Dollar Tree Haul!

Hello.

Well, we all know I am a big fan of the Dollar Tree...well maybe if I have one or two readers out there LOL. Are you out there??

Joking aside, I love the Dollar Tree because it provides economical ways for me to explore my mixed media tendencies and come up with more fun ways to create entries in my creative journals.

Let take a look at what I scored:

The first thing I was excited to see in the Crafts section was some decorative/craft papers pads. I tend to do a lot of collage work in my journals, so I picked up several of these.

Lovely patterns :)

I also was happy to see some stamping sets! Even an acrylic block!

I def can't wait to try these out ;)

I also found some new washi tape that you can color in yourself! It's a cool wave pattern; it will look great in my journals and perhaps new mixed media art work pieces :)

And since I am so big on creative journaling at the moment, I was excited to find these Coloring Journals. Beautiful designs and pages to write poems, thoughts, etc.

I snagged some rad neon colored gel pens too to start out some great journaling pages!

Lastly I snagged some fun patterned binder clips for my journals :)

Strips are always in style in my book ;)

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger

Washi Tape Bookmark Tutorial

Hello.

Many of my readers - if there are any out there - may remember this very simple tutorial for a DIY bookmarks using decorative duct tape. After my very awesome score of these several rolls of washi tape at my local Dollar Tree, I decided to make another version :)

So cute! And oh so simple ;)

Here is what you need for this project:

  several rolls of washi tape in different, colorful designs

Yarn scraps

hole punch

scissors

poster board - I used some left over from this project (not pictured)

clear packing tape (not pictured)

Let's get started!

I had a pieces of white poster board about 9.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

I carefully began to unroll and adhere the washi tape to the poster board piece a little at a time.

I intentionally left a small amount over hanging. This was to stick the tape to my desk to keep my work from moving around and it can easily be trimmed off later.

I began adding additional layers in different patterns.

I cut the access poster board off with scissors to keep the washi tape straight.

Next, use the packing tape to "laminate" the entire piece. This basically means you sandwich the bookmark in between two pieces of clear tape.

Now you can take your scissors and begin trimming the ends.

Also trim the access clear tape.

You then essentially have a completed bookmark ;)

but why stop there?

Mine was a little long so I snipped it in half to create two bookmarks.

I used the hole punch to create a hole at one end of each mark.

Using the scrap yarn from other project, I lopped a tassel through each hole.

So cute! I plan on keeping one for yet another creative journal I am making.

The other I shall send to a friend ;)

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger

I will be linking up to these awesome parties!

DIY Magazine Envelopes

Hello.

A few days ago, I made a fun care package for a friend :) She lives about 5 hours from me so its fin for us to send little packages to one another.

I chose to send her a necklace, DIY creative journal and some of my art :) I also included a little note in a DIY envelope I made from a magazine page with cool graphics on it!

Super cute, very creative and artsy and bonus... great way to recycle and upcycle!

Here is what you'll need:

magazine

couple mailers for templates

pencil

scissors

washi tape or scotch tape

stickers (optional)

scrap colored paper (optional)

clear packing tape (optional)

First carefully"open" the mailer envelope flat to use as a template. You'll also be mindful that the template is not larger than the magazine page ;)

Find a pretty page with some interesting graphics (or cool looking pictures) and carefully tear out. Or you could use a craft knife.

Lay your template out, making sure the front of the envelope would display the part of the page you want. Trace with a pencil and cut out.

Next you'll fold along the little indention's.

Easy peasy! Secure the flaps with tape. And then fold over the main flap.

Optional: Trick? Cover any unwanted lettering or text on the main side of your envelope with a pretty sticker.

Optional: Then add some scrap colored paper to the front so your mailing and return addresses can be easily seen.

Optional: As magazine paper could be rather thin, cover the entire letter in clear packing tape to ensure no damage during the trip ;)

Embellish with washi tape :)

Make several to have on hand for fun letters to friends or family :) Use newspaper, maps, scrap book paper, wrapping paper, etc to make tons of cute envelopes.

Enjoy.

xoxo

Ginger

I will be linking to these awesome parties!

Duct Tape Book Marks

Hello.

I read a lot when I travel for work and almost always forget a book mark. I usually end up using a receipt or something else equally non-fun.

My son came home with one of these book marks he made in school and I loved the idea ;) Plus it was something we could DIY together at home :) I knew my Dollar Tree had some decorative patterned duct tape so I bought a few rolls super cheap.

What you need:

patterned duct tape

scissors

hole punch

yard

water color paper

needle threader

I started by cutting a piece of water color paper as the base for the book mark. The size should be a little smaller than the length and width of the tape. The paper will be "sandwiched" between the lengths of tape.

You could also use cereal box board or thick junk mailer paper. Whatever you have on hand. I chose the white water color paper so nothing would show thru the lighter tapes.

And technically, you could omit the paper all together but it makes the book mark more sturdy ;)

Cut the paper and then cut two lengths of your tape. Sandwich it all together. It doesn't have to be perfect, edge to edge. Just trim any sticky parts off.

Use the hole puncher to make hole at top center. Cut several lengths of a coordinating yarn color. Thread the yarn through the hole using the needle threader and use a loop knot.

All done ;)

I made a bunch.

Enjoy.

xoxo

Ging

Linking to these parties.

Boats and Bubbles

Hey folks, I have another cool kids craft idea from our #1 fav teacher (my kids teacher)...she has such cool ideas.  

Anyhoo, they made Styrofoam boats, let them float and used straws to blow bubbles and "steer" them!

Jack was so proud of his!

Sammy was gett'n the hang of it!

Enjoy!

xoxo

Ginger