Altered Block Graphic 45 Topography

                     

I love Graphic 45 and when I needed to make an altered block for a swap I couldn't wait to use topography! I also picked up some little glass bottles, a big brass key, crocheted flower and a drawer pull. The first thing I did was glue the paper on each side and inked the whole block. Then I made the pin cushion out of a vintage silver jello mold. I stared that out by cutting a small circle of lace fabric and sewed the edges together making a opened ended ball shape. On the open end I pushed the stuffing through and pulled the thread tight. It reminded me of a hot air balloon shape. I hot glued the ball to the bottom of the jello mold. It turned out perfect for the top of the block. I think my partner liked it..I sure had fun making it!

Organized Scrap Room

I think back to how many places I've had a "scrap room" in my house and laugh. What was I thinking? My bedroom, an entry hall (we never used), half of the kids play room, dining room and...finally...a room all it's own..I took over the kids toy room! It's a perfect space, just off 

the living room. Our house is really old, so it has many rooms. I came to realize if 

I wanted to get serious about creating I needed a place where I could...

                                                       1. See my creative supplies. 

                                                       2. Have a big work surface

                                                       3. Have good lighting

                                                       4. Not be closed off from the rest of the house/family

In all the other places I never utilized any of my supplies. My stuff just sat in bins and drawers. My new place works because I never feel like I am closed off to what the rest of the family is doing. That sounds weird but it really works for me. I converted our old entertainment unit into a craft supply cabinet. I also re-purposed a dresser and made my own Silhouette table from a metal file holder cart. I LOVE my area because everything has a place. I have labels on everything. When you don't know what you have, I think it's harder to create. I can't wait for the kids to outgrow their toys then I can take over the 4 seasons closet next to my creative space! I used to be a crop scrapper. I only really scrapbooked when I went away to crops and my stuff would be packed away until the next one.

I organize my embelishments by color in zippered "worm bags". They more sturdy than a plastic sand which bag and come in various sizes. They are perfect for compact storage! 

I have one bag for every color. There are basically three categories..metal,
ribbon and other (paper & flowers). 

I organize my paper also by color unless I have embellishments that go 

with the paper. Then I use a plastic folder from Crop Hopper. I find that when everything is organized I create better because I know what I have and where it is. I don't waste time looking..
Here's hoping you can get organized and start creating! :)