Zoo Fun for Miss Kate Cuttables

I have a new project up today at Miss Kate Cuttables -- I just love how it turned out. Here's a sneak peek:

Ack! Too cute. I hope you will head over to check it out...

Until next time -- stay crafty,
Lissa :)

Scrap Space Organizing: Thickers

I'm in the process of reorganizing and rearranging my scrap space -- so I thought I would post a few organizing ideas as I'm working through everything here.

First up, I reorganized my Thickers collection. Yes, I have a collection (I'm not the only one, right?). I have a serious Thickers addiction. I love using them on my layouts -- and apparently I love buying them too. But organizing them is always a challenge. Those cellophane packages they come in are the worst for long-term storage -- hard to open and a nightmare to get them back into.

So when Mercy Tiara talked about how she organizes her Thickers, I was all over that immediately. So much better. Now, I store all my opened Thickers in these 6x12 open-ended plastic bags (I bought mine on eBay -- just do a search and you'll find lots of options). And I just attach the Thickers label to the baggie to help identify them later.

But I still had the problem of organizing all of them. I settled on placing them all in two open baskets, sorted by color -- neutrals in one basket, colors in another. But the baskets were big and just sat on my floor and took up a lot of room. Annoying.

Then, I had the bright idea of using the bottom drawer of my cutting station.

And here is where you see my embarassingly large collection of Thickers...

 They were an almost-perfect fit. I just have to bend the label down to get them to lay on their sides in the drawer. They're still sorted by color, making it super easy to find what I'm looking for. Success!

So that's my Thickers storage tip -- store open packages in 6x9 plastic bags, store them on their side for easy access, and sort them by color.

How do you organize your Thickers? I would love to hear your ideas.

Until next time,
Stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Stitch Fix: April 2014

I'm back already with another Stitch Fix review. We had a busy March, so I posted my March Fix late, which meant I already had an April Fix waiting for me when we got back from vacation at the end of March. And that's okay, because I absolutely LOVE my Stitch Fix boxes. It's a gift I give to myself each month. (Note: Stitch Fix offers a referral credit for affiliate links, which I have included in this post. I will receive a $25 credit if you sign-up using my Stitch Fix link. Thank you for your support!)

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, it's a monthly subscription box service. You pay a $20 styling fee and fill out a detailed style questionnaire -- then the Stitch Fix stylists pick out five clothing and accessory items to send you. You keep only what you love and send the rest back in their pre-paid shipping envelope. Your $20 styling fee is applied as a credit toward what you keep -- and if you keep all five pieces, you get an additional 25% off the total.

Another benefit of these monthly Fixes -- I no longer have those incurable impulses to pick up random clothing items from Target and Kohl's. My monthly fixes are kind of pricey to pay all at once, but I think I'm saving money in the long run by not impulse buying every time I go to Target. :) And the clothing sent by Stitch Fix is super top quality -- I can already tell it's going to last me so much better than any cheaper random clothing purchases. Win!

I love that Stitch Fix sends these wardrobe cards for each item in the Fix. I keep them in my closet so I can remember how to pair everything up. Love that.

 So, on with my April fix. It was so fun to try everything on. First up -- another pair of awesome jeans. I swear, I don't know how they do it! I loved, loved, loved these Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean by Kut From the Kloth ($78). So amazing. Love the little distressed patches and the fit is perfect to wear with tall boots or flats. Kept!

 Next was this Wynn Arrow Print Front Pocket Blouse by Papermoon ($48). I loved the pattern and colors of this shirt, but the top pockets and the high neckline just made it not the most flattering top for my girls. I sent this one back, reluctantly.

Third was this gorgeous sleeveless top -- the Collie Graphic Panel Detail Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($48). I absolutely loved the color and the vertical stripe detail on this top (it was on the back too). But since it was sleeveless, and since my arms aren't my best feature, this top was just not for me. Maybe after I get buff arms, I can request this top to come back to me. I sent this one back too.

Fourth, this Katelyn Layered Geometric Necklace by Zad ($34). It was cute, but I didn't love it. I sent this one back too.

 Finally, this Filbert Houndstooth Henley Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($58). Again, loved this color! This is a super cute top. I really wanted to keep it, but I already had a red version of this same top (which I love). And since at this point, I was only keeping the awesome jeans, I decided I would send this one back too and save up my budget for my next fix instead. Whah.

So, I only ended up keeping one piece from this Fix -- the jeans. Love those! I still can't believe how well Stitch Fix has done for me with jeans/pants. I NEVER find jeans to fit me, and every pair they have sent, I have loved and kept. Wow.

So, even though I sent back four of the five pieces, I still LOVED getting my Stitch Fix this month. I can't wait until the next one. If you are looking to update your wardrobe with fashionable pieces, this is the subscription service you need to try.

Until next time,

Stay crafty (and fashionable)!
Lissa :)

Kiwi Lane DT Doodles #8

Good morning all! I'm back today with a layout for Kiwi Lane's DT Doodles sketch #8. It's a great two-page layout with lots of possibilities:

And here's what I created:

I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the Mt. Rushmore, using this SVG file. I like that it's kind of modern, mixed with the fun papers on the layout. I used papers and embellishments from the Simple Stories Urban Traveler collection and the Basic Grey Wander collection to create the paper layers and accents. So fun!

I love how this sketch layout turned out -- thank you Kiwi Lane! Be sure to head over to Kiwi Lane today and link up your layout creation so you'll be entered to win that awesome gift card!

Until next time -- stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Stitch Fix: March 2014

It's time for another Stitch Fix review -- this one is from March. I actually already have my April fix too! I'm a little behind on these, but that's okay. I'm still LOVING my monthly fixes. It's just so fun to get these boxes. (Note: Stitch Fix offers a referral credit for affiliate links, which I have included in this post. I will receive a $25 credit if you sign-up using my Stitch Fix link. Thank you for your support!)

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, it's a monthly subscription box service. You pay a $20 styling fee and fill out a detailed style questionnaire -- then the Stitch Fix stylists pick out five clothing and accessory items to send you. You keep only what you love and send the rest back in their pre-paid shipping envelope. Your $20 styling fee is applied as a credit toward what you keep -- and if you keep all five pieces, you get an additional 25% off the total.

Michelle was my stylist this month -- and let me just say, she rocked it. Her note to me said she was focusing on sending independent separates that reflect my styling preferences. And she got me to a T!

First out of the box were these Denna Skinny Jeans by Kut From the Kloth ($78). Skinny jeans and I do not get along. At all. I have wide hips and short legs (super flattering!) and most skinny jeans just weren't made for that kind of body type. But once again, Stitch Fix found the perfect jeans for me. I have literally bought every single pant Stitch Fix has sent me because they have been the best fitting pants/jeans I have ever tried on. Amazing. These Denna Skinny Jeans were no exception. Hands down, my most favorite pair of jeans EVER.

I obviously kept these. :) I love the dark rinse and stitching and length and everything. Just wonderful. Thank you, Michelle!

Next was this Colibri Solid Tab Sleeve Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($48). I loved the bright color and the extra little details on the sleeves and collar. Loved. Kept.

Third from the box was this Huebert Space Dye Open Cardigan by Renee C ($58). I live in cardigans over top of tees, so this was a win. Loved the color, loved the hi/lo back/front, loved it all. Kept.

Fourth, this Downing Striped Knit Shirt by Pomelo ($44). An awesome basic tee. In the days since getting this fix, I have worn this top more than anything else (except the jeans!). Loved and kept.

Finally, this Pop of Color Scarf by Rapti ($38). Super cute pattern and colors. And I love scarves, now that Stitch Fix has shown me how to wear them.

If you've been keeping track, you'll know that I was already keeping four pieces from my fix. With my $20 styling fee applied and the 20% discount, that meant this scarf and the striped tee were basically free. If I had just kept the jeans, the fuchsia shirt, and the cardigan, my total with my $20 styling fee taken off would have been $164. By keeping all five pieces, I paid only $184.50. So yes, that means I kept the entire box. :)

This month was another awesome experience with Stitch Fix. I am already anxiously awaiting my next fix! If you are looking to update your wardrobe with fashionable pieces, this is the subscription service you need to try.

Until next time...

Stay crafty (and fashionable!),
Lissa :)

Home Banner for Kiwi Lane Designs

Updated 4/22/14: Congratulations to Liz O, you are the winner of the Kiwi Lane templates. Email me at MightyCraftyDOTmeATgmailDOTcom to claim your prize. :)

I couldn't be more excited to share my April feature project for Kiwi Lane! It's a vintage-inspired home banner for our fireplace mantel, inspired by Pinterest. You'll have to head on over to the Kiwi Lane blog today for lots of scrapbooking inspiration and to see this super cute banner using the Now & Then and Record It! Pretty Things collections from My Mind's Eye, plus the Kiwi Lane featured template sets: Wacky and Celebrate. (Keep reading to find out how you can win your very own set!)

For April, the Kiwi Lane design team got to work with My Mind's Eye. They have gorgeous paper collections that make scrapbooking so easy. Be sure to visit My Mind's Eye on Facebook for even more ideas.

You'll have to head over to the Kiwi Lane blog to see the full project details with lots more photos...

But before you go, how about a chance to win a set of Kiwi Lane Wacky templates? To enter, just do one of these:

• Subscribe to my blog (in the left nav) and leave a comment on this post telling me you're all signed up
• Like my Facebook page and leave me a quick post there telling me you did it

I'll announce the random winner on April 22. Be sure to enter before midnight MST on April 21. (I can only ship to United States -- thank you for your understanding.)

Good luck and stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Sketch N Scrap Sketch Challenge #55

(If you're looking for the Peachy Keen Stamps and Miss Kate Cuttables post, it's just below this one. :) )

It's time for another monthly sketch challenge from Sketch N Scrap -- I love working with these sketches! They always include fun elements to play with on your page.

Each month, Sketch N Scrap offers you three layout sketches and two card sketches to challenge your creativity. And if you link up your creation at their site, you'll be entered to win an awesome prize package -- a different prize each month. So fun!

Here's sketch #55:

And here's the layout I created based on the sketch:

I used a boy-themed Me & My Big Ideas page kit that I have had FOREVER. I think I bought it at Michael's. It is so cute -- the paper designs and embellishments are just adorable. I also used a few new dies I bought recently: this color block cutting plate by Taylored Expressions and these tabs by My Favorite Things.

Be sure to play along with the sketch challenge this month (and every month!) at Sketch N Scrap. Don't forget -- if you link up your creation at Sketch N Scrap, you'll be entered to win a great prize giveaway -- a new prize each month.

Until next time,
Stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Miss Kate Cuttables and Peachy Keen Stamps Blog Hop

I'm so excited to be a part of the Peachy Keen Stamp and Miss Kate Cuttables blog hop this week!

Each day, there are new projects posted at the Miss Kate Cuttables and Peachy Keen Stamps blog that you will not want to miss. And there are amazing prizes up for grabs!

• EACH DAY Miss Kate Cuttables is giving away a free cut file to everyone who comments and follows on the Design Teams' blog hop post. Be sure to comment on THIS post and FOLLOW my blog to claim your prize!
• For your FREE cut file code, email TheScrapbookingQueen1@gmail.com (after commenting and following my blog -- this will be confirmed before code is sent).
• GRAND PRIZE by Miss Kate Cuttables is a $25 Gift Certificate to someone who hops with us each day this week by commenting and following each blog on the hop. Don't miss any days in the commenting and following to be sure to be in the drawing for this awesome prize!
• EACH DAY Peachy Keen Stamps is giving away a $25 gift certificate -- One person will be chosen who has hopped to each blog for that day, left a comment on each blog, and FOLLOWED each blog.
• GRAND PRIZE by Peachy Keen Stamps is a $75 Gift Certificate to one lucky person who follows the hop each day, comments on each blog post, and follows each blog. Don't miss any days in the commenting and following to be sure to be in the drawing for this awesome prize!
• Be sure to LIKE Miss Kate Cuttables and Peachy Keen Stamps on Facebook too!

There are so many talented ladies in this blog hop, and I'm honored to be joining them. I had so much fun designing a project with Peachy Keen Stamps and Miss Kate Cuttables combined. I chose these adorable stamps from Peachy Keen Stamps and this cut file set from Miss Kate Cuttables:

 And here's my layout:

I love how it turned out! These photos are from when my boys were only two years old (they're 10 now, sob!). The papers are from the Blips and Bleeps collection by TPC Studio. 

For the title, I cut the "Geared" word out of two different papers, layering the lighter gray pattern over top of the darker gray, to create a shadowed word. I didn't do any resizing -- I just offset the lighter word a bit to show the shadow behind. Super easy!

I stamped the Peachy Keen Stamps robots onto a piece of white paper with light blue dots (also from the same paper collection) and then colored them in with colored pencils. Super easy and cute. I also stamped the Peachy Keen Stamps gears onto circles of the same pattern paper as the die cut gears.

I used foam dots behind the robots and gears to give them some dimension from the page too. The colors are just so fun -- my favorite kind of page!

Oh my gosh -- I just about die from cuteness overload when I see these robots! Love!

And no one does awesome titles like Miss Kate! I love this one.

So that's my project for today! Be sure to follow and comment on my post here today -- and then head over to the Miss Kate Cuttables blog and the Peachy Keen Stamps blog to see the rest of the blog hop projects. Follow and comment all week to get your free Miss Kate cut files and to be entered to win one of those awesome gift certificates!

Until next time...
Stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Scrapbook Generation's CREATE Magazine April 2014

The April 2014 issue of CREATE magazine is here -- and I'm so thrilled to say that two of my layouts are published in it!

I have loved creating layouts with the sketches from Scrapbook Generation. You can download the April 2014 issue of CREATE magazine here, and you will love all the scrapbooking goodness you'll find there!
And here's a sneak peek at my layouts...

I hope you will download the April 2014 issue of CREATE magazine today and let me know what you think...

Until next time,
Stay crafty!
Lissa :)

Sketch N Scrap's Inspired By Challenge #4

Hello everyone! It's time for another awesome Inspired By sketch from Sketch N Scrap. This sketch is another great one, inspired by an actual layout created by a Sketch N Scrap design team member. Each month, Sketch N Scrap offers three layout sketches and two cards sketches to help you get lots of projects done. And when you link up your creation, you'll be entered to win a great prize drawing too...

Here's this month's Inspired By sketch:

Isn't it fun? I love the placement on this one. Here's what I created based on the sketch:

So fun! I used the Max and Lucky Starz collections by Bella Blvd. Both of these lines are amazing with lots of great colors and elements. I used a notebook edge border punch and red chevron washi tape as well, for some extra fun texture.

Be sure to play along with the sketch challenge this month (and every month!) at Sketch N Scrap. Don't forget -- if you link up your creation at Sketch N Scrap, you'll be entered to win a great prize giveaway -- a new prize each month.

Until next time,
Stay crafty!
Lissa :)