Month: November 2012

Camp Scrap Day 1: Make the most of 30 minutes and a give-away!

First of all, welcome to Camp Scrap: Holiday 2012 Edition! Every day from now through November 9th I will be posting a “Camp Scrap” post. These are tutorials, articles, videos, and more designed to be quick reads, and hopefully helpful for holiday crafting as well! Everything you see will be 100% authentic stuff I’m making for my own holiday prep! So you know there won’t be 5 hour gift tags or 3 day process posts. We’ll dabble in all kinds of fun stuff – thanks for joining me! There will be a few other fun posts done on my blog during this time, but all the Camp Scrap ones will be labeled and also archived here for future reference.

Alrighty then, let’s jump in. To kick things off today I’m calling it the “make the most of 30 minutes” post. You could also say ten minutes, five minutes – whatever you’ve got! The point is, instead of surfing the internet, watching a TV show, or otherwise zoning out, take a few moments out today to do something crafty that you can share with someone else. To kick things off, and to keep things speedy, I broke out my Simon Says Stamp December kit and just played!

First, I cut a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock into four equal pieces, giving me four card fronts. Why just the front? A) I can make a mess without messing up a card and B) If I don’t want to use it as a card, I can use it in giftwrapping (more on that another day!)

Card #1: One of my classic card go-to designs, I went for a rosette and kept it real easy. I layered some punched paper, edged with distress stickles, and set it aside to dry.

Card #2: Layered ribbon + paper, edged in gold, stamped some flourishes (that didn’t quite work out so I covered the whoops part), then finished with a die cut poinsettia + wooden “merry” topped with distress stickles.

Card #3: I wanted to get a bit more inky, so I taped (lightly!) a rectangle down onto my card front, then I inked with a blending tool all around and up against the edges too with distress inks (winter seasonal colors).

When done, I pulled the paper off gently, added my sentiment, perfect pearls, and some glossy accents over the letters to make them pop.

Tag #1: Finally, I knew I wanted this santa paper on a tag. I made sure his head wouldn’t be chopped into when I positioned, then I just edged, added the sentiment, and topped with ribbon.

Supplies Used:

In less time than it would have taken to watch an episode of Dr. Who, I’ve got four homemade accents ready to add in my giving this holiday season!

A big part of my quick creating today was of course having a kit of supplies I worked with. This kept me focused, saved me from endless digging, and made me work with what I had in front of me. I strongly suggest gathering supplies for a kit of your own – you can mix & match and keep it small – or let it grow! I’ll be sharing my December go-to box tomorrow, as well as a fresh project or two as well.

Sponsoring Camp Scrap is a company I have the pleasure of working with – Simon Says Stamp! Over at Simon you’ll find all kinds of crafty treasure from stamps to glitter and everything in between. It gets better though. First of all,  They’re giving away TWO December card kits that I just showed in use above! To be entered for a chance to win leave a comment (on my blog, if you’re reading this via email) and 2 winners will be randomly drawn on Friday the 7th of December.

The winners have been drawn! Congrats to Susan Golan and Marianne B – I have emailed you!

Secondly, just for my lovely blog readers, I’ve got a special discount code! That’s right, Simon Says Stamp is offering 10% off your entire purchase. Use code CSCRAP2 when you check out. Please note that the code is case sensitive and it will expire at 11:59 PM on 12/11/12 eastern standard time.

My final note that I’ll leave you with, is that if you’d like to share a project inspired by today’s post please feel free to link up below. I’ll add an inlinkz list at the end of each Camp Scrap post so that you can share with all of us holiday crafters. If you read my blog via email or otherwise are not directly on my site, you just need to hop on over to www.mayflaum.com and you’ll see the list and can also of course leave your comment to be entered for the prize drawing!



gift guide 2012

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

I’ve noticed a number of bloggers posting “gift guides” and while I won’t post 10938 items or anything, I thought I’d share some of the things I’m doing this year in case it inspires you in your own gifting quests!

These Cath Kidston tapes just came out and they’re so lovely! Perfect for the washi tape addict friend in your life. Whether she’s a crafter or not – if she likes vintage goodies she may love this Tim Holtz tote! Fill it with goodies or leave it empty. A Dylusions art journal is perfect for any kind of journaling – and for anyone of any age really too! It’s a fantastic journal and blank – ready to fill with your own notes, drawings, or anything else you please! Looking for a lined journal? Check out this one from Mod Cloth.

Birchbox has been really fun for me – I’m so glad I subscribed. Basically you get a random box each month with a variety of samples of beauty products and things. I’ve discovered some new faves – plus the monthly happy mail (at just $10/month!) is such a treat. I gave someone special a subscription – you can get more info here. Note that they have a men’s box too.

Want to go light? Think gift-card! Some gifting that I’ve done this season includes Mod Cloth,  Amazon, Simon Says Stamp, classic Starbucks and Target cards, and this year I’m also trying a few bakery or restaurant ones too. The local cupcake shop I used recently was really well received – I encourage you to look local (to you, or to the recipient if different!) and send them out for some good eats!

Now as for the girlies… La Dee Da is a new barbie-like doll collection and my girls have been asking for them like crazy (yes, there will be some under our tree). Another idea for kids, or perhaps someone who just loves doggies that are just too cute is Boo the dog + book. My girls are OBSESSED with this cute little dog, and they’re going to freak out when they find their own little pups + books under the tree from daddy.

Other ideas I’ve got – how about a Williams-Sonoma chocolate sampler for a sampling of some of their best chocolate goodies, perfect for anyone who loves sweet delights! Heck head on over to their website or to a local shop and check out the amazing food + kitchen treats! From peppermint bark to BBQ rubs to baking mixes- they’ve got tons of great stuff! For a bigger gift idea, I will tell you about something we got last Christmas. The Keurig coffee maker we received really changed our morning routine! ZERO mess or fuss- just fast fantastic coffee served up one cup at a time.

The bottom line, I think, is finding something the person will enjoy and that is well within your budget. It can be simple, tiny, or inexpensive. The real fun is finding something that will be treasured. I’ll make a general list of some more ideas to leave you with – if you’ve got ideas you want to share feel free!

  • jewelry, coffee mug, or other handmade item in a theme/subject the person will love from a www.etsy.com artisan
  • wrap a few candies/chocolates in a clear gift bag
  • take time to add love and care to your wrapping, especially when it’s a small gift. This adds big heart with little expense!
  • lip gloss or nail polish set (for those teen/tween girls!)
  • amazon or itunes gift cards for the impossible teens/young adults
  • Coffee mug filled with Starbucks via (instant coffee) and/or a gift card and some biscotti or other cookies/treats
  • bottle(s) of soda, beer, or wine (depending on recipient)
  • treats from someplace local! From a winery to a fruit farm that sells their jams, local chocolate shop to funky little shop specializing in handmade whatevers – look for something unique that can’t be found elsewhere.

And last but not least, making a gift is always a wonderful thing as well! Of course if you’re like me, this is the time of year where the time has really run out and any thoughts of hand crafted holiday keepsakes are being noted for 2013!

 

May’s recs: Books & Entertainment Nov.2012

Steel’s Edge just came out today, and yet it is already on the list? I say yes, if only because I adore Ilona Andrews books and so I’m sure of it’s status as a winner. I will be starting this as soon as UPS drops my copy off!

Iced takes place in the ‘fever’ world Karen Marie Moning has been writing about – but with a new focus and heroine. Dani is just 14 during this book, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a book that is ok as a young adult read – it really is not. It’s very dark, set in a post-apocalyptic Dublin, and it ties into that previous series beautifully though I think you could start here as well. If you are looking for urban fantasy with plenty of blood, guts, mystery, and other assorted darkness then I recommend this for sure as well as the 5-book Fever series that came before it.

Jennifer Estep, one of my favorite authors EVER, continues to be a busy lady! She’s got Crimson Frost (her YA series) coming soon, and Nightingale is a new superhero themed romance that she released in e-book format that is a part of her Big Time series but can be read alone easily.

Looking ahead, the end of this month The Lady Most Willing by James, Quinn, and Brockway releases and I was able to read an advance copy. It was adorable, reminded me of the movie 7 brides for 7 brothers in a way and it was such fun. It would make a really nice historical romance read for winter.

Speaking of winter, I quite enjoyed Together for Christmas by Lisa Plumley. Set in a small town where Christmas rules, the story of the woman who loves Christmas + man who can’t stand it was silly and a bit cheesy – and totally a fun read. I do have a thing for (admittedly cheesy) Christmas stories.

note: all my books rec posts are listed here.

Now quickly, I’ll tell you what TV has been entertaining me…

Dr. Who is available instant on Netflix, and I’ve worked my way through the first three seasons. Color me hooked – it’s amazing stuff once you get through a few cheesy looking first episodes especially.

Castle is about a bestselling mystery author who follows a NYPD detective around solving homicides as research and inspiration for his novels. I’m in season 2, and it’s really growing on me.

Soon though, I’m sure I”ll be checking out ABC family an other stations for holiday favorites and new silly movies too!

That’s it from me – if you have recommendations feel free to share them!

it’s a Simon kind of Monday!

The final “Mondays with May: Holiday edition” post is up over at the Simon Says Stamp blog – this time I’m talking ribbon.

Wanna score a sweet deal? Simon is offering a special code just for my blog readers this week! Use code MFWRAPIT from now until November 30th and get 25% off any/all items in the Ribbon and Lace Category!

Speaking of Simon, and deals, and holiday crafting… BIG news! I’m going to kick off a 10-day “Camp Scrap: Holiday edition” starting THIS Friday November 30th, and it will run for ten days. Videos, tutorials, quick ideas, and more! We’ll have a special discount code, and loads of fun as well. I am REALLY excited – and I hope you enjoy!!

Last, but not least today, let’s talk Stamp & Show challenge for the week! This week, we’re all about heart! So use a heart, craft from the heart – anything like that and be sure to enter the challenge so you can be entered to win a gift card to Simon Says Stamp! This week I made a ornament that I’ll use as a package topper.

How-to is so easy! Let me tell you:

1. cover a hand-cut grunge heart with foil pieces. Add texture with a stick, knife, pin, or anything else you like.

2. Color with alcohol inks, don’t be afraid to layer colors! Rub off some of the ink with steel wool.

3. Edge with gold paint and add word stickers, and punch two holes in the top.

4. Pour melted UTEE onto the heart, then realize it’s COLD in the studio as the UTEE instantly dries as it hits the heart making a horrid mess.

5. Whip out heat tool, long handled craft tweezers, craft mat, and have patience. Heat areas of the heart, then spread the UTEE around once melted, scraping off any excess. Play with this until happy with coverage and thickness of utee coat. Note to yourself to warm up the metal heart before trying this next time.

6. Finish by adding twine and details at the top, as well as a mist of some perfect pearls mist for some pearly dots of color to add even more texture to the piece.

The only hard part about this project, was figuring out how to take photos of it without light that made the glossy finish reflect so you can’t even see what’s underneath! This fun project complete, I think I will (as always!) let my heart guide my crafting in new and fun directions this week.

Supplies used:

I encourage you to head over to visit Simon Says Stamp & Show to see all of the other creations and for entry details and rules.