTak. It will hold it forever, and when you take it off...there will be no marks or residue on your wall!!

My last creation was a treat tin. Again I used double-sided tape to adhere the patterned paper. I stamped the title and used dimensional letters to add variety. I had to use Stazon ink for the stamping because the stickers have a glossy coating and I wanted to ensure that it wouldn't smudge. The word "emergency" is stamped using regular ink as it was done on regular cardstock. I embellished with a brad centered flower and I used the trim from the Sugary Sweet paper to create a nice border.

Hope these inspire you to try to use the natural designs of your papers to inspire your layouts/projects : )

Racquel