Happy 2024! It's another year of smashing our stash! This is a collaboration I started several years ago to motivate myself and others to use up items in our crafty stash.
We focus on using consumable items that are easy to collect, hoard and or/forget about.
So, think about the phase we all went through with brads. Most of us bought them because they came in cute little shapes and colors and enamel dots hadn't been created yet. Now, how many of us still have a vast stash of brads hanging out in our cabinet? I know I do!!! And, when was the last time we used them??
That's what this collab is all about. Reminding us to actually use those items we've hoarded or hung onto, thinking we'll use them someday. Today is that day!
The collab is no longer open to new participants, but you are welcome to play along with us and work through your stash as well! Just be sure that if you share your projects anywhere on the internet (Youtube, social media, blog, etc.), to use the hashtag #SmashOurStash2024 (and tag me @bourboncreekcrafts). That way people can find your projects.
Below is the list of prompts or themes for this year. Most of the categories are pretty broad, so I'm sure you have something that fits. Play along with us as often as you'd like.
Also, if you are on Facebook and would like some challenges involving tools or other crafty items, you can check out my Facebook group, Crafting with Bourbon Creek.
I hope you are able to pull out some of these items from your stash and play with them this year!
Have a crafty 2024!
Beth
]]>These tags can be made easily with 6x6 paper as well as 12x12. They make fun teacher appreciation gifts, gifts for friends or kids and party favors. You could make them without the pocket as well.
HERE is my tutorial video, if you'd rather watch instead.
To start, you'll need to pieces of paper - one 2.5 by 6 inches and one 2.5 by 2 inches. The larger piece is your tag and the smaller piece creates the pocket on the front.
Next you'll score your tag at 2 inches down from the top. This fold allows the tag to hang nicer on your bottle.
You'll need to punch at hole in the top 2 inch section of your tag. I used a 2 inch scalloped circle punch. I'd say any type of circle punch between 1.5 and 2 inches would work. If you go bigger than 2 inches, you risk the whole being bigger than your bottle and sliding down.
I just centered my punch on that top section as best I could. I have used the circle insides as decoration on the tags before, so keep that in mind, especially if you are using double sided paper or multiple patterns in your tags.
To add your pocket, glue along the 2 sides and bottom of your 2.5 by 2 inch strip of paper and adhere it to the bottom of your tag. I find that wet glue works best for this because it makes for a cleaner and stronger hold on the pocket.
Once your pocket is adhered, you can decorate it! I just used some stickers and ephemera that came with the collection. You could use punched shapes, stamps, 3D embellishments, whatever you have.
The pockets fit a drink mix pouch (like Crystal Light) perfectly! You could add candy, instant coffee pouches or another treat if you wish!
These are so fun and easy to make and a great way to put your pretty paper to good use!
Have a crafty day!
Beth
]]>This is a question I get asked a lot. What do you do with all of those cards you make? There are many options, depending on your time, energy and goals.
First, you can use the item yourself. If you have an abundance of cards, make a point send out more cards to your family and friends. Is it a journal? Keep it in your purse to jot down ideas or inspiration, or start journaling more often.
Second, you can gift it to someone! You can bundle up a group of your cards, add a set of stamps and it makes a great gift! Or, if you made a journal and have a friend who loves to journal, gift it to them. Use little items as stocking stuffers, co worker gifts, etc.
Third, and this is the one that will require more energy and time, you can sell your products! Make a little extra cash back to supplement your hobby (pay for that adhesive you keep going through). Where can you sell your products?
Lastly, you can donate your items. There are a ton of charities that collect handmade cards to distribute (see list and links below). Local libraries can make use of bookmarks. Local retirement homes, animal rescues and churches can use cards and sometimes other projects. Local charities can use your items in auctions or raffles. School PTOs can use small items that would be good for teacher/staff appreciation gift packs. I'm sure there are more that I'm not even thinking of. If you know of someone who would accept donations of papercraft items that I haven't listed, please leave a note in the comments.
Most of these card charities are based in the US. If you know of charities outside the US, let me know and I can add them to my list.
Cards for Solders - accepts cards and other care package items for overseas US troops
Cards for Hospitalized Kids - accepts cards for kids that are in children's hospitals around the US
Card Care Connection - accepts cards for those that are affected by cancer in the US
Send a Smile 4 Kids - accepts cards for kids that are patients at children's hospitals around the US
Operation Gratitude - accepts cards and care package items to send to overseas US troops
Cardz for Kidz - accepts cards for hospital patients
Cards for Seniors - accepts cards to send to isolated seniors
Cards 4 Cancer - accepts cards for cancer patients
Bring Smiles to Seniors - accepts cards for seniors in nursing homes, assisted living or homebound
Cards for Kindness - Scrapbookdotcom accepts cards for people who need a smile or encouragement
Cards for Cubs - Bearly Arts accepts cards for kids in foster homes
I tend to do a mix of these ideas. I sell some of my items online and at in person shows. I donate a ton of cards each year to a handful of charities. I donate to local organizations as well. And, I try to be better about sending out my cards to my friends and family.
Hopefully this information can help you figure out what you would like to do with your abundance of cards or other crafty projects.
Happy crafting!
Beth
]]>
It's another year of smashing our stash! This is a collaboration I started several years ago to motivate myself and others to use up items in our crafty stash.
We focus on using consumable items that are easy to collect, hoard and or/forget about.
So, think about the phase we all went through with brads. Most of us bought them because they came in cute little shapes and colors and enamel dots hadn't been created yet. Now, how many of us still have a vast stash of brads hanging out in our cabinet? I know I do!!! And, when was the last time we used them??
That's what this collab is all about. Reminding us to actually use those items we've hoarded or hung onto, thinking we'll use them someday. Today is that day.
The collab is no longer open to new participants, but you are welcome to play along with us and work through your stash as well! Just be sure that if you share your projects anywhere on the internet (Youtube, social media, blog, etc.), to use the hashtag #SmashOurStash2023. That way people can find your projects.
Below is the list of prompts or themes for this year. Most of the categories are pretty broad, so I'm sure you have something that fits. Play along with us as often as you'd like.
Also, if you are on Facebook and would like some challenges involving tools or other crafty items, you can check out my Facebook group, Crafting with Bourbon Creek.
I hope you are able to pull out some of these items from your stash and play with them this year!
Have a crafty day!
Beth
]]>This holiday season, I'm partnering with others in my family to provide you with some fun, unique, and handmade gift ideas! We have a variety of gift options for everyone on your list. On many items you have the ability to customize them to make them even more special!
Give a personalized yet functional gift! Our premium 20oz skinny tumbler with straw are stainless steel. The tumblers are made of 18/8 304 food grade stainless steel, double walled, which can keep the water hot or cold for hours. Shop the variety of tumblers from Steele Designing -->
These personalized can coolers are designed for 12 ounce standard-sized cans, but also fits the bottom of 16oz cans and similar-sized bottles. Fabric details - Scuba knit polyester fabric on 4mm thick polyurethane foam insulator.
Shop the koozies from Steele Designing --->
Available in many different designs, these mini block signs can fit in anywhere! They come in 3x3 and 3x4 inch sizes and are neutral with white lettering and images. They fit perfectly on a desk, in a shelf vingette or in a tiered tray.
Shop the mini signs from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
Give an eco-friendly gift with this set of handmade, reusable fabric paper towels! The set includes 6 colorful, hand sewn, fabric "paper towels" and a coordinating kitchen scrubber. It's already bundled and ready for gifting. Available in a variety of fabrics and colors.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
These reversible holiday block sets provide decorations for two consecutive holidays/seasons in once piece! This makes holiday/seasonal decorating a snap and saves on holiday decorating storage space. We offer a wide variety of holiday and seasonal combinations. The sets are great for decorating mantles, shelves, or entry tables. The sets measure approximately 17 1/2 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
Shop reversible holiday block sets from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
Create a personalized mouse pad for mom, grandma, aunt, etc! These personalized mouse pads make the perfect gifts! Works well on wired, wireless, optical, mechanical, and laser mice. We also offer some premade designs! If you aren't sure how to create what you are wanting, please contact us with any designing needs you may have. We have a graphic designer available to work with you to get the right design! Shop mouse pads from Steele Designing --->
Dress up a gift of wine with these beautiful hand stitched, insulated wine totes! They fit a standard bottle of wine or champagne and make a pretty way to gift a favorite bottle. The bags can be reused for future gift giving or transporting wine to parties, picnics or other events Available in a variety of colors.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
Sending cards through the mail is such a great way to brighten someone's day in this digital age! Do you know someone who loves to send cards? Gift them a set of fun notecards that they can use to send a smile to their friends and family. We offer a variety of note card styles as well as holiday themes. Add a set of stamps to the card set and the recipient will be ready to share some happy mail!
Shop card sets from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
This handmade fabric keychain fob will be perfect for every person on the run! Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
Not sure what someone would like or are they hard to buy for? Bourbon Creek Crafts offers gift cards which allow the recipient to pick out something on their own!
Shop Gift Cards from Bourbon Creek Crafts -->
Jazz up his bar, bar cart or office with some fun bar themed wall and shelf signs! Choose from a variety of themes, colors and sizes.
Shop bar decor from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
Create a personalized mouse pad for him! These personalized mouse pads make the perfect gifts! Works well on wired, wireless, optical, mechanical, and laser mice. We also offer some premade designs! If you aren't sure how to create what you are wanting, please contact us with any designing needs you may have. We have a graphic designer available to work with you to get the right design! Shop mouse pads from Steele Designing --->
These personalized beer can glass with bamboo lid and straw make the perfect gift! The glass can is made of high borosilicate glass, non-toxic, BPA-free and resistant to high and low temperatures. It can be used safely for a long time. Our sublimation can glass with bamboo lid and clear plastic straw. The sealing place has food grade silicone loop. Plastic straws don't break easily. It's convenient for drinking. Very suitable for beer, whiskey, iced coffee, juice, milk, any drinks you like. Shop beer can glasses from Steele Designing --->
These personalized can coolers are designed for 12 ounce standard-sized cans, but also fits the bottom of 16oz cans and similar-sized bottles. Fabric details - Scuba knit polyester fabric on 4mm thick polyurethane foam insulator.
Shop the koozies from Steele Designing --->
These custom tumblers make the perfect gift! Our premium 20oz skinny tumbler with straw are stainless steel. They keep cold drinks cold. All graphics are printed with sublimation prints. The straight sublimation tumbler is made of 18/8 304 food grade stainless steel, double walled, which can keep the water hot or cold for hours. Shop tumblers from Steele Designing --->
1. Decorated Notebook Sets
Notebooks don't have to be just for school. Use these fun notebooks for planning, journaling, doodling or actual note taking! Choose from cute, pretty or inspiring.
Shop notebooks from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
These fun tags are the perfect addition to jazz up a backpack! The tags are made from 3 inch clear acrylic circles and come in a variety of styles and themes. The best part is that these tags are made for kids by a kid (11 year old Ellie is the artist behind these).
Shop backpack tags from Ellie Kate Creations --->
These personalized frosted mason jars with lid and straw make the perfect gift! The glass can is made of high borosilicate glass, non-toxic, BPA-free and resistant to high and low temperatures. It can be used safely for a long time. It's convenient for drinking. Very suitable for water, juice, milk, any drinks you like. Enjoy your drinks!
Shop mason jar cups from Steele Designing --->
Do you have a young girl who loves pretty jewelry? These fun bracelets are the perfect gift. They come in a variety of styles and colors and can even be personalized!
Shop bracelets by Ellie Kate Creations --->
These cute little shelf signs would look great in a kids room. They would fit easily on a shelf, desk or dresser. Choose from cute or inspirational sayings. Sizes range from 3x3 inches to 3x4 inches.
Shop mini shelf signs from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
These fun baskets are perfect for holding items on your counter, desk, dresser or closet or they can be a stylish way to hold pet toys! They are durable and stand up on their own. They come in a variety of sizes and patterns. The small baskets measure approximately 5 inches tall by 6 inches across and the medium sized baskets measure approximately 6 inches tall by 7 inches across.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
These personalized frosted mason jars with lid and straw make the perfect gift! The glass can is made of high borosilicate glass, non-toxic, BPA-free and resistant to high and low temperatures. It can be used safely for a long time. It's convenient for drinking. Very suitable for water, juice, milk, any drinks you like. Enjoy your drinks!
Shop mason jar cups from Steele Designing --->
Aren't these aprons just the prettiest? If you know some chicken owners, these aprons come in handy for hens throughout the year and why not make them stylish and pretty! The aprons fit standard size chickens and hook over their wings. A wide variety of colors and styles are available.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
These premade pet themed scrapbook photo albums are the perfect way to preserve and showcase those fun and adorable pictures of our pets! They also make a special and unique gift! All you have to do is add the photos. The rest of the work is already done. What a great conversation piece for a coffee table!
Shop premade albums from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
These personalized mouse pads make the perfect gifts! Works well on wired, wireless, optical, mechanical, and laser mice. We also offer some premade designs! If you aren't sure how to create what you are wanting, please contact us with any designing needs you may have. We have a graphic designer available to work with you to get the right design! Shop mouse pads from Steele Designing --->
These fun fabric keychains fit around your wrist so that you don't lose your keys in your purse anymore! Available in a wide variety of colors and themes.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
These cute little hot cocoa packets are great stocking stuffers or co-worker gifts. They include a packet of Nestle hot chocolate mix and a candy cane and come in a fun decorated pouch. You could easily add in a gift card or other small, flat treat if you wished.
Shop hot cocoa packets from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
These cute handmade kitchen scrubbers are bright, fun and reusable! They come in a variety of colors and patterns to jazz up any kitchen sink. Simply throw in the wash and re-use.
Order from Joan Duggan at jmduggan@wowway.com
These fun tags are the perfect addition to jazz up a backpack! The tags are made from 3 inch clear acrylic circles and come in a variety of styles and themes. The best part is that these tags are made for kids by a kid (11 year old Ellie is the artist behind these).
Shop backpack tags from Ellie Kate Creations --->
Available in many different designs, these mini block signs can fit in anywhere! They come in 3x3 and 3x4 inch sizes and are neutral with white lettering and images. They fit perfectly on a desk, in a shelf vingette or in a tiered tray.
Shop the mini signs from Bourbon Creek Crafts --->
These personalized can coolers are designed for 12 ounce standard-sized cans, but also fits the bottom of 16oz cans and similar-sized bottles. Fabric details - Scuba knit polyester fabric on 4mm thick polyurethane foam insulator.
Shop the koozies from Steele Designing --->
Do you have a young girl who loves pretty jewelry? These fun bracelets are the perfect gift. They come in a variety of styles and colors and can even be personalized!
Shop bracelets by Ellie Kate Creations --->
Not sure what someone would like or are they hard to buy for? Bourbon Creek Crafts offers gift cards which allow the recipient to pick out something on their own!
Shop Gift Cards from Bourbon Creek Crafts -->
I hope you found some good gift ideas and maybe even marked some gifts off your list! I love that we have such a crafty family and that we all have such different crafty/artistic talents!
--Beth
***Steele Designing Co and Bourbon Creek Crafts will be having sales during Thanksgiving weekend, through 11/28/22
]]>I found a pin on Pinterest recently that showed making small gift bags out of 6x6 paper. There was no video or instructions attached, just a picture of the score lines on a 6x6 sheet. So, I decided to figure out the process and adapt this idea for a slightly larger gift bag. You can watch and make one along with me HERE.
I took 2 sheets of my 12x12 paper and cut it to 8x8.
Score the paper at 2 inches in on 2 sides and the bottom.
Fold up all of your score lines. On one of the sheets, cut in on the horizontal score lines on the bottom, until you reach the vertical score line. This will create tabs that help fold your bag together.
On the other sheet, go ahead and cut the squares formed at the bottom completely off. You won’t need these.
On the first sheet, add adhesive to the tabs you created. Fold them in to adhere to the sides of that same piece. This forms the first half of your bag.
Next, add adhesive to the outside of the bottom flap of the 2nd sheet. Adhere this bottom to the inside of the first piece.
Then, add adhesive to the outsides of the sides of this second piece and adhere them inside the first piece.
Now you have the basic bag structure. To add a handle, cut a strip that is 1x 8 inches. Adhere this strip on both ends to the inside top of your bag. If you'd like to add an additional detail, you could also add brads or eyelets to where you've adhered the handle onto the bag.
I also made a matching 3x3 note card to go with the bag. I took scraps of the patterned paper, trimmed it to 3x6 inches and simply folded it in half.
Now it's time to fill your bag with a gift or goodies! I'm using my bags for some get well gift packs.
Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed these mini gift bags.
And, I hope you have a crafty day! --- Beth
]]>These are the instructions that go along with our holiday letter block set kits. If you don't already have a kit or your own set, you can find them here.
Once you open your kit, lay out the vertical blocks and lay out one set of letters on them. You will work on one side at a time.
Additional supplies needed:
- Old credit card/gift card, vinyl scraper (can be found at Dollar Tree in the crafting section), stoneware scraper
- something to protect your worksurface (table cloth, wax paper, etc).
If you'd like to follow along with a process video go HERE.
Step 1: Apply a coat of Mod Podge directly to the top of the block that your first letter will be going on. Also apply a light coat of Mod Podge to the back side of the paper letter. The Mod Podge is your glue.
Once your letter is adhered smoothly to the front of the block, set this first block aside.
Step 4: Once all of the letters for the first word have been applied and the blocks are dry, turn the block set over and lay out the letters for your second word.
Step 5: Apply a coat of Mod Podge directly to the top of the block that your first letter will be going on. Also apply a light coat of Mod Podge to the back side of your paper letter.
Step 6: Lay your letter onto the block and position it in the center. Smooth the letter out with your finger and then use your scraper tool to smooth out the letter even more, trying to eliminate any air bubbles.
Step 9: Remove the backing to one of your vinyl words (there is a clear piece of transfer tape on the top of the letters and there is a white/blue backing sheet behind the letters). If you turn the vinyl word face down and lay it flat while pulling the backing off, it will be easier.
Step 10: Apply your vinyl and transfer tape to the front of the horizontal block and make sure it’s centered. Use your scraper tool to burnish it down and make sure it sticks to the wood. Remove the transfer tape slowly. Note: If any of your letters start to come up with the transfer tape, press the tape down to the wood again and rub/burnish it with the scraper again.
Step 12: Once the vinyl has been applied to both sides of the horizontal block, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the whole block.
Once your Mod Podge has dried for this second coat, you can set your block set up for display or store away. We recommend storing your block set in the box the kit came in to protect them from damage during storage.
]]>
Somehow last year, I ended up with a whole big box of the 3.5x5 inch card envelopes. So, I'm always looking for ways to use them up.
I have made note card holders before, but I wanted to make one to fit my 3.5x5 inch cards. So I tweaked my original design to size it down to fit this new size.
If you would like to follow along with my process, you can view it HERE.
To make my note cards, I trimmed cardstock down to 5x7 inches and folded them in half so they make a 3.5x5 inch note card. I trimmed my patterned paper to 4 7/8 x 3 3/8 inches so that it left an 1/8 inch border around my patterned paper.
Next, for the holder, I started with an 8.5x11 piece of 110 lb heavy duty cardstock.
Score at 5 ¾ and 6 ¼ inches. This creates the spine for the holder.
Burnish all of your score lines.
At this point, I chose to decorate my holder before I glued the pockets in. Decorating it now allows you to have it lay flat and makes it easier to decorate.
If you are going to use a ribbon closure, add the ribbon across the front and back of the holder before you add any patterned paper or other decorations.
Once you are ready to create your pockets on the inside of the holder, you will just add glue to the very outside scored portion. This will fold in and get glued to the cover of the holder.
If you'd like to see a version of this for larger note cards, you can see my tutorial HERE.
]]>
Crafty goals. Do you need them?
Are there things you wish you could accomplish in your crafting? Do you wish to dedicate more time to your beloved hobby? Are there things you’ve wanted to learn or try but always seem to end up staying in your comfort zone? Do you find joy and stress relief in crafting but never seem to be able to make the time for it?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might need some crafty goals.
I have always set personal and business goals. Several years ago, I decided I wanted to make crafting more of a priority in my life. It brings me joy and acts as my therapy but for a long time I would only let myself craft once everything else was done. I was using it as a reward and motivation to do all the other things in my life. But, as you know, you never get everything done! But, I ended up feeling like I was punishing myself since I rarely got to craft.
So, I decided I needed to make crafting more of a priority and add it into my tasks instead of only allowing myself to craft when I was done with everything else. At first, I just set a goal to craft weekly. I realized how much better I felt overall, being able to find some joy and escape within in this hobby. I realized that crafting was an act of self-care for me. So, I set a goal to craft a little bit each day.
Fast forward to me finally deciding that it was time to start really using up my vast stash of crafty goodness. Now I set goals for using up different things within my stash, to give me some focus and motivation to use those items.
So, yes, even though crafting is a hobby, I do feel like goals are important in helping you grow within that hobby and as a person.
Even if you goal is just as simple as crafting for an hour each week.
But, just like when you are setting goals for other parts of your life, you need to set S.M.A.R.T. crafty goals – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based.
Don’t be scared by this. I’m simply saying that if you just set a goal to craft more, what does that actually mean? How can you measure it? How do you know if you’re crafting more?
1. What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
*Specific – instead of a vague wish, be specific about what you want to do - I want to complete my unfinished cross stitch projects.
*Measurable – give yourself a goal that you can track or measure – I want to complete 1 scrapbook layout each week.
*Attainable – it’s probably not possible to use up your entire paper stash this year unless you only have 20 sheets of paper! But, you can say that you’d like to use up 2 paper pads this year. That gives you a realistic amount of paper to work through.
*Relevant – make sure your goals are relevant to you and your life, not someone else’s. If everyone else seems to be setting goals to use up their stash, but you are comfortable with the amount of supplies/products you have, you may not need that goal. If it’s not something that’s important to you, you won’t be invested in it. Make sure your goals are important to YOU not other crafters.
*Time-based – give yourself a time limit for your goal. Do you want to accomplish a certain amount of things each week or month or do you just want to hit this goal by the end of the year? Sometimes you can have all three incorporated into your goals. Just make sure you give yourself a time limit.
2. An important piece of goal setting is understanding your why.
Why do I want to craft more? What's my why?
For me personally, crafting brings me peace and joy and honestly, it helps keep me sane. Why do I want to use up my stash? I want to clear out some of the older products in my stash so I can make room for fun new products and not feel so guilty for buying them when I already have so much.
So when you are setting your goals, ask yourself why that goal is important to you.
If you write your goals on a scrap piece of paper that gets stuck in your desk drawer, never to be seen again, you’re likely to forget you even made goals. But, if you put them on your corkboard over your desk or in your planner or even on your fridge, each time you see them, you will be reminded to work towards them.
4. Break your goals down into action steps.
If you’re goal is to use up your stash, break that down further. What parts of your stash do you want to use up and how often? I want to use up one paper pad or a paper collection each month.
Do you want to create a scrapbook for your child? If so, break that down into the steps needed – pick out a scrapbook to use, gather and sort your photos, create the pages etc.
5. Be accountable for your goals.
And, finally, if you find you still aren’t having success with your goals after implementing these steps, find yourself an accountability partner, someone you can touch base with to keep you focused on your goals and someone that you know you will have to answer to. You’re not looking for someone to punish you for not hitting your goals, you are looking for someone who can help you keep on track and encouraged with your goals.
I have a crafty friend that is my accountability partner for my crafty goals. We touch base every so often to report how we are doing with our goals, what we are struggling with and what our successes are. We can cheer each other’s successes, boost each other if we need it and give advice to each other if we are stuck on something. Knowing that you have to answer to someone about your goals adds that extra bit of motivation to have something to answer about!
I have a crafty friend for my crafty goals but I use my husband (and business partner) to help me account for my business goals. So, be sure you are picking someone who cares about your goals and has an interest in them. My husband cares about my crafty goals because he cares about me. But, when I start talking about paper crafting, he starts hearing the Charlie Brown teacher - “wha wha wha, wha wha…”.
One last thought on goals. Goals can be ever evolving. Periodically look over your goals. If you see that you didn’t set your goal high enough or if maybe you were overly optimistic about your goals, you can readjust. If something has changed in your life that affects your goals, you can adjust them. These are your goals and are meant to work for you, so make sure they continue to work for you throughout the year.
I hope this info helps you decide if you need some crafty goals and how to set them if you do. To further help you set and track your crafty goals, I have included two free printables for you.
The Crafty Goals worksheet helps you define your goals. It gives you space to state your goal and the why behind that goal. Then it gives you lines to break out the tasks you need to complete to reach that goal.
The Crafty Goals Tracking sheet gives you a monthly grid where you can list each of your goals and check off each month that you have met that goal.
Now go set some crafty goals for yourself this year and have some fun getting crafty!
]]>
I'm so excited to be collaborating with Alicia from Call Me Crafy Al today for her Inspired Saturdays!
Back in November during my Crafty Christmas Collab 2020, Alicia made a decorated mini comp book that included a gift card pocket on the inside. I loved that idea and knew I wanted to recreate it at some point. I decided this was the perfect time to do that! HERE is Alicia's original project that inspired me.
While Alicia created hers with a Christmas theme, I decided to do mine with an every day theme. I had the Best of My Minds Eye paper pad on my desk and decided it would be perfect for this project! If you'd like to watch my full process, you can check out my Inspired Saturdays video.
The notebook I used in my video was from a thrift store, but I believe it was originally from a Dollar Tree pack of 3.
I trimmed my patterned paper down to 4.5 by 6.75 inches to cover the whole outside front and back covers of the notebook. Because my paper was thin, I chose to adhere it to the notebook with 1/4 inch Scor-Tape. I applied my Scor-tape directly to the front and back covers, except along the spine, and then adhered my paper down. I only had to trim a small sliver of overhang off the back.
To decorate the inside covers of the notebook, I cut 2 pieces of patterned paper down to 4.5 by 3.25 inches. I used Scor-tape to adhere these as well. Once the patterned paper was adhered and any overhang trimmed off, I used the 1/4 inch side of my We R Memory Keepers corner rounder to round all the corners on the front and back covers.
To create the gift card pocket on the inside cover, I cut another piece of patterned paper down to 3 by 2.75 inches. I applied 1/8 inch Scor-tape this time to the 2 sides and bottom of this piece. This created a flat pocket for the gift card to sit in. I also used a 1 inch circle punch to cut a notch out of the top of the pocket before adhering it.
To decorate the front of the notebook, I used a 3 by 4 inch cut-a-part from the MME pad. I stamped the word Dream in the open journaling area. I also included a fussy cut flower from another floral pattern to the front of the notebook and one on the gift card pocket as well.
Alicia also added a decorated binder clip to her notebook to add an extra special touch and to hold it closed. I found a medium sized silver binder clip and decorated that up. I cut a small scrap of patterned paper down to 2 by 1.25 inches. I added 1/4 inch Scor-tape to the front and back of the binder clip and wrapped my paper from the front, over the top, to the back of the binder clip.This was such a fun and easy project and who doesn't always want a new and different way to gift a gift card! If you'd like to see how I inspired Alicia this weekend, you can watch her video HERE.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you found some inspiration as well!
**Product links included in this post are affiliate links which mean I do earn a small commission on each purchase you make through the links. While this is no extra cost to you, I greatly appreciate your use of my links.
]]>Hello! Today I am sharing my final project share for the Scrapping for Less design team {sigh}. I'm so going to miss Scrapping for Less and their awesome papers and stamps, but I'm so happy for Teresa and her next stage of life!
At one point Teresa had asked those of us on the design team what our favorite paper collection was. And, that was a really hard question to answer because I've had so many favorites! I think I was finally able to narrow it down to 3! Do you have a favorite collection or stamp set from Scrapping for Less?
Today I decided to revisit the October Flavor of the Month Card kit. I hadn't had a chance to play with the Merry Express Delivery stamp set much so I wanted to have some fun with that one. I also used the custom tag die set, the white tags from the kit and some scraps from the kit. You can watch my full process video HERE.
For my first tag, I actually made a set of 8 tags using the Reindeer Express stamp and the largest tag die. I also made a set of 8 tags with the North Pole Midnight Express stamp and the 2nd largest tag die. I stamped both of these tags on some white cardstock and finished them off with some red and white twine.
I also made 2 tags using the white tags from the kit and some patterned paper scraps. I trimmed my scraps down to the size of the tags and glued the patterned paper to the tags. I used 2 other sentiments from the stamp set - Merry & Bright and Warm Wishes - to decorate the fronts of these tags. I also used the To and From stamps on the backs of the tags. I finished off the tags with some sequins and Chalk Stick Nuvo drops.
Thanks for stopping by today! I always love making tags with scraps and had a lot of fun with these tags. I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to work with Scrapping for Less this year! I have hoarded my card kits over the years, so I will still get to enjoy Scrapping for Less as I work on using up those kits.
Have a crafty day!
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Hello crafty friends! I'm in full on Christmas crafting mode these days. For my latest project, I created these cute little gift tags that you can include a Ghirardelli chocolate square in! Just a fun little extra touch to gift giving!!
I created a little printable to go on the front of these tags that has a Christmas sentiment on the outside (Sweet Christmas wishes) and the To and From on the inside. So, you lift the top flap to see who the gift is going to. Kind of a little hidden message in the tag!
I created these little tags using my Silhouette and have included a free printable that you can download HERE. All you have to do is print out the file and use a 1 3/4 inch circle punch to punch out the top and bottom layers of the circles. Once they are punched out, you'll need to score the top layer, just above the word SWEET. Then you will add glue to that very top portion of the circle, down to the score line and adhere it to the top of the bottom layer (right above the TO).
You could use these on any type of gift tag (or other projects too, for that matter). If you'd like to see my video with more details on these tags themselves, you can view it HERE.
Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope you have a sweet crafty day!
]]>I'm so excited to be able to share the October 2020 Flavor of the Month card kit with you all!
Christmas is covered! We have the absolute cutest kits from classic to trendy! Why not make some tags, or send someone a classic cardinal card? Either way I am sure you will find something in this kit to get your Christmas cards and gifts taken care of. Head on over to the website and see if you would rather have a Double Dip or a Banana Split level kit...and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter on the SFL blog!
I made 4 cards with this kit, one from each collection. I also utilized the card sketches from the sketch sheet you can download HERE.
You can watch my full process for making these cards in my video.
I had so much fun with this kit! If you'd like to find out more about the Flavor of the Month Card kit, you can find it HERE. This kit has been selling out quickly!
Please be sure to check out Christine next in the hop and then head back to the Scrapping for Less blog page to enter the drawing!
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed today's kit inspiration!
]]>Hello, friends! Today I get to share a sneak peek of the new October 2020 Flavor of the Month card kit!!! And, it's a Christmas kit! I'm so excited to play some more with this one!
I created a crossover gatefold card for today's sneak peek. You can see my full process and instructions in my video HERE.
I used patterned paper, ephemera and enamel dots from this collection to decorate the outside of the card. I also used patterned paper and one of the stamps from this collection on the inside.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek of the new Flavor of the Month card kit and I hope you're having a crafty day!
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Welcome to the September 2020 Scrapping for Less Flavor of the Month card kit blog hop!
From Teresa - Fall is here! Let's take a trip to the Apple Orchard or maybe you want to go to the Pumpkin Patch! A little story about pumpkin patches...I started scrapbooking when our first grandchild was born. And boy did I love documenting everything about his growth. When he was 3 I wanted to take him to a pumpkin patch for the sole purpose of being able to do a photo shoot there and as a result create a scrapbook page. So whether you scrapbook or make cards, make sure you enjoy the fall weather and do something fun! Our Guest and Design Team has some fabulous projects to share with the September kit "Orchards and Patches." Please visit Scrapping for Less to get your kit. Also enter the Rafflecopter on the SFL blog post for a chance to win a prize!
Here is what is in this month's kit!
I made 5 cards with this kit today and if you want to see the full process, you can watch my video HERE. I also used a variety of sketches for my cards today. They will be shown with the card and linked if you click on the picture of the sketch.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my cards today! If you are interested in the Flavor of the Month card kit, you can find out more about it HERE. These kits have been selling out quickly, so if you'd like to try and get this kit, I wouldn't wait too long!
Be sure to continue following along in today's hop and visit Alicia next to see how she used this month's kit!
And then check back into the Scrapping for Life blog to join in on the Rafflecopter drawing.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're having a crafty day!
Hello! I'm super excited to share a sneak peek of the September 2020 Flavor of the Month kit today from Scrapping for Less!
When I saw that there was a gnome stamp in one of the collections I was in love! I decided to create my card using a grid pattern so I could use several of the paper patterns. If you want to see my full process on making this card, you can watch the video HERE.
I used the gnome and the Happy Fall sentiment from the stamp set and then colored them in. I trimmed the gnome piece into a tag for the focal point of my card.
I used a red cardstock card base and then a white cardstock mat behind my pattern paper rectangles. I trimmed each pattern paper down to 1 7/8 by 2 1/2 inches. And then just adhered them in a grid.
I finished off the card with some tan and white twine and tan enamel dots.
Thanks for stopping by to see me card today! Be sure to check back here on Saturday for the full kit reveal and the Flavor of the Month kit blog hop!
Hello! I had some fun with the Scrapping for Less Christmas Treats paper collection and made some Christmas treat pockets! You can see my full process video HERE.
I started with a little diaper fold type pocket. I took the 6x6 piece of paper and folded it in half diagonally. Then I folded the top tip down to the center fold. I folded both of the side tips in towards the middle and then adhered my top flap down over the top of them, using some Art Glitter Glue. I embellished the front of the pockets with an elf image from the SFL Reindeer Games stamp set.
The next pocket I made is a double pocket. You can follow along on the folding and creation of this in my process video. Starting with another 6x6 sheet, I again folded it in half diagonally. I scored at 1/2 inch on either side of that center fold line. I turned my paper a quarter of a turn and scored at 2 3/4 inches in on both sides. I folded up all of my score lines to create the holder. I punched a hole at the top of the holder and used some ribbon and bakers twine to hold it all together. Again, I used the cute little elf images to embellish the front.
These little pockets will hold tea bags or Ghiradelli chocolate squares. They would make great little stocking stuffers or coworker treats for the holidays!
Thanks for checking out my project today! I hope you enjoyed this treat holder idea!
Have a crafty day!
Hello! Today I have a fun little bubble gum treat holder project to share with you!
I wanted to create a treat holder for the bubble gum pack that only used 1 sheet of 6x6 paper. I chose to use the Bubbles Galore collection from the August 2020 Scrapping for Less Flavor of the Month Kit. To get a better idea of how to make this, you can watch the full process video HERE.
Start with your 6x6 piece of patterned paper and trim it at 4 inches. You will now have one piece that is 4x6 inches and one that is 2x6 inches. Trim the 2x6 inch piece down to 2x4.5 inches.
Take the 4x6 inch piece and score it at 2 3/4 inches and again at 3 1/4 inches. This creates a little folder that will be the outside of our treat holder.
For the 2x4.5 inch piece, you'll need to score from side to side at 1/2, 1, 3 1/2 and 4 inches. Then turn the piece and score up from the bottom at 1/2 and 1 inch. You'll have a set of 4 squares at each of the bottom corners. Trim this off to allow the pocket to fold up cleaner.
Now you can adhere your pocket to the inside of the folder! I used some Art Glitter Glue for this. Then you can embellish the outside. I added some white ribbon similar to what originally came in my August kit to hold the folder closed. Then I finished it off with some ephemera from the Bubbles Galore collection.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this cute little treat holder! You could use any type of gum and use it as a stocking stuffer at Christmas time as well.
Have a crafty day!
Hello! Today is the day that we reveal the August 2020 Flavor of the Month card kit by Scrapping for Less! You can watch my full process video for these cards HERE.
Bubbles! Who doesn't love playing with bubbles? Some may think they are for children but take out a bottle of bubbles and just see how many people would love to chase one down or wait for it to land on your finger so you can pop it! This month's kit is all about bubbles of all kinds...so grab a bottle of bubbles or go soak in a bubble bath and hop along as you see what the Design Team and guest designer have to share! You can find this month's kits under the Card Kits tab on the home page of the website. Make sure you also enter our Rafflecopter for a chance to win a prize.
The kit comes with four different collections and some cardstock. The Banana Split level kit also comes with some extra goodies. These kits have been selling out fast, so be sure to subscribe now if you want to try to get this month's kit.
I made four cards today, one from each collection.
I used Collection #4 for my fourth card and didn't use a card sketch. I kept the card layout simple for this one, since I wanted the bubbles to shine. I added an ephemera piece to the bottom of the bubble image paper for my sentiment and finished it off with a white fishtail banner at the top.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have a crafty day!
Hello hello! Today I get to share the first look at the new August 2020 Flavor of the Month Card kit from Scrapping for Less with you!
I used Collection #1 and made a card using this super cute rubber duckies in the bubble bath image. You can see the full process video HERE.
Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to come back on Saturday, August 29 for the month Flavor of the Month blog hop. We will be sharing more details about the kit and more inspiration.
Have a crafty day!
Hello! I've been working through my Pumpkin Spice pad from CraftSmith (actually I'm working through 2 of these pads at the same time!). I made some fun and quick little projects that I thought might be great for Fall gifting or items to sell at Fall craft shows! You can watch my process video showing all of these projects HERE.
My first project were some hot cocoa pockets! I just used some envelopes along with patterned paper and cut-a-parts from the paper pad to make these. I will eventually add some apple cider packets and/or hot cocoa packets (these are my favorite packets to use) to these along with some other goodies to make a cozy, warm and tasty drink.
I started with a standard #10 business envelope (HERE is a 40 count box from Dollar Tree). Really, any type of envelope would work for this as long as it's at least 4 inches wide (to fit a hot cocoa packet). First, seal the envelope, either using the existing glue strip or some adhesive. Cut the envelope in half. Cut 2 pieces of your patterned paper to fit the size of your envelope and add the paper to the front and back of the envelope. I cut my pieces to be 3 7/8 inches by 4 1/2 inches. I use Scor-tape to adhere the paper to make sure it's a strong adhesive bond. Use a circle punch (I used a 1 inch punch) to cut a notch out of the top front of the envelope, in the middle. This makes it easier to pull out the contents of the envelope. Decorate your packets as desired and fill with goodies!
Next up was a wine bottle gift tag! I love gifting wine and making some fun tags to add to the bottle to dress it up!
These are very simple to make! Start with some cardstock or thick patterned paper and cut to 3 inches by 9 inches. Score at 2 7/8 inches down from the top. In the center of that top square, punch or diecut a circle (I make my circle about 1 3/4 inches). Add some pattern paper and embellishments to pretty it up and you're all done! I added some patterned paper from my pad that was 2 3/4 inches by 6 inches and used some Art Glitter Glue to adhere it. I used a retired Stampin Up set called Making Spirits bright for my image and sentiment. I layered both of these onto some brown cardstock and adhered them to my wine tag.
Do you ever make homemade bread and gift it during the holidays? These bread wraps are a quick and easy way to dress up your loaf of bread! You can also use them to wrap around Mason jars!
I used a 1 1/2 inch by 12 inch strip of my patterned paper and then embellished it in the center of the strip with some circle punches and a cut-a-part from the paper pad! That's it!
Last is a decorative sticky note pad, using a Jot 125 Sheet Sticky Note Pad from the Dollar Tree. I started with a 5 1/8 inch by 8 1/2 inch piece of patterned paper. I scored at 3 inches, 3 5/8 inches, 6 5/8 inches and 7 1/4 inches. I folded up all the score lines and then used some scor-tape on the back of note pad to adhere it inside the holder. I finished my note pad holder off with a belly band (1 1/4 inches by roughly 9 inches). I wrapped the band around the holder to see where the fold lines would be. That also told me if I needed to cut any excess off the strip. I trimmed off the excess and then glued the ends together. Then I added my embellishment to decorate the front. You could also close the holder up with some adhesive velcro as well, instead of a belly band.
I also created 2 other decorative note pads using the Mini Writing Tablets from the Dollar Tree. I got this idea from Amber over at Lyriclover Crafts. You can see her tutorial HERE.
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you got some ideas for some fun little Fall/Halloween or holiday gifts or even some items to make for your craft fairs! Please be sure to let me know if you have any questions. I'm off to work on some more Fall projects from my Pumpkin Spice pad. Happy crafting!
**This post may include affiliate links where I may earn a small commission from any purchase you make through that link.**
Hello everyone! I used the July 2020 Scrapping for Less Flavor of the Month Card kit to make 2 quick cards to play along with Kristie Marcotte's card challenge. You can watch my full process video HERE.
The current challenge is to make a slimline card and then use the scraps from that card to make another card.
For my first card, I used the slimline sketch, SFL Sketch Challenge #7, from this month's sketch sheet.
I used the Tropical Fruit paper and stamp set from the July 2020 Flavor of the Month card kit. I pieced 2 strips of patterned paper together across the middle of the card. I stamped, watercolored and fussy cut out the pineapple embellishements. Then I finished the card off with some Dandelion Yellow Nuvo Crystal Drops.
I made my second card using the scraps from my slimline card. I pieced the patterned paper scraps together in a grid pattern to act as a card mat. I stamped and colored another pineapple from the stamp set and added my sentiment. I finished this card off with some 1/2 inch yellow circles from the yellow pattern I stamped my sentiment on for this card and my first card.
This challenge was a lot of fun and using the scraps for the second card was an actual challenge! I hope you enjoyed seeing my cards!
Hello everyone! Today I'm sharing how I finished off the Tropic Vibes collection (Collection 1) from the July 2020 Flavor of the Month kit from Scrapping for Less! I decided this collection would be fun to make some gift items from, as well as some cards. You can see my full process in the video HERE.
I made 5 cards. I used the SFL Sketch #7, the slimline card sketch to make my first 2 cards.
I also used the Scrapping for Less Flavor of the Month Card Sketch:
I changed my design from the sketch just a little bit by using less strips and making them thinner. I also used the Scrapping for Less Mod Die set that came in the Banana Split level of the kit. This card turned out to be my favorite card!!
I switched to some non-card projects. I made 2 nail file/emory board holders. These would be cute gifts or craft show items! This idea came from the Papered Chef.
I cut the patterned paper to 3.5x6 inches. Then I scored them at 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 2.25 inches and 2.5 inches. Once you fold up the score lines, you just glue the 2 flaps together. Then pinch the bottom ends together and glue.
I embellished both holders with some of the cute flamingo ephemera from the collection. The emory boards are from Amazon.
The next little projects I made were some mini post it note holders:
This design is from Inspired by Gram. For these, I cut my patterned paper to 2 1/4 x 5 inches. I scored them at 1 1/8 inches, 1 1/2 inches, 3 1/8 inches and 3 1/2 inches. Once you get them folded up, you can add your mini post it note pads (unfortunately, I didn't realize I was out of them before making these). Once I add the post it note pad to the inside, I would add some small adhesive velcro strips to the the flaps to keep them closed.
I embellished the pads with the small flowers and sentiment from the Tropic Vibes stamp set.
After this, I was working with scraps on some final cards. I used a flamingo that I had stamped and watercolored in a previous session. I matted my pattern papers with black cardstock from my stash and put them directly onto my white cardbase. I embellished around the layout with some Blushing Red Nuvo Drops.
And, for my final card I decided to use the pineapple stencil that came in the Banana Split collection to create a background on my cardbase. I used Scattered Straw Distress Ink to color the body of the pineapples and Mowed Lawn to color the tops. I pieced together some of the scraps I had left and layered a piece of pineapple ephemera and sentiment on top. .
Thanks for taking the time to check out my projects today! I hope you got some inspiration! I had so much fun with these! Have a crafty day!
Hi, guys! I made a fun 12x12 scrapbook page from the Scrapping for Less new summer release, the Summer Floaties collection! There is a coordinating 6x6 paper pack and stamp set. How cute is this collection???
When I saw the "Summer Girl" stamp in the stamp set, I knew I wanted to make a scrapbook page with this collection! So I pieced together some of the blue pool patterns from the paper pad to go behind my pictures. Then I used the stamp set and images from the pattern paper to make my embellishments.
I stamped "summer girl", "pool time" and the little girl with the donut floaty from the stamp set. I used pink embossing powder from a recent Flavor of the Month Kit to emboss and add color to the "summer girl" sentiment. I used some alcohol markers to color in the image of the little girl. Then I fussy cut out some of the popsicles and pineapples to use as embellishments. I did pull in a piece of paper from the Summer Ombre paper pad, to punch circles from to back my images.
I really enjoyed making this page! You can watch the full process video HERE.
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed seeing this collection in action! Have a crafty day!
These kits tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to subscribe now if you'd like to try to receive this month's kit! You can see more about the kit subscriptions HERE.
Let's take a quick look at what comes in this month's kit:
This kit definitely gives off that tropical vibe! If I can't be on a beach somewhere right now, just playing with this kit is almost as good! 😎
Here are the 5 cards I made from this month's kit:
Kit Products Used:
Water Tropics (Collection #3) blue and turquoise patterned paper
Tropical Fruit (Collection #2) striped pattern paper
Aloha Stamp Set
In the Tropics stamps set
Sequin mix (Collection #2)
Cardstock
Bonus: This was my sneak peek card from last week using the Tropic Vibes collection. If you missed it, you can find out more details HERE.
Thanks for stopping by today! If you came over from my YouTube video, be sure to check out the next person in the hop HERE.
And, don't forget to go back to the Scrapping for Less blog to enter the Rafflecopter!
Have a craft day!!
Have you ever wondered what else you can do with all of those full page images that now come in the 12x12 paper pads? Make gift bags!
I have been working on using up the Hope and Faith pad by Craftsmart and it included over 6 full page images! While I am a scrapbooker, some of these larger images were too pretty to be covered up on a 12x12 scrapbook page. So, I did some research on making gift bags. I wanted to preserve the full image for the front of the bag, so I wanted to make the sides of the bag seperately. Thanks to Sam at Mixed Up Craft and her video, I got an idea of how I wanted to make mine.
Here are the dimensions I used to make my bags using 12x12 patterned paper. I also have dimensions for a bag using 6x8 inch paper as well. You can see the full instructions and process in my video below.
For the 12x12 inch bags you will need:
**Please refer to the video HERE for the actual assembly instructions.
For the 6x8 inch bags you will need:
Scoring:
**Please refer to the video HERE for the actual assembly instructions.
Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know if you have any questions on the scoring instructions for these bags.
Hello! Today I get to share the first sneak peek of the July 2020 Flavor of the Month kit, In the Tropics, from Scrapping for Less! For those of us who haven't been able to get away for a true vacation recently, this definitely gives you those tropical vacation vibes!!🌴
I used three different patterns from the collection and backed them all on black cardstock to help break up the patterns. I also stamped the hibiscus flower and painted it. I used the "Toucan do anything" sentiment (how cute is that saying???) and added it onto the card with the flower. I also ended up adding a flower sequin to cover up a paint smudge near her head.🤦🏻♀️
This card was super fun to make! You can watch my full process video HERE.
Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to come back each day for more peaks at this month's fabulous kit!!
Hello everyone! I made a cute tag for my 2020 journal using the Let's Hang Out stamp set from Collection 2 of the June 2020 Flavor of the Month kit from Scrapping for Less. You can see the full process for this tag in my video HERE.
I have a journal that I've been documenting things that we've experienced over the last few crazy months and when I saw the sentiment in this stamp set, I knew I needed to add it to my journal!
I started by stamping the monkeys and monkey bars on some white cardstock. I used the stencil in the kit and some Mowed Lawn distress ink to create the grass. I used a finger blade to cut the middles out between a few of the monkey bars and then did some basic coloring on the monkey bars and the monkeys themselves.
I used the green leaf ribbon that came in the kit to weave through the openings I made between the monkey bars and then draped it down the side of the bars as well. I used a scrap of paper from the On the Playground collection for my tag base because I liked how the light blue looked a little like the sky in the background. I stamped my sentiment at the top of the tag and added angles on the top corners to give it that tag shape. I used the rest of the leaf ribbon at the top of my tag to finish it off. I think it's such a fun element to add to my journal!
Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed this little project!