June!?

Yep...hard to believe, but it is here.

May was a fabulous {and busy} month for the Collins family.  First it was down to Tucson to celebrate Jenaye's {and Justin's} graduation from U of A and two weeks later, it was off to Denver to see Preston {and Ashley} graduate from CU.  With both kids starting full time employment soon, as a friend told me, "they are off the payroll".  Preston was actually off the payroll 3 years ago and now Naye is!

With May behind me, I am gearing up for my June projects.  I have classes at ETC, one final graduation announcement to put together for a friend and wedding invites for Preston and Ashley.  Here is what I crossed off my list this weekend...

A little advertisement for a new class I am teaching on July 13th.  I purchased a little home decor hook thing-y on clearance from Hobby Lobby and turned it into a display.  I think it will be perfect for my Tag Studio class.  I will put the tags on a metal ring and display them handing from this hook.

 I also completed my projects for the June 26th Do Me A Favor workshop at ETC.

A cute and colorful little favor created with a Farmhouse Collection print from Crate Paper and a polkadotted header made from Pink Paislee's Kite Collection.  The favor is embellished with Bazzill cardstock punched with a cute EK Success Border, a Pebbles "thank you" rub-on, washi tape and a solid colored baker's twine bow.  

This little white slick box is wrapped with a strip of This & That from Echo Park and the top of the box is covered with a square of Echo Park's Dots & Stripes.  The twill ribbon is tied into a small loopy bow and a custom made "Redeem for one small favor" tag adorns the top of the box.  What recipient wouldn't like a little treat with an IOU attached?

A white paper treat sack is transformed to create this festive Fourth of July favor.  Using Pebbles new Let Freedom Ring paper line made this creation a cinch!  "USA" is computer generated and printed on Bazzill White cardstock and then punched into the star tag shape using and EK Success punch.  The bag is tied shut with a thick piece of red and white baker's twine and the teeny star tag is attached to the loopy bow by an old vintage bitty safety pin.

The final favor is a cute little pouch made from Bazzill's Honey cardstock.  It's from the Dotted Swiss line.  The topper is created from Simple Stories Summer Fresh paper line.  The custom "HAPPY THANKS TO YOU" panel is matted on the front of the favor and adorned with one of Bazzill's new paper flowers (Calypso, Avalon).  A large loopy white bow closure completes this little favor.  

Next on my TO DO list is create my layouts for Scrap Happy, which is coming up on June 23rd.  I need to head on over to ETC tomorrow morning and pick up some new printed paper for inspiration.

I hope your week is a creative one!
Kelli
:)

Quiet Sunday

During such a busy time of year, it was an extra treat today to sleep in and lunge around in comfy clothes.  The graduation announcements have all been sent and my Do Me A Favor workshop class kits are all assembled and ready for Tuesday.  I thought I would share what I have been working on while I haven't been blogging.

Jenaye's graduation announcements with lined envelopes.  She designed them and did all the cutting and die cutting.  My mom and I taped, scored and assembled them.

 Justin also graduated from U of A.  He wanted something very simple which meant less cutting, taping and assembling.  The outside was solid blue and a red tab containing U of A's logo wrapped from the back side, overlapping the front.  When the card opened, a large photo of Justin was on the right and a smaller one on the left, which was glued to a flap.  On the backside of the flap was a small photo of Justin with Jenaye.  AND yes, my mom helped with these as well!  :)

My nephew, Tanner, is graduating from High School and so I created these...

As most of you know, Preston and Ashley are graduating this week from UC Denver.  While they both insisted I not put any announcements together for them...I couldn't resist.  After all, the last three years spent in year round programs deserved some recognition.  My mom was right beside me...taping, taping and assembling so we could get these in the mail BEFORE they graduated.

These were simple but elegant.  No photos, just a quote on the outside and the inside contained the ceremony information along with their future plans.

Boy, it is times like these that I am reminded how wonderful it is to have ETC {formerly Scrapbooks, Etc} in town!  They carry every color of cardstock a girl could ever need along with ribbon and diecuts to help embellish my papercrafting  projects.  And boy does it help if you have a mom who is always willing to jump in and help out!  :)

I am ready for Tuesday's Do Me A Favor workshop and look forward to seeing all my regulars!  I packaged the kits in brown paper sacks and created a large 3" circle 4th of July tag that I added to paper tails to create a little medallion embellishment. Using a clothes pin, I secured the tag to the bag.  I like the idea of not using adhesive so the medallions can be reused.  They could be glued to the bag to secure it shut and would be just as cute.

Here's a peek at two of the projects we will be making in class.

This little box was inspired by Taina.  It is sealed shut with 3 pieces of washi tape and wrapped in cotton string.  The little "LUCKY ME" tag is secured to the favor with a clothes pin.

This little glassine bag is embellished with a chipboard star that has been covered in printed paper.  The adorable blue and white trim adds charm to the favor and helps secure the GOD BLESS AMERICA tag.

The two other favors we will be making in class are on display at ETC if you happen to be stopping by there in the next day or two.

Headed to put my feet up...make it a great week!
Kelli
:)

The weekend's Over

This week I only had 1 day to rest and CREATE.  I worked Saturday and then went to an Origami Owl party at a friend's house.  After that it was out dancing with my hubby, Jenaye and her boyfriend.  We had lots of fun and they are starting to become great little western {2 step dancers}. 

Today I slept in a bit and then worked on a couple of projects.  I set up my paint {spray paint} station in the backyard and sprayed some things, including these books. 

I finally got smart and starting painting on assembled boxes instead of broken down boxes.  It's a mush better height and easier on my knees. 

I am going to add some glitter to the spines tomorrow.  They will be used in a centerpiece like setting.  I like the silver metallic paint and the glitter should add that extra layer of sparkle.  This metallic paint by Krylon is really cool...it is like super fine metallic flakes.  And being silver, it is a perfect color to add to any crafting projects.

I also was able to kit my DO ME A FAVOR workshop that's this Tuesday night.  Can't wait to see all my "regulars"!  I had to re-make one of the favors due to a paper shortage and I think I actually like it better than the original!

I love this red, black, white and teal line of printed paper by Bazzill.  It is so versatile and can be used for guys or gals.  :)

I made some little LUCKY tags for the Studio 61 section at ETC earlier in the week and today I put together a couple of simple favors using the tags.

I love quick and easy projects and these see thru bags make it so easy.  Simple fill em with candy {or your favorite treats} and hang a cute tag from a coordinating ribbon or trim and you are done.  Great for when you need to reproduce several. 

Looking forward to seeing you gals that are signed up for Tuesday nite's class.  If you are a local gal, there are two more spots left if you want to join us!  It's too late to sign up on line, but you can sign up over the phone by calling ETC at 480-854-2303. 

Here's to a super week,
Kelli
:)

New Week Ahead

Boy this weekend flew by!  Funny how that happens, isn't it?  Didn't get much time to be creative this weekend, as I had to work on Saturday.  I did go over to a friend's house today to help her daughter work on a wedding book for her soon to be daughter-in-law.  The daughter did all the work, I just cut paper and punched the holes for the binding.  I couldn't believe how quick she was.  She had the whole thing done in about 3 hours.  Heck, sometimes it takes me that long to get started! 

Since we didn't have any Super Bowl party plans of any sort, I was able to spend the afternoon crafting.  I made a few more Valentine treats using a new tag I created.

I tied this one onto one of the sewn pocket sacks with a doiley.

 This is a longer version of the tag that I placed onto the plastic "chemistry-like" containers.  Of course I couldn't resist filling the container with the Cupid candy corn. 

This is another one of the longer version tags that is tucked up into this small brown paper sack that is filled with sweets.

I used one of my heart punches to add some dimension to the tags.  If I had any pop dots around here, I would have probably used them as well.  Hearts and circles have got to be my two most favorite shapes when it comes to punches.  I find myself using them so often! 

This week I have got to get busy and work on some Valentines for the gang at work.  And then it's on to St. Patty's Day and Easter.  Gosh, before you know it summer will be here.  :/ 

Wish I knew how to upload files in my posts, then I could provide printwork for you to download and use on your projects.  Where's Joey (Otlo) when you need her?  I am going to impress you guys and figure it out...hopefully SOON!  :)

Simple = Good!

Simple little things are they best, aren't they?  I love things that are simple.  They seem to make a big statement.  On Tuesday, some sweet student at the B CHIC class gave Jamie and I a yummy treat in this aDorable package.  The three coordinating pieces of tape against the brown box are a great combination and the little yarn pom pom trim just finishes it off, doesn't it?  Thanks Taina!  You are the cutest.

Last night I created these sweet heart shaped valentines for another student in my DO ME A FAVOR class.  She wanted something her little guy could sign and then tie onto his valentines for the classroom exchange.  The hearts are about 3" to allow him enough room to write his name.  I made these little mock ups, writing my children's names with my left hand.  I couldn't resist writing some of the letters backwards like children often do.  These are simply perfect for a valentine exchange at school {or the office}.

It sure doesn't get much simpler than this.

Happy Friday!

H

These are a few of the sweet treats I have been working on.  I love this fun candy corn in red, white & pink.

Hope to see you locals tomorrow at ETC!  :)

This week is off to a great start

While I had to work Saturday, I had Sunday and Monday to catch up.  It's always nice to have a few days away from work. 


Here are some things I worked on...

These little 2" boxes are easy and quick to decorate and they hold just the right amount of chocolate {for one}...no will power required for the recipient.  BUT will power is required for the one assembling them {I consumed two yesterday...zero today!).

I also stitched up some brown paper sacks to hold Valentine's Day treats.  Here's a mini sack.  The printed paper is from the Yours Truly line by Echo Park.  The printwork was printed on Bazzill cardstock and punched with an EK Success circle punch.

Here's a mega sack {giving you more room for chocolate}.  I love incorporating white with the brown paper...and the doiley fit perfectly.

And another mega sack...this one is my favorite.  I used Bazzill printed paper for the band and the heart and printed "LOVE" on Bazzill cardstock.  The little bitty clothes pin and pennant is from American Craft

This pleated cup is glued to a chipboard base for added stability.  It'd be a great little Valentine Exchange item for an elementary school classroom, or even those "sweet" coworkers you work with. 

Hopefully all you local gals have signed up for the Scrappin Sampler at ETC this Saturday.  If you did...you MIGHT just be making this. 

It's a mini brown paper sack filled with hard candies.  It's adorned with a glimmer misted tag that is topped with burlap and a fabric heart.  A couple of buttons, a glimmer misted paper flower, a teeny "Happy Valentine's Day" tag and assorted ribbon and lace are the final touches that were added to complete the make-n-take project.  This is one of three projects that you will leave with.  If you do come...act surprised like you haven't seen the project before.  Because it's tradition for us not to display the projects ahead of time.  :)  I will also be working from 5:30-9 Saturday night, so if you miss the Sampler, come see me Saturday nite.  We have LOTS of great Valentine paper that arrived recently...along with some other new scrapbooking products!

Crazy week

Boy has this ever been a craZy week.  So much going on at work and trying to squeeze in some creativity, relaxation and exercise (walking).  I really have to get on the ball to getting fit.  Not only because I am officially over 50, but because Preston and Ashley are getting married this year!  I must say goodbye to 30 pounds that have been hanging around MUCH TOO LONG.  Eating right and walking faithfully to meet my goal.  I will keep you posted.

Wanted to share some more favors that I created.  These are made from the see thru bags.

These little see thru bags are so adorable when filled with sweet treats.  And there are so many things that you can do with them to adapt them to any occasion you might need.  This little bag of candy is placed inside this cute pleated cup. 

 
And these plastic boxes are a quick and easy project.  Create labels on your printer to adorn the box {and secure the ribbon} around thiese tall see thru boxes.

Signing off to walk!
Kelli
:)