Scrap and Share

Altered Clipboard tutorial!!

2012-02-10T17:35:00.004-04:00

Just came across a tutorial I did awhile back for Create-It Green! Here is the LINK . Have fun!

CONTEST over at MLBOW Blog~! Easy and FUN!

2012-01-18T10:28:00.001-04:00

Little contest!

Hi Gals... Stephanie Hart, at the My Little Bit of Whimsy Blog has an easy contest going on! It's super simple and she has a fun little prize, too. Her stuff's adorable-- and she lives not 1 hr from me!
Go, see... and then enter!!
FUN CONTEST

Sketches: Creatively Yours has a DT call out!!

2012-01-07T15:54:00.002-04:00

Guess what?
We have a Design Team Call out over at Sketches: Creatively Yours.
Be sure to apply! S: CY is a no-stress environment so you'll love working there... lots of inspiration and sharing there!
Check it out!

Product Review: WRMK Albums!

2011-12-10T11:11:00.000-04:00

I reviewed albums by WRMK in 2008 when I was PR and Promotions director at Scrapbooker's Club House. I am happy to say that the product is still as good now as it was then. These are the ONLY type of albums that I use here. We have MANY of them and plan to buy more.

Here is a link to the article/review:
http://scrapbookersclubhouse.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/value-beauty-built-in-we-r-memory-keepers-albums/

Thanks for reading! ~ Ali

So excited!!

2011-10-04T11:14:00.002-03:00

Yesterday I had the absolutely wunnerful duty of announcing the NEW Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team! Go check it out!

Now here is where I get bossy, LOL! Read thru to the end for a special announceent that you, as a scrapbooker, altered item artist OR cardmaker, will NOT want to miss. Go, Go, Go!

LOL

Big ((HUGZ))-Ali

Hey Everyone!! Win scrappin' kits for a YEAR!

2011-03-06T16:29:00.003-04:00

WOW! Good luck everyone! CLICK HERE for details!

Enjoy~ Ali

DESIGN TEAM CALL at Sketches: Creatively Yours!

2011-02-27T13:39:00.001-04:00

Hop on over to Sketches: Creatively Yours for a brand new Sketch... and read about our March 2011 DT call!!
Please do apply, the time committment is NOT huge at all and we are a friendly place. Check it out here: S:CY Design Team Call

Hope to see you there, and then see your application!! ~ Ali

Another Tutorial!

2010-09-25T15:40:00.000-03:00

11. Altered Baking Powder Container: SNS Blog Sept, 2010

My tutorials Nov 2009-Nov 2010

2010-08-15T11:33:00.004-03:00

I have a goal of teaching 20 online Tutorials per year.
Here is where I will keep track:

1. Using Seed Beads in your scrapbooking - SNS Blog Aug 15, 2010 http://snsribbon.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/using-seedbeads-in-your-scrapbooking/

2. Easy Scallop-Circle Flowers- SNS Blog June 15, 2010 http://snsribbon.wordpress.com/2010/06/15/scallop-circle-flowers/

3. How to Make "Scruffy Posies" - SNS Blog May 15, 2010 http://snsribbon.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/how-to-make-scruffy-posies/

4. Scrappy Flowers from Patterned paper!- Scrap n Share Blog- April 29, 2010
http://scrapandshare.blogspot.com/index.html#7013278999799486335

5. Decorating a Kraft bag: transform into a Victorian Gift Bag- Dec 5, 2009

6. Decorating a Kraft bag: transform into a Boho style Gift Bag- Dec 5, 2009

7. How to make fun Egg Carton Flowers!- Dec 5, 2009

These are a combined tutorial, but for 3 different items.
http://scrapandshare.blogspot.com/index.html#2569694592908971944

8. How to make Big Fun Flowers out of a Baby's Sun Hat!- Feb 4, 2010 http://scrapandshare.blogspot.com/index.html#8983053819249804563

9. Asian Beauty Vase (A Basic chat on how-to)- Feb 14, 2010 http://scrapandshare.blogspot.com/index.html#1198115148677231543

10. Dual Use Card Caddy- Nov 14, 2009 http://scrapandshare.blogspot.com/index.html#7316916836626965906 This is the link t the blog. I cannot get the actual link to work so go to the Blog thru this link, scroll down, hit "OLDER POSTS" and when that comes up, scroll down to reach the FIRST post ever on that Blog. There is the Dual-Use Card Caddy Tut! TY!

Scrappy Flowers from Patterned Paper!

2010-04-29T13:46:00.000-03:00

I recently used the reverse of some older Piggy Tales patterned paper from the "Gretel" collection... because it was a solid colour that I needed.

The patterned side had flowers in pastel shades all over it- very pretty... and just too pretty to non-chalantly throw in the scrap bin. Since I was actually MAKING a project that was pastel-coloured (unusual for me!)...

1. I decided to cut out the flowers and see where that led!

2. I cut out some pretty flowers....

3. And a few more... you'll notice that I didn't avoid the "partial" flowers that were nearer the edge of the patterned paper...

4. Then I layered them, using 3M Scotch Scrapbooker's Glue.

5. Here is what I did with the "partial" flowers that were nearer the edge of the patterned paper... I fit 2 of them together and "repaired" them with 3M Scrapbooker's glue.

A] Here is one:

Ta-da!

B] And here is another:

6. I then added brad or button centre to the flowers, plus some tiny leaves cut from flowers purchased at the Dollar Store. Here is a cluster of flowers made from both "repaired" and as-is flowers:

7. Here is a single flower created from 2 whole cut-out flower motifs.

8. And here is what I created with my pretty flowers. It's a layout for my Mom-in-law, Christine, for a very simple, small album I am creating for her, for Mother's Day. The album is about HER Mom's pretty China, which had to stay in Germany with another relative when Chris' Mom passed away in early 2009.

"Memories"

Hope you liked this little tutorial!

Next time you're tidying your scrap area & before you drop patterned floral paper scraps into your scraps bin, hesitate a moment and think: What can *I* create with those patterned paper floral motifs?

You may be surprised and thrilled with the result!

Asian Beauty Vase

2010-02-14T19:32:00.000-04:00

I created this project for a Blog Hop at Creatively-Green, and am reposting it here for you all!

I am privileged to share with you today a project that embodies 3 things I really love:

1) Green crafting
2) Buttons and pearls
3) The Asian influences in decor items

I'm so excited to share this vase with you! I hope you like it.

1- A Febreeze container has been recycled into a vase (Peter, my DH trimmed the top portion off for me with his Exacto knife.) The leftover plastic was recycled and the pump discarded as per our province's recycling program.

2- All buttons are from my own collection: from a gift from my scrappy friend Helen H., old clothing & our secondhand store's button bin.

Note: Main adhesive to secure buttons to container was Elmer's Craft Bond. COVER work area WELL. Ventilate well. I rarely use this adhesive as it is in an aerosol can, but it was necessary for this project.

3- Hanging chain on pearl button was made of metal loops from discarded costume jewellery (ie: some dangly earrings that were WAY too long!)

4- Butterfly: from broken & discarded chinoise-style necklace.

5- Freshwater pearls: salvaged from broken formal necklace.

6- Sequins: not my "thing " but perfect here to camouflage edge of container. Were salvaged from a Dollar Store craft kit.

7- Curved chinoise-style black enamel-look decoration at top of vase is a barette, purchased from button bin (!) and saved for use in crafts...I think I paid 25 cents for it... Peter removed the clip portion for me with pliers. (TY again to Pete.)

8- To adhere the glass beads, iridscent shell-shaped sequins, freshwater pearls, and faux-pearl bead accents, I used ONE adhesive: Glossy Accents by Ranger. This also just added shine in any spot where it may have "shown." For this part of project, only ONE product was required to adhere multiple types of craft items. Convenient and FAST!

9- HUGE Mother of Pearl button: Guy's Frenchy's button bin- Wilmot, NS- adhered with a large Glue Dot. Butterfly also adhered with large glue dots.

10- Chain links were attached to pearl button, then a large Glue Dot was "wrapped" around the very last link of chain, which was "hidden" by affixing it between butterfly and large M-O-P button.

Thanks for looking, I really hope you like it!!

We have a WINNER!

2010-02-08T21:48:00.000-04:00

Hi ladies! Thanks for ALL the sweet comments and o those of you who also became followers during the recent Create it-GREEN Blog Hop! Such a fun time: really nice!

And... by Random Draw, the winner of the "Doodly-do's" mini album is scissorsandpaper!!!!

Please email me ASAP at pete ali @eastlink. ca (no spaces1) to send me your postal addy and I will get that in the mail for you, ASAP!!

CONGRATS!

Thank you all for a fun Hop!

How to make Big Fun Flowers out of a Baby's Sun Hat!

2010-02-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to this stop on the Create it-GREEN Valentine's "Repurpose with Love" Blog Hop!

If you came here by chance, why not go on back to the beginning of the Hop and follow it thru so you don't miss anything!? Here is the link. Happy hopping!

To thank you for visiting my Blog on the Hop, becoming a "Follower" and leaving a comment, I will put your name into a prize draw ! Here's the prize...

Ali's Blog Hop Prize (random draw)

"Doodly- do's" Mini-Reference Album designed & created by Ali MacDonald

It's a mini album I created all about doodling techniques and ideas for a class I taught! This mini album is 100% handmade, & super-sweet. It can be hung on your bulletin board for easy reference. HANDY!

I called that class on Doodling techniques "The Doodly- do's!" Good luck in the draw!

TUTORIAL:

How to make Big Fun Flowers out of a Baby's Sun Hat!
Today, I have a fun little project for you. It's really easy and involves making some really pretty flowers out of..... a BABY'S SUN HAT!!!!!

Now, I forgot to take a photo of the actual sun hat that I used. It was black velour with machine stitching on the scallop-edged brim. It was shaped sort of like these 2 hats, with a pretty "shaped" brim. It would have fit a 12-18 month old child.

A] Baby sun hat with shaped brim~

B] Baby sun hat with ruffled brim~

I found the sun hat at a second hand shop and knew right away that somehow, it'd make GREAT flowers. The embroidery detail, as you can see, only made it more eye-catching.

So... I bought it- for crafts. I think I paid .50-$1.00 for it.

GREEN TIP: When looking for fabric items to repurpose or upcycle, Keep an eye out for details that would be hard for you to recreate at home. Things like the machine embroidery on the sun hat are beyond my capability, yet I knew they'd be gorgeous! Beadwork, sequined designs, ribbon embroidery, etc.... are all in the same category.

OK: Let's make pretty flowers out of a baby's old sun hat!!

Gather your Supplies:

A baby or child-sized sun hat with a brim that is shaped. Mine had a scalloped edge

thread: (1) to match hat and (1) to match your buttons.

sewing needle

scissors suitable for cutting fabric

2 large buttons to coordinate or contrast with the fabric on the hat's brim

(My buttons were 1 1/8" in diam.)

Step 1]

Cut the entire brim off the sun hat by cutting around the base of the cap portion of the hat. Then, cut the brim into two equal portions, because you will be making 2 flowers. Each piece will look like this:

Step 2]

Using a long piece of thread that matches the brim of the hat, (black or navy blue in this case) sew a "running stitch" about 1/2" from the raw edge, all the way along the brim.

Step 3]

Now, gently pull up the running stitch. This will "gather" the brim into a shape like that below.

Don't knot off and cut the thread yet!

Can you see the beginnings of a flower?

There is a flower in there! LOL

Step 4]

Match the two ends of the flower shape, by folding it as you see below, right sides together. Make the 2 edges even and then use the thread you have going to stitch the two ends together.

Now, I KNOW I said not to knot off the thread after gathering and before stitching this part. I find it easier to just keep going, but you may find it easier to knot off your gathered thread portion, then start afresh with a new thread when you complete the flower shape by joining the ends. This is your choice. :o)

Step 5]

Once you have sewn the edges together, the underside of your flower shape will look like this:

Step 6]
The right side of your flower will look like this:

Notice that I have a button ready to accent the flower?
GREEN TIP: My big ruby-red buttons both came from the button bin at the second-hand shop!

Step 7]

Thread up a needle and knot a piece of thread that matches your big button.
GREEN TIP: The thread here is one of the leftover spools that my mom brings to me from her sewing business. She knows that this way, no end-of-spool bits of thread get wasted!

Step 8]

On the back, stitch the "circle" closed. This simply gives a "firmer" area for the button to be sewn to.

Poking your needle thru to the right side of the flower, sew on the button. Knot thread well. Snip thread close to knot.

Step 9]

Flip flower over.

Repeat steps 1-8 with other piece of hat brim.
Guess what?

Step 10]

Admire your handiwork!

GREEN TIP: You have created 2 beautiful flowers that you can use on scrapbook pages, as home decor (ie: embellish a pillow or a bulletin board), to top a gift, or to decorate an altered item!

Enjoy!

After this STOP on the HOP, you should proceed to Tanya's Blog!

Oh-- before I forget....The special "Key word" for you to collect here at my blog stop is the word: "GO." (Hey, that's pretty funny! LOL)
Thanks for stopping by! Remember to Create it-GREEN and to always "Scrap and Share!"

Have a wunnerful time on our Blog Hop!

Repurpose with LOVE Blog Hop!

2010-02-04T09:34:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to let all my scrappy friends know that Create it-GREEN has a Blog Hop coming up this weekend-- SATURDAY FEB 6 to be exact!

Please join us!

You'll start off at the Create it-GREEN blog then hop to lots of fun places where you'll see fun LOVE themed projects and gain some ideas for creating some beautiful and fun items. So come on- Hop along with us!

The winner is: Linda!!

2009-12-08T08:12:00.000-04:00

Linda, you have won the set of 3 wooden corner stamps! They are a flourish, a swirl and a curved vine w/ leaves- I am sure you'll love them.

Please email me your postal mailing address so that I can get the prize in the mail this week! Mail from Canada can be slow (ARGH!) so don't be surprised if it takes a week or two to get to you. Then, enjoy it!

pete ali@ eastlink.ca (w/ no spaces)

Thanks to all who visited and commented during the Blog hop!

Transforming a Kraft bag into a Victorian Gift Bag -AND- How to create a Bohemian Style Gift Bag!

2009-12-05T09:50:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my post for the FIRST EVER Create it-GREEN Christmas Blog Hop!

I bet you've enjoyed the previous tutorials and gorgeous projects from the previous stops on the create it-GREEN Blog hop! You should be arriving here from Jan's blog.

If you missed the previous post, or any posts, please head on over to Create it-GREEN and start fresh! The official starting time was 12 noon EST and we will go until 10 PM EST tonight!
As a learning junkie, I LOVE that!! So much information and so many creative ideas to soak up.

I appreciate you visiting and have a special chance at winning a prize for participants who take the time to leave a comment here on the Blog. What's the prize? Well, a set of three beautiful corner stamps- they are so "in fashion" right now and will be as useful as can be! Here is a picture of the prize you are eligible to win by leaving a comment:

Now, when I say a "Kraft gift bag"- you know what I mean, the paper-bag coloured ones that have the nice sturdy twisted raffia handles. I just love these, one can do so much with them! I recently received 2 with a gifts in them and quickly set them aside for JUST such a project.

Here are the items we are being green by recycling today as we decorate our gift bags:

1- 2 Kraft gift bags
2- An egg carton
3- Ribbon bits; plus one long piece of wide ribbon
4. Old buttons of various sizes
4- Old jeans (denim fabric scraps)

First, gather up what you need to decorate your Bohemian-style Christmas Gift Bag!

A RAFFIA HANDLED KRAFT GIFT BAG:

OK, let's get hoppin' here at Scrap and Share! My Blog Hop Project is a true "green" one.

Today, I am going to show you how to recycle 2 Kraft gift bags- creating 2 very different-styled gift bags.

RIBBON SCRAPS:

scraps of denim (old jeans)
egg carton
scissors, glue dots & glue

Here's what to do:
Cut some jeans fabric into a TALL TRIANGLE.
Fray the lower edge of the triangle using a seam ripper to catch the threads to pull out...or any other "fraying-method" you like.

Embellish your denim tree.

Apply the ribbons and trims the way you like to the denim tree with glue. I use MM Ribbon Glue. Using SHARP scissors, trim off any edges that need trimming after the glue has "set" a bit.

Set denim tree aside.

Make your flowers. Here is how I did mine:

Cut about 4-5 EGG CARTON CUPS from an egg carton.

There is no "rule" about how to do this.

If you look closely, the pic shows how I "marked mine" with a marker and that's where I cut the carton cup.

Then I just shaped the petals freehand with my scissors- curved them....

Can then ink the egg cup petals if you like.

In one case (the red flower) I ended up layering, as you can see in the pic below.

Then glue on a button centre.Use large glue dots or Mono multi liquid glue to apply the flowers to the bag in a cluster.
Apply the tree to the Kraft bag as well. Add a star or pretty button as a tree-topper.

FINISHED BOHEMIAN CHRISTMAS GIFT BAG:

Let's go in a different direction now...and create a FANCY VICTORIAN version of the Kraft Christmas Gift Bag!

To make the Victorian version of the gift bag, you will need a few more basic items.

A KRAFT RAFFIA-HANDLED GIFT BAG:

PINK ribbon scraps chosen from the scrap ribbon pile.

Plus some buttons!

Close up of what I did with my ribbon scraps is seen below. Easy Peasy!> Use Glue Dots- that is the easiest way to get those buttons to stick well.

I then used 2 different sets of BasicGrey pink lettering to get enough vowels to write"Be Merry!" but it didn't matter- they were close enough in the pink range. Added a nice thick coat of sparkly Diamond Stickles (Ranger) to the lettering. Let dry.

WIDE RIBBON- I dug thru my stash til I found some wide ribbon/lace trim that my Mom had sent along from one of her crafty projects. I tied it int a wide flat bow on the handle of the bag..

FINISHED VICTORIAN GIFT BAG:

Thanks for visiting! I look forward to your comments. One lucky commentator will win the set of 3 wooden Corner Stamps posted about at the beginning of the post. The draw will be random. Good Luck: The stamps are so pretty and so handy! I have a set too...!

Now, hop on over to the very talented Tanya's Blog and see what she has to create with you! Remember: keep on being GREEN in all you do! :o)

Create it-GREEN Blog Hop!

2009-11-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

Create it-GREEN has a Christmas Blog Hop coming up this weekend!

The Blog Hop starts at 12 noon EST on Saturday, December 5th.

Each blog owner will post a "green" holiday project. Mark your calendar!

Design Team Position at Create it-GREEN!

2009-11-29T01:02:00.001-04:00

I made it! I am officially a member of the DT at CI-G!

Very excited! As such, I am linking this blog to my other blogs so that the info it contains is easily accessible.

Thanks for sharing my excitement and this wonderful, crafty, "GREEN" journey!

Keep it green!! ~ Ali

Tutorial #1~ Dual-Use Card Caddy

2009-11-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

My sister Alex is expecting a baby end of Jan/early Feb 2010! My other sister, Mary, is hostessing a baby Shower for Alex Nov 28th. I can't be there but wanted to send a special handmade gift. This is the first of 3 items I crafted for her.

I wanted her to have some simple handmade cards to send as TY notes. So I made a set of five.
Here is a sample.

I used scraps of Oh Baby! Boy from BasicGrey and stamped a "Thanks" greeting on them.
Green practices for this portion of Create it-Green DT entry:

#1. Use of SCRAPS for CARDS that go inside caddy.

#2. Using a "THANKS!" STAMP instead of stickers to title the 5 cards. That way fewer backing papers from stickers or lettering go into the landfill. Stamps are reusable therefore an earth friendly idea.
Green Practices for coming portion of DT Entry:

#3. I decided to decorate the box the cards came in, to transform it into a dual use card-caddy. The duality ensures that the caddy does not end up in a landfill once the caddy is empty. It will have a second use.

#4. Parts of the purchased craft kit that will not be used are in a bin, to be given to Pony Club for crafts on Monday, Nov 16th.

#5. Recycled a small pce of sandpaper from Pete's toolbox- saved it from hitting the garbage can.

#6. Scraps of patterned paper from my 'leftovers bin' were used to embellish front and back of caddy atop the CS layer.

#7. Mixed different colours of BasicGrey lettering and caps/lower case letters to make the necessary words, rather than breaking out a NEW letter-sticker sheet.

How To Make the Caddy:

To make the caddy for the cards, I used the plastic package that a little craft set came in. Was purchased at the Dollar Store.

1. Here is what I started with: a plastic box- in which there was a card kit.

2. Supplies:

trimmer
ruler
pencil/eraser
scissors
box to use as a card caddy (mine was a 1 piece plastic box- in which there was a card kit. It would have otherwise been discarded.)
handmade TY cards for placing inside caddy, made with scraps
2 to 4 new decks of cards to include with gift
1" wide ribbon (I used Crinkle ribbon)- about 50" long
scrap of coarse grit sandpaper
damp cloth &/or soft brush (to remove sanding dust from caddy and workspace)
1-12x12" piece of cardstock
2 scraps of pp [about 4x4" each]
Glue Stick
MM Ribbon Glue

3. Use trimmer to cut a 6 1/4"x12" piece of CS. (Measure to fit YOUR size caddy.)

4. Sand the plastic box well, all over, with coarse grit sandpaper. Wipe any sanding dust off. Use a damp cloth or a brush to clean work area.

5. Use lots of glue stick, applied smoothly all over the front and back of the sanded plastic caddy. Then apply the cardstock to it, wrapping from front to back; top to bottom and back up to the top. Work out any bubbles, being sure CS adheres smoothly.

6. As you can see here, the cardstock (yellow) has been applied. Now, leaving a 10" loose end, glue the ribbon to the sides and bottom of the caddy. I used glue stick to adhere the ribbon to the plastic, and ribbon glue to adhere the bottom portion (ribbon to cardstock). You'll work your way back to the top edge with the ribbon. Measure off 10" and cut. Cut both loose ends at an angle.

7. Be sure you've applied adequate glue. Starting on one narrow side of the caddy, wrap a piece of ribbon around the top edge. Start and stop at the same spot. Hide the raw edges by overlapping them.

8. Trim paper or cardstock to size. [Used scraps!]

9. Here you can see that the pp has been applied to one side of the box. (The other side boasts a different pp scrap.)

11. Supplies for embellishment- your choice: lettering, ink, stamped images, flowers/brads, etc...

12. Add any embellies you wish. Letters are seen here, inked just a little bit to make them more prominent.

13. Cards: "Thank You"- a set of 5 handmade cards w/ envelopes are slipped into the open-topped caddy. Cards are easily accessible- just undo the bow! This is "side 1".

14. "Playing Cards" is on the reverse of the "TY cards" caddy... Stamped image by Deanne Burton says "Time for Fun!"

Once the TY cards are used, the caddy will...

...provide storage for the 2 to 4 decks of playing cards the new parents can use to help pass the time if they have a colicky baby, cannot get a sitter, or have company in-- and maybe just as together-time instead of going out. (My sister LOVES to play cards!) This caddy can hold 4 new decks of cards, easily.

15. The finished "Dual Use Card Caddy" (side 2).

Thanks for viewing my "green" and Dual-Use Card Caddy tutorial.

Have a Super Day everyone!!

~ Ali