Paper Crafting Tip # 24: Make a Mini Gift Card

Here is this week's Try It Tuesday Challenge that I have going on at Scrapbook Queens

Wondering what to do with those scraps that you have left over from a
layout or regular card?  You know, the ones that are too big to throw
away but too small to make standard size card?  Try making a mini
card.  These are so quick and easy, you'll be searching your scraps to
make them. 

Cut
a piece of cardstock to 3" x 6".  Fold in half so that it is 3" x 3".
Cut or punch a scrap of patterned paper to 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" (or whatever
size you'd like, as long as it's a square).  Layer on top of card.
Adhere a flower or other embellishment. Add some finishing touches.
You're done!    TRY IT!

Please post your comments and projects.  I'd love to see what you come up with!  Happy crafting!

Paper Crafting Tip # 23: Using a Glue Pad

Check out the full directions in my weekly challenge on Scrapbook Queens .

Paper Crafting Tip #22: Craft a little every day.

I love to scrapbook.  I love to stamp.  Both of these activities make me very happy, but I used to place them at the end of my list of things to do - if they made it on the list at all!  That's a mistake that a lot of us crafters, and women in general, make.  My remedy?  I've started to schedule in crafting in my daily planner.  That's right.  I actually write in the time I will spend either scrapbooking or stamping/card making.  And then I follow the schedule.  Sometimes, of course, I have to adjust my schedule; but seeing it written there makes a big difference.

I've met so many women who, after seeing some of my layouts and cards, say, "Oh, I'd love to do that, but I just don't have the time.  I work."  Well, I work, too.  Whether you work outside the home, have a home business, or are a stay-at-home Mom, you work.  That's what I tell them.  I work, too, but I make the time to do the things I enjoy. 

We shouldn't feel guilty making time to do what makes us happy.  We deserve it.  We deserve to bring ourselves some happiness every day, whether we are single, married, have children or not.  So right now, I want you to get out your planner and schedule in some crafting time.  You can even start by scheduling some time in a few days a week.  Just write it in there, and make sure you do it.  It will make you happy.  Like I tell my family:  "If Mama ain't happy, nobody's happy." 

Happy crafting!

Stay tuned

Hi everybody!  Sorry I didn't get to post on time this week, but I'm working on an exciting update for My Crafty Life.  Stay tuned...it should be ready soon.

Paper Crafting Tip #21: Take stock of your craft supplies

A new year is a great time to take inventory of your craft supplies.  This way, you won't keep buying that same inkpad that you already bought 3 times.  You don't have to do it all at once, but try to go through one section of your stuff each day (or once a week, if time is in short supply).  Don't be afraid to give away or just throw away (Yes, I said throw away!) the stuff you don't like or use anymore.  I just went through all of my inkpads and re-inkers.  Here's another tip for you.  Put a big "R" on the bottom of all the inkpads for which you own re-inkers.  That way you'll know which ones you need to buy next time you're at one of my TAC workshops :D (or at the craft store).

See you next week!